Model T Ford Apron on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake on the way

Mercedes’ design boss Gordon Wagener has revealed to WhatCar that they are planning to go exactly the same route with the CLA as they did with the CLS, and create a coupe estate. The CLS Shooting Brake (pictured below) has been very well received, and with much of the world downsizing its cars a CLA Estate is a very sensible way to go, offering all the good design elements of the CLA – which already looks like a CLS on a boil wash – in a car that has more practicality. Wagener gave no idea of time scale for the CLA Shooting Brake, but with the first CLAs expected to hit customers in June it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a concept CLA Shooting Brake arrive by the time of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September before going on sale in 2014.

2013 Fiat 500e: Electric 500 revealed ahead of L.A. debut

The Fiat 500e – the electric version of the 500 – has been revealed ahead of a debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. On sale in U.S. 2013.

New Jeep Renegade arrives: Geneva Motor Show

The new Jeep Renegade debuts at Geneva There’s plenty of choice if you want an compact faux SUV for the urban jungle, but the new Jeep Renegade – revealed at the Geneva Motor Show – promises to be able to do real off-road stuff as well as be a City warrior. Reviving a historic Jeep name, the new Renegade gets styling that shouts traditional Jeep – from its boxy shape, square wheel arches and upright look – and, even though it’s based on the underpinnings of the Fiat 500L (and the soon to arrive Fiat 500X), it conspires to be all American despite its Italian roots and diminutive size. Despite the rather retro look, the modern underpinnings borrowed from the 500L promise to be an effective basis for a compact Jeep, especially as Jeep has modified the setup to offer all independent suspension.