Mercedes F800 Style concept (2010) first pictures

This is the new Mercedes F800 Style, a stunning concept car that the Germany company will unveil at the 2010 Geneva motor show next month. The exterior previews the next CLS (and Mercedes’ future design language) while under the skin there’s all sorts of clever tech, from the next generation of HMI control systems to plug-in and fuel-cell powertrains. Mercedes calls it a ‘multi-drive platform’, and the F800 Style is built to take both hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the former offering a range of 375 miles and the latter allowing for 19 zero-emissions miles.

Infotainment in cars could get a boost from backup-camera mandate

A federal mandate to require backup cameras in all vehicles, expected Feb. 29, will be a bonanza for suppliers of collision-avoidance equipment. But the mandate also could provide an unintended boost to the infotainment industry.

Polestar boosts Volvo power with factory software upgrade

Volvo and its performance arm Polestar have developed tuning software for C30, C70 and S40 cars fitted with the T5 turbocharged engine. It increases power by 23 hp and torque by 29 lb-ft by revising valve and spark timing. The software is compatible with 2008-model-year and newer cars and goes on sale on Nov.