The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style broke cover at the ongoing 80th Geneva Motor Show and while a few view it as a research design study which will be an inspiration for future models, there is group of believers that believe it is the 2011 CLS Class.

The F800 Style can use two different powertrains which include a plug-in unit or a fuel cell option. As a fuel-cell powered com muter the F800 motor can get 101kW of energy along with 290Nm of torque although the range wasn’t revealed.

As a plug-in option mated to a V6 engine, F800 manages 403 hp on a combined cycle. The plug-in F800 manages a top speed of 120km/h when only running on the 81kW motor and 249km/h when running on the V6 petrol engine. The F800 manages the 0 to 60mph dash in an impressive 4.7 seconds.

For the ones thinking it to be the next generation CLS, take note that the F800 is seven inches shorter in length which is because of the stubbed rear and a uniquely designed front fascia.

The compact executive car segment is all about cut-throat competition and all big brands are looking to go one up on the other by releasing their facelifted models later in the year. Mercedes contender, 2011 C-Class is also gearing up for the year ahead and the facelifted variant was recently spied testing in cold weather conditions.

The current generation model has been around since 2007 and Mercedes plans to upgrade it this year to compete with BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 facelifted versions. The latest spy shots of the 2011 C-Class revealed a completely new set of head and tail lights alongwith a new front bumper and a modified one at the rear. Although, these images do not clearly reveal a new bonnet, the 2011 model is expected to arrive with one. The 2011 C-Class will hit the market later this year probably before BMW releases it 2011 3-Series variant. [via WCF]

The CLS Class admirers’ eager to know more about the 2011 Mercedes CLS-Class should pay attention to the arrival of the F800 Style concept as it previews the next gen CLS model. The detailed concept seems a derivative of the rising car sculpture which Mercedes has teased with so often in the past.

The F800 Style Concept features a bold front end, pivot-and-slide rear doors and LED lights. On the inside, primary integrations include lightweight seats, an attractive looking center console and luxurious wood veneers imparting overall quality. On popping the hood, one discovers that the F800 Style Concept comes with an advanced multi-drive platform that can accommodate twin green means- fuel cell or a plug-in hybrid unit and both require minimal installation space. While the plug-in hybrid system comes with 300hp V6 petrol engine combined with a 109 hp hybrid module, the fuel cell features an electric motor that produces 136 hp.

The top four door coupe class contender’s next avatar, the 2011 Mercedes CLS was caught by the spy photographers testing in Germany. The spy mages reveal a bigger grille, a more prominent front bumper, LED daytime running lights and angular headlights. Interestingly, there is a third break light which finds its position in the bumper between the exhaust pipes. On the inside, the customary interior makes way for a more cost friendly E class type setup which is surely disappointing. Engine speculations for the 2011 model involve a number of petrol and diesel choices which includes a 3.5L V6 and a 5.5L V8. Also there could be a twin-turbo V8 powering the 2011 CLS with 544hp and hybrid version all of which shall be up for the grabs later this year. [via WCF]

We have lost count of the upcoming cars that have been spied testing for cold weather conditions and the latest addition is the Mercedes S Class AMG Coupe. A few of you may recognize it as the CL-Class but this is an S Class AMG Coupe which belongs to the third generation of W216 models. Set for a debut in Geneva next month, the Coupe was spotted with daytime running LED headlights, an all new bumper restyled taillights and a sturdier looking grille. Minor tweaks will be seen on the inside where the styling will be a tad different and the Coupe will pack in more technology. The Coupe which will break cover in a number of years will stay true to its engines that power the 2010 S Class facelifted model. The spied model features a Twin-Turbo V12 engine that can churn an astounding 604hp but we will to wait for long to see that engine power the factory finished model. [via WCF]

The spiritual successor to the 300SL Gullwing has officially arrived and the good news is that it has hit the production floor. The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, factually speaking, the successor to the SLR McLaren, is now being produced with sales beginning in March this year. It is the first Mercedes automobile designed in-house by AMG and the gamers know that the luxury automobile is the cover car for GT5 on PS3. The very tangible version features a 6.3-liter V8 AMG engine capable of churning 563hp with 650Nm of torque. Courtesy of this stunning power, the car pelts from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and it has an electronically limited speed of 317km/h. Power transmission happens through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which is ideal for a heavy-duty powerplant like the AMG V8. On the outside, a lot of aluminium has been used (space, dual wishbone suspensions) but the SLS AMG still weighs 1620kgs, which is a good 60kgs heavier than the Audi R8.

For spy photographers, the European Route E45 is the place to be as a number of car prototypes have been caught there winter testing the future models. The latest catch is the Mercedes ML-Class SUV 2012 model which will launched in the market in 2011.

The spy shots of the heavily clad future SUV reveal daytime running LEDs at the front of the vehicle. LED lighting also embraces the rear of the future SUV which is expected to be shorter and much sportier than the present generation models. The heavy camouflage ensured that no more details about the exterior of the next generation ML-Class were revealed. Engine speculations for the 2012 ML-Class include a 3.0L turbodiesel V6, a 3.5L V6 and a 5.5L V8. Also, there could be a twin-turbo V8 engine capable of churning 570hp while a couple of hybrid models (gas-electric and plug-in) might as well find a place under the hood. [via WCF]

If earlier reports indicated that Michael Schumacher will be with riding under the Mercedes F1 team flag for only one year, we just caught wind that the German racer actually intends to be with the team until 2012. After 91 grand prix wins and a 16 year long career, Schumacher returns to the circuit being persuaded by his former Ferrari technical director, Ross Brawn.

It will take time to get over the Ferrari hang as Michael Schumacher won 5 titles with the red devils over a period of 14 years, prior to becoming an advisor for the Italians. Schumacher could end up as a brand ambassador for Mercedes once he is finished racing for the team in 2012. He also clarified that his number one driver status talks were a hoax as it was always up to the team management to decide his status and it will be no different while being on the new team. [via WCF]

The Audi A7 Sportback and the BMW 5 Series GT are just one reason why hatchbacks have sprung into popularity, again, and believe it or not Mercedes don’t have their own, yet. We’re saying yet as rumors have surfaced that the Germans are ready to roll one by introducing the new Mercedes Benz CLS ShootingBrake at the 2010 Paris Motor Show which will be held in October next year. The CLS Shooting Brake is the derivative of the Mercedes Concept FASCINATION which first broke cover at the Paris event in two years ago. Looks like the hatchback market is getting ready for a hot contender which happens to hail from Germany again.

The 2010 Mercedes E-Class W212 Sedan has just got better looks thanks to a new styling kit by German tuners Autotechnik + Tuning (ATT) that promises to bring the “pleasant original deluxe-sportster” looks that would take your eyes away with its aerodynamic changes. Speaking of changes it brings new spoilers at the front and back, front grill (that we don’t buy in, with the empty circle), and side skirts, with exhaust pipes hidden under the rear spoiler, for €6,452. On top of that, for another €3,869 you’re getting new 9×20″ or 10.5×20″ alloy wheels (that we don’t buy in) and Hankook S1 EVO high performance tires. A bit too much, don’t you think …

Mercedes four wheeles that house the naturally aspirated 6.3L V8 unit will have a different variant under the hood, come 2010. The 6.3-liter AMG V8 will make way for a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine and the new engine models will start selling in the last quarter of 2010. The official unraveling of the engine will happen at next year’s Paris Motor Show following which the engine will hit the production facility. Mercedes wants to focus on better fuel economy whilst also reducing the emissions however performance is something the brand will not like to sacrifice as that could hurt the sales figures. The naturally aspirated V8 variant renders between 450 and 520hp with 440 lb-ft of torque. As far as the economy goes, the city numbers reflect 12mpg which are bettered on the highway by 7mpg.