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Mercedes-Benz scores double wins at German Design Council awards

Mercedes-Benz took home two design trophies from the 2014 German Design Council awards, winning Special Mentions for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class and the Ener-G-Force concept vehicle. The German Design Council traces its history back decades, and every year dozens of experts evaluate more than a thousand entries, with just a fraction of them being automotive designs. This year 30 well-known design experts judged approximately 1900 submissions, assessing a variety of design elements in picking their top choices, and this year a duo of Mercedes-Benz vehicles won the praise of design gurus.

Ken Block thrills Gymkhana fans in Austria

Ford action-motorsports star Ken Block says he was thrilled after more than 25,000 fans attended the first stop of his Gymkhana World Tour in Vienna, Austria, on July 17. The American Internet sensation--his Gymkhana series represents some of the most-viewed videos on YouTube--is combining his World Rally Championship campaign with his three-event tour, which will also make stops in Los Angeles and in Melbourne, Australia. "Ever since we filmed the first Gymkhana video, I have wanted to be able to bring this type of action to a place where people can watch it live, and Gymkhana World Tour does exactly that," Block said.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

Subaru has released the first renderings of its 'Hybrid Tourer Concept', which will be shown at the 41st Tokyo motor show next month. A proposal for a future grand touring car, the concept aims to integrate environmental friendliness, driving performance and safety. The exterior design is said to have been inspired by wings to create a 'feeling of freedom and confidence'.