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Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

Production of the Porsche Boxster/Cayman rolls past 300,000

Nearly 15 years after Porsche spawned the much-adored Boxster and its hardtop cousin, the Cayman, production of the two-seater has passed 300,000 copies. For Porsche, that's a major milestone. But it's a relatively small number compared with high-volume models.

Connected Car Expo is coming to Los Angeles Auto Show

A day before the start of the LA Auto Show will be the Connected Car Expo, which will show us the latest in singing, dancing, electronic gadgetry and advances in infotainment. In addition to the two press days, November 19th promises to feature some big companies making some equally big announcements. Audi will unveil its A3 and S3 models with the first 4G LTE system built into a car, complementing its already Wifi-enabled offerings.