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Mercedes-Benz reveals first C-class details

Mercedes-Benz has revealed limited details about its new fourth-generation C-class sedan, more than two months before it is due to make its world debut at the Detroit auto show. Although the new BMW 3-series and Audi A4 rival is yet to official unveiled -- in fact, all we have so far are interior renderings -- Mercedes-Benz says the new C-class will be a significantly more advanced car than its predecessor in terms of construction, with a “best in class” weight figure and a level of structural integrity that it describes as being “unparalleled” in its class. Among its features is a new lightweight body structure that uses a newly developed aluminum hybrid construction process that Mercedes-Benz claims will shave as much as 220 pounds over the current model depending on the engine it uses.

Kia's Forte Super Bowl ad features violent android lady

There's no Jimmy Cliff or Flaming Lips in Kia's Super Bowl ad for the new Forte, but we can't help thinking they're the second company this week to miss out on co-opting seminal New Jersey punk outfit the Misfits' “We Are 138.” While attaching the song to the unveiling of Ferrari's new F138 was a no-brainer from a numerically synergistic standpoint, the track's poppy brutality and ominous query, “Is it time to be an android, not a man?” dovetails perfectly with the rise-of-the-sexy-machines theme of the Kia clip. Clearly, the android in this spot -- portrayed by former Miss USA Alyssa Campanella -- has the upper hand over the poor schnook oiling up the new Forte with his greasy mitts. We can't help thinking the whole ad would've been better if the Misfits' original pint-size vocal dynamo Glenn Danzig had been involved somehow.

Ford software maximizes hybrid efficiency

Ford will use a little navigation wizardry on two of its hybrids: the C-Max Energi plug-in and Fusion. The system will use GPS data and an algorithm to predict when a driver is close frequented destinations. The car will adjust powertrain controls to maximize efficiency.Ford calls the feature EV+, which is part of SmartGauge, standard on the Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-ins and on hybrid models.