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Mercedes A45 AMG takes aim at the Audi RS3

The performance version of the new Mercedes A Class – which looks like it’s going to be the Mercedes A45 AMG – is gunning for the Audi RS3. We know that car makers have other car makers’ models in their firing line when they plan a new model. But it’s not all that common for them to publicly admit it.

New Lexus RC F unveiled at Detroit

Lexus has confirmed the first details of a new RC F high performance model at its debut at the Detroit Motor Show 2014. Driven by what’s said to be the most powerful 5.0-litre V8 ever offered by Lexus, the RC F is set to top the new RC coupe range that was unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show last November. A spiritual successor to the old Lexus IS F, the RC F will become the first rival to challenge the new BMW M4 later this year.

Apple Carplay integrates iPhone in to cars: Geneva Motor Show

Apple CarPlay arrives to take over your car’s Infotainment Apple’s bid to take a major slice of the Automotive integration with Smartphones market moves on with the arrival of Apple CarPlay at the Geneva Motor Show this week It looks like Apple have stolen a march on Android with deep integration in to the Infotainment systems of a number of car makers – with more to come – as the lines start to be blurred between Smartphones and car systems. CarPlay lets drivers with the right phone – iPhone 5 or better – access messages, play music, use Apple Maps and make calls, all hands-free and using Siri commands. Functionality with the right make of car – starting with Ferrari, Mercedes and Volvo but reaching out in to Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Hyundai Kia, Honda, PSA, Toyota, Ford and more before long – means you’ll be able to do much of what you can already do on your iPhone but do it through your car’s Infotainment interface with familiar commands and screen layouts.