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Mercedes CLA a sub-$30k car no more

To be honest, the sub-$30,000 Mercedes-Benz CLA was more a theoretical than a real thing. Squeaking in at $100 below that magical threshold, not counting a $925 destination charge, snagging a CLA anywhere near $30k meant exercising extreme self-control with the options catalog. Perhaps with that thinking in mind, Mercedes is set to effectively scrap the entire idea, with Cars Direct claiming the price on a new CLA is set to increase by about five percent, to $31,500. Adding 4Matic all-wheel drive brings the starting price to $33,500. Even the hot CLA45 AMG is getting a price bump, from $47,450 to $48,500. Frankly, it's impossible to miss where Mercedes is coming from with this move, if it actually happens. The CLA has been one of 2014's unmitigated success stories, selling so well that Mercedes has struggled to keep up with demand. Considering that, a modest price hike is to be expected.

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 C-Class Coupe caught

The Mercedes C-Class Coupe is getting ready for a launch later this year and that means it has to come out and test its long, wide shoulders. Spy photographers caught it in camo around Stuttgart, and there's a bolt-on piece that makes it appear to have a BMW 6 Series-like trunk, but you can ignore that. Genuine changes include it being lower, wider, and "noticeably sportier" as we've been told, and the side mirrors are mounted on the doors instead of in the triangle between the A-pillar and beltline, where they are on the sedan. As with the new sedan, this coupe looks much more mature than the current model, and even under the camo you can see how the sculpting has been emphasized. Notice how the upper swage maintains its punch as it runs through the door handle and over the rear wheel, instead of dipping below the door handle and softening as it does on the sedan. It could get an intro at the Paris Motor Show, maybe even with the convertible by its side, and it's expected to go on sale in Europe later this year. Let your eyes have a taste in the spy shots above.