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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.

Mercedes-Benz previews S-Class via 'Aesthetics S' sculpture

Mercedes-Benz has previewed the next-generation S-Class by continued its series of sculptures with ‘Aesthetics S', set to be unveiled at the Paris motor show. The new relief-like sculpture is set to display the automaker's view of the design of the future luxury saloon through projected images that give a glimpse of the upcoming sedan. Depictions of the four previous S-Class models from the past – the model series W189, W108, W126 and W221 – it can also convey the impact of the S-Class tradition.

BMW 3 Series GT revealed

The BMW 3 Series Grand Turismo – the third model in the BMW 3 Series range – has been revealed ahead of a public debut at the Chicago and Geneva Motor Shows. Now, BMW has revealed a little brother for the not exactly super successful 5 Series Grand Turismo, in the guise of the new BMW 3 Series GT, a slightly ungainly looking 3 Series that’s almost as big as a 5 Series and will cost around £3,000 more than the 3 Series saloon. Stretched by 110mm in the wheelbase from the 3 Series Touring – and a full 200mm longer – the 3 Series GT will, say BMW, offer the dynamics of the saloon with the practicality of the Touring.