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Mercedes-Benz courts Renault for new Smart model based on Twingo

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal aimed at providing its underdeveloped Smart division with a contemporary-engineered front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 93.3-inch wheelbase. Speaking about the new car over the weekend, a highly placed Mercedes-Benz official told AutoWeek: “It’s a key component in plans to grow the Smart brand.

Porsche Panamera Hybrid: Geneva Reveal

The Porsche Panamera Hybrid (click for bigger image) We’ve got to say, the news that the Porsche Panamera Hybrid (strictly speaking, the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid) is going to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks time isn’t exactly a shock. After all, Porsche has made no secret of its plans to stick Hybrid gubbins in the Panamera; CO2 targets, and all that guff. But Porsche seems to think it is a surprise (unless they really have a surprise and are planning on revealing another Porsche hybrid altogether much sooner than we expected) as the press release we got in from Porsche has the enigmatic little tease of a headline – ‘Porsche: Hybrid world premiere’.

General Motors draws on global designers for the new Chevrolet Corvette

For the first time, General Motors studios across the world have submitted design studies for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette. Late last year, Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, invited GM's 10 styling studios to submit design proposals. Some "were absolutely phenomenal," Welburn said.