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Mercedes spotted testing hardcore AMG GT at the 'Ring

Mercedes has showcased its new AMG GT in both base and S trims, it's rolled out the GT3 racing version and the Formula One safety car. But we're only beginning to see the extent of the variants that the German automaker is expected to spin off of its new sportscar. And here is the latest. Spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring is what appears to be an even more performance-focused version of the Mercedes-AMG GT. It seems to be packing an upgraded aero kit – complete with front splitter and rear wing – as well as larger rolling stock. You can bet there's an even more potent version underhood of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that's already producing over 500 hp in the existing model. Whether Affalterbach deems it worthy of the Black Series label or not is another question, but what's clear is that AMG is gunning for the Porsche 911 GT3 with the performance model you see here – however disguised it may be from our prying eyes. Related Video:

Mercedes GLE Coupe to feature in Jurassic World

It was back in 1997 that Mercedes first got into the crossover game with the launch of the M-Class, and most of us got our first look at the luxury high-rider when it debuted on the big screen in the Jurassic Park sequel The Lost World. It's been 18 years since that event, but now its successor is set to appear in the revival of the once-popular movie franchise. Come June 12, moviegoers will be able to catch the new Jurassic World film at their local theaters, but the dinosaurs will have to share the spotlight with the new GLE Coupe. The slant-roofed crossover that'll share its underpinnings with the M-Class' successor and challenge the BMW X6, will appear in the film in GLE 450 AMG Sport guise, and Universal Studios apparently did a good enough job keeping the Mercedes under wraps during filming until its release just a month ago. Mercedes Continues Its Decades Long Relationship with Universal: Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe launches in Universal Pictures' Jurassic World Stuttgart, Jan 08, 2015 Stuttgart. On-screen, multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles are once again in on the Jurassic action. Twenty-two years since the events of the original film, Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World. During their adventures in the jungles of Jurassic World, the characters played by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard put their trust in the off-road capabilities of various Mercedes-Benz vehicles – especially in the all-new GLE Coupe, which appears in its series-look for the first time. Colin Trevorrow directs the epic action-adventure from a screenplay he wrote with Derek Connolly. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley join the team as producers. Jurassic World will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on June 12, 2015. The partnership continues the relationship between Universal and Mercedes-Benz, first forged in 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park, when Mercedes introduced the M-Class vehicle. "We are delighted to have been able to support this epic action-adventure with our vehicles," said Dr. Jens Thiemer, Head of Marketing Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our wide range of SUVs in particular fit perfectly with Jurassic World's various requirements, with the focus on our new trendsetter, the GLE Coupe." Above all, it is the new GLE Coupe that shows off its best side.

Kimi Raikkonen fastest in first Belgian Grand Prix practice

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen lapped fastest in first practice for the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday but Mercedes, and title contender Lewis Hamilton, still looked every bit the team to beat. A four-time winner at Spa, and with a contract extension for 2018 announced earlier in the week, Raikkonen lapped the longest track on the calendar with a best time of 1 minute 45.502 seconds. The 37-year-old Finn's time was set on the quickest ultra-soft tires, however, while Hamilton — preparing for his 200th race start — was second-fastest and only 0.053 slower on the soft compound. Hamilton was 0.092 faster than Ferrari's world championship leader Sebastian Vettel, with the German third on the timesheets and also setting his time on the quickest but least durable tire. Vettel leads Hamilton by 14 points with nine races remaining. Red Bull's Dutch teenager Max Verstappen, Belgian-born and attracting a huge traveling support of orange-capped fans, was fourth fastest with Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo fifth. Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who bumped into the tire barrier after going off across the gravel and damaged his front wing, was sixth fastest. The session was halted after 15 minutes when Brazilian Felipe Massa, who missed the previous race in Hungary after feeling dizzy in practice, crashed heavily into the tire barrier at turn seven out of Les Combes. He was taken to the medical center for checks, before returning to the pitlane, with his team facing a long job rebuilding the car. The session resumed after a 10 minute stoppage. Williams said the chassis would have to be changed and the team still hoped to get the car back out on track for some of the day's second session, even if that looked like being optimistic. Fernando Alonso suffered a lack of power in his McLaren, but still ended up 13th fastest. Belgian team mate Stoffel Vandoorne, who will start his home race last on Sunday thanks to a 35 place penalty due to a power unit change, was 10th. Reporting by Alan BaldwinRelated Video: Image Credit: Reuters Motorsports Ferrari McLaren Mercedes-Benz F1 Lewis Hamilton Sebastian Vettel Kimi Raikkonen Max Verstappen Valtteri Bottas belgian grand prix