Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a radical overhaul of its A-Class compact at Auto Shanghai. The German automaker said that the new Concept A-Class was “the first heartbeat of a new generation.”

It signals a major departure from the boxy outline of the current A-Class, popular in cities because of its small size, in favor of a long hood, low silhouette and more sporty appearance.

Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener said that the new look was inspired by “the wind and waves, as well as aviation engineering, resulting in this ‘cool’ look.”

Mercedes-Benz looks set to go head-to-head with Audi in the young, urban market, revealing a dramatic redesign concept of its A-Class series.

The new Concept A-Class will go on display at the Shanghai and New York auto shows and is a significant departure from the current, rather boxy A-Class model.

Images released by the automakershow a far lower, swept design with pronounced nose which hints strongly that Mercedes is targeting the Audi A1, which has proved very popular since its launch last year, and the BMW 1 Series.

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its next-gen electric vehicle, the SLS AMG E-Cell, which is on display at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is part of Mercedes-AMG’s “AMG Performance 2015” strategy that aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Power for the E-Cell will be provided by four electric motors – all located at the rear of the vehicle – that are capable of revving to 12,000 rpm.

GWA Tuning has drafted a one-off prototype based on the Mercedes-Benz C111 called the Ciento Once.

The San Antonio, Texas-based tuner, owned by designer Arturo Alonso, decided to revive the 1970 C111 to create another gullwing Mercedes.

The C111 was an experimental vehicle by Mercedes-Benz that featured a four-rotor Wankel engine.

The Australian mining magnate, Clive Palmer handed out over 10 million dollars worth of Christmas bonuses to his lucky staff.

55 Mercedes-Benz cars and 700 overseas holidays were handed out to the Townsville nickel refinery staff.

The staff that missed out on a holiday or car didn’t miss out entirely; Palmer spent $2 million on a Christmas party.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its Concept Shooting Break, unveiled at the Auto China Show earlier this year, will go into production.

The luxury manufacturer said November 8 that the CLS Shooting Brake, a sporty four-door model with distinctive sloping tail, will be available in 2012.

It will be the latest in the CLS series, which is heralded by Mercedes-Benz as a pioneering model that preceded similar ideas from other manufacturers such as the Jaguar XJ and VW Passat CC.