Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Spotted in Germany
Although rumored to be discontinued, SEMA News sources recently spotted an all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake undergoing road tests in Stuttgart, Germany, confirming the development of the compact family car with hybrid and electric powertrains.
Built on the MMA platform, the hybrid powertrain will be comprised of a 1.5L four-cylinder gas engine and 1.3-kWh battery pack and motor paired with a newly developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The other option will be a battery-electric model with two available batteries: a lithium iron phosphate pack with a 58-kWh capacity and a nickel manganese cobalt pack with 85 kWh. According to Mercedes-Benz, the entire electric powertrain has the potential for a range of more than 460 miles.
All-electric models will feature an electric-drive motor on the rear axle producing 268 hp and a two-speed gearbox designed to improve efficiency at higher speeds.
The design of the new model will be a more streamlined version of the outgoing CLA sedan and estate. The overall silhouette won't change much, but some of the design details will. Like other models in the modern Mercedes-Benz range, the new CLA will use the brand's three-pointed star motif in its lighting.
BMW 7-Series Undergoing Extensive Facelift
SEMA News sources have spotted the first prototype of the BMW 7-Series and i7 Facelift in the north of Scandinavia.
Around three years after the launch of the seventh-generation 7 Series, the prototype hints at an upcoming facelift that could hit the market as soon as this fall.
What will change on the engine side in the BMW 7-Series and i7 is still unclear, according to insiders, but the wide range of drive systems in the current model is likely to be found in the facelifted luxury sedan.
In addition to the combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, BMW will also be offering multiple variations of purely electric drive systems again with the i7 Facelift.
Visually, the prototype of the BMW 7-Series and i7 Facelifts does not allow any concrete conclusions to be drawn. However, the fact that the car is completely wrapped in camouflage foil--as seen in the new images--means that the facelift appears to entail far-reaching changes. The front end could take up the kidney-grille design of the BMW 5 Series G60. The headlights and rear lights have been stripped down to the bare essentials, which also hints at a significant redesign. The tailpipes, on the other hand, are clearly recognizable and point to the BMW M760e xDrive.
As the side windows are also camouflaged, BMW seems to have some plans here too. A major infotainment update to bring the technology up to date is realistic.
'26 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Readies for Showrooms
Recently spotted undergoing testing in Sweden, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is set to hit dealer showrooms next year. This fourth generation of the body-on-frame SUV, which can accommodate up to seven passengers, shares its platform with the latest version of the Triton, known as the L200 in Europe.
The Pajero Sport is marketed under various names, including the Shogun Sport in the UK and the Montero Sport in other regions.
Featuring a front-end design similar to the Triton, the redesigned Pajero Sport boasts a ladder frame chassis with enhanced torsional rigidity--Mitsubishi claims a 60% increase. The new model has also grown in size, with an overall length and width increase of .5 in and 2.9 in., respectively.
At the rear, the heavily camouflaged prototype showcases triangular taillights reminiscent of the '90s Lancer models. It also features a single exhaust outlet and a massive tow hitch ball with an electrical socket. Notably, the prototype lacks a fuel cap and has camouflage covering its wheels.
Inside, the cabin will see updates including a new 9-in. touchscreen infotainment system. Similar to the Triton, it will have physical controls for temperature, fan speed, volume and satellite navigation. However, prospective buyers should expect a significant amount of gloss-black plastic trim on the center console.
Under the hood, the Pajero Sport will likely offer a range of 2.4L engines paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The least powerful option is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine from the 46G family.
For those seeking more torque, there will be two diesel options: single- and twin-turbo versions of the 4N16 engine, producing between 150 to 200 hp. The gasoline engine will deliver around 130 hp.
Rumors suggest that the premiere of the '26 model is slated for the second half of 2025.