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Mercedes spotted testing updated A45 AMG

Now on the market (or some markets at any rate) for a couple of years already in its current form, Mercedes is preparing a slight refresh for the A-Class. And that means a new A45 AMG performance version, as well. Pictured undergoing testing in Germany, this prototype is hiding some enhancements for the littlest Benz. We're expecting the updates to be rather subtle, but they ought to help the Silver Star hatch keep up with the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in the increasingly competitive premium hatchback market. Best of all, Mercedes is tipped to be preparing an even more powerful A45 AMG S with over 400 horsepower to keep pace with the upcoming Volkswagen Golf R400. Unfortunately the A-Class isn't offered in North America, but we can hope that some of the enhancements (especially in the performance department) are ported over to the CLA-Class sedan and GLA crossover as well. Related Video:

Jay Leno listens to the people, shows off still-stock 1972 Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3

Let it be known, Jay Leno is a man of the people. Long-time viewers will recall the time he walked fans of his popular video series around the various projects going on in his eponymous garage. One such vehicle was his 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, which he'd planned on fitting with the powertrain from the awesome SLS AMG. But rather than just make the move and be done with it, Leno asked viewers whether he should restore the silver sedan or carry on with his plan to resto-mod. Well, the restoration team won, and the 6.3-liter sports sedan soldiers on unmolested. That is, of course, no bad thing, according to Leno. In his latest video, he revisits the 1972 luxury sedan, and takes it for a spin around Los Angeles. Fans of Mercedes' big-grilled 1970s styling won't want to miss this video.

2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris hits US in October, priced from $28,950*

A Mercedes is hardly what we'd call a budget proposition for most, but everything being relative, what's the cheapest Mercedes you can buy in America? That used to be the C-Class, but not at the $40k it's pushing these days. The CLA or GLA start at over $31k, so one of those must be it... right? Keep trying. And the Smart Fortwo doesn't count. No, the most cost-effective Mercedes you can get in America is the one you're looking at here. It's the new Metris van, and it starts at just $28,950 (*plus a $995 destination fee). Joining the Sprinter (which starts at upwards of $35k), the Metris is Benz's new midsize van – filling a niche in between small vans like the Nissan NV200 or Ford Transit Connect and fullsize ones like the aforementioned Sprinter. It's about as long as the Dodge Caravan-based Ram C/V, but narrower, taller and with significantly more payload and cargo space. Mercedes calls it "right-sized," and evidently hopes commercial drivers and fleet operators will agree. Now if you've never heard the name Metris, you were probably distracted by all the glitz and glamor when Mercedes presented four of them at the SEMA show late last year. But that's alright, because it's a new nameplate: it's essentially the same as the Vito sold overseas, where it will continue carrying that same name, while being sold in North America as the Metris. Both cargo and passenger versions will be offered, the latter starting at $32,500 (plus that $995 destination fee). Power comes from a four-cylinder gasoline engine driving 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. It's also got all the electronic bells and whistles you'd expect from a Mercedes, including fuel-efficiency and safety equipment – but stopping short, of course, of the luxury features. This is not that kind of Mercedes, and the luxed-up V-Class version offered overseas won't be making it Stateside. The Metris is being showcased this week at the NTEA work truck show in Indianapolis, with deliveries set to commence this coming October through a network of over 200 Mercedes van dealers across America, who will offer it alongside the larger Sprinter. MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS MIDSIZE COMMERCIAL VAN MAKES ITS DEBUT AT NTEA WORK TRUCK SHOW - "Mercedes-Benz Metris": The next big thing is mid-sized. - Introduction of the "Mercedes-Benz Metris" nameplate for the U.S.