Mercedes-Benz and Citroen have released pictures of new concept cars, days ahead of the models’ debut at Auto China.

The Concept Shooting Break is a continuation of Mercedes-Benz’s exploration of the possibilities of the coupe and gives some indication of the direction the firm is likely to take in future design.

The concept follows Mercedes’ current design visions of four-door coupes and is clearly reminiscent of the pioneering four-door CLS Coupe, which preceded similar ideas from other manufacturers such as the Jaguar XJ and VW Passat CC.

However, it also takes cues from the recently unveiled SLS AMG, with a large radiator grill (complete with oversized Mercedes-Benz star).

Joining the launch of the very popular Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz have unveiled the SLS AMG GT3.

Designed to comply with FIA’s GT3 specifications, the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a race car for “customers competing in sprints and long-distance races”.

Besides carrying a heftier price-tag, the SLS AMG Black Series will get a reworked 6.2L V8 engine that will boost output from 563-hp to 600-hp.

Mercedes-Benz received about $2.5 million in lease or loan payments through its iPhone and smartphone apps, said Andreas Hinrichs, the company’s vice president of marketing.

About $2 million came from the iPhone app launched six months ago and the rest from the smartphone options introduced in late February.

The apps allow Mercedes-Benz financial customers to pay their monthly leases or car loans, manage their accounts, locate the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer, contact a customer service representative or view company news.

Robb Report’s panel of 50 VIP judges have selected the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as “2010 Car of the Year.”

In taking the award, the SLS AMG beat out 11 other worthy contenders to the throne.

Robb Report’s Car of the Decade trophy has been awarded to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport.

Daimler has unveiled today the official Mercedes SLS AMG F1 Safety Car which will have its debut in Bahrain in the middle of March.

The Mercedes SLS AMG F1 Safety Car is the most powerful of its kind since the racing series began.

Powered by the German power house’s 6.3-litre V8 engine, the Mercedes SLS AMG F1 Safety Car develops 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque.

Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show (March 4 – 14), Mercedes-Benz has released pictures of its latest concept, a car with sliding rear doors.

The F 800 Style research vehicle, dubbed the “sedan of tomorrow,” gives a glimpse into the vision that Mercedes Benz has for its future models.

Most strikingly, the rear doors of the vehicles pivot and slide backwards to allow passenger access, in the same manner as commercial vans commonly seen on today’s roads.