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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.

Shortages of Japan-built cars open the door for U.S. automakers

U.S. carmakers sense that they have a chance to win back customers this summer with the launch of several redesigned models, while their Japanese competitors struggle with supply shortages. About 197,000 car buyers who typically would favor a Japanese brand are in play this summer, according to market research firm A.T.

Tomorrow's world: the touchscreen steering wheel

You might think the steering wheel has done a pretty good job of directing cars for the past century. But now a team of researchers from the University of Stuttgart is attempting to reinvent the wheel. The scientists have come up with a touchscreen steering wheel, which they reckon could replace the humble wheel with stereo and cruise controls.