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Weekly Recap: Autonomous driving goes commercial in Nevada

Nevada granted Daimler Trucks North America the first license to run an autonomous commercial vehicle on public roads in the United States Tuesday, marking another milestone in the technology's rapid advancement. Gov. Brian Sandoval and Daimler truck chief Wolfgang Bernhard promptly used the license to lap Highway 15 near Las Vegas in a newly revealed Freightliner Inspiration Truck. It was a clear signal that autonomous driving is big-rig reality, though it's still a long way from widespread use. Nevada certified two of Daimler's Freightliner Inspiration Trucks, which use the company's Highway Pilot system with a stereo camera, radar, and lane-keeping collision-prevention features to regulate the brakes and steering. The radar component has a long-range sensor that can cover 820 feet at an 18-degree angle and a shorter-range unit that stretches 230 feet at a 130-degree angle. The Inspiration trucks are based on the existing Freightliner Cascadia Evolution model used on US roads. In addition to the autonomous technologies, it also has futuristic design cues, including blue lighting in the front and a new hood and grille. While there are only two Freightliner Inspiration trucks in existence, Daimler expects to bring the Highway Pilot system into mass-produced big rigs by 2025, in time to capitalize on the market's predicted growth. The German truckmaker predicts the global hauling market will triple by 2050, and the United States will be a key part of that growth. Trucks carry 69.1 percent the nation's domestic freight tonnage and hauled 9.7 billion tons of freight in 2013, according to the American Trucking Association. Daimler expects autonomous driving to augment this growth, and perhaps evolve the role of the truck driver. Still, the company points out autonomous tech is not meant to replace drivers, but to assist them and relieve fatigue and monotony on long hauls. The driver has to stay in control for passing, in city traffic, and when hooking up the trailer. The company said autonomous driving also offers the potential for improved fuel economy – tests showed a five-percent gain – and lower maintenance costs. Daimler also said the technology could reduce congestion on the road. Much of this is attributable to the constant flow of traffic, which is aided by autonomous driving. While the benefits are becoming increasingly apparent, autonomous technology is still met with skepticism.

Mercedes previews new C63 DTM racer alongside Edition 1

The new C-Class Coupe will undoubtedly be one of the main points of focus at the Mercedes-Benz pavilion in Frankfurt this year. But the Silver Star automaker will have more than just the base version to showcase. There's be the new AMG C63, and now two additional versions. First up is the Edition 1, the designation Mercedes often applies (in some markets anyway) to launch versions of exciting new models. For the C63 Coupe, the Edition 1 features a raft of upgrades, available in either standard (476 horsepower) or S (510 hp) states of tune. It's done up in one of two exterior appearance packages, in matte gray with either yellow trim or black. The Edition 1 also wears special 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inchers at the back, ceramic brakes, enhanced aerodynamics package, more chrome and gloss-black trim, and an optimized interior with racing buckets. Alongside the Edition 1, Mercedes will also reveal the new DTM racing model in Frankfurt. And following the teaser sketch released the other day, it's giving us our first proper look at the new touring car right here. The new C63 DTM will replace the existing C-Coupe DTM (as it has been formally styled) that has represented the automaker in its local tin-top racing series since 2012 – winning seven races over the past four seasons, but not a championship yet. If looks are anything to go by, the new racing coupe could be up to the task. Special Model to Market Launch: Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe Edition 1: Inspired by Motorsport Affalterbach. Mercedes-AMG is bringing the C 63 Coupe Edition 1 special model to the starting line. The exclusive colour combination in designo Magno Selenite Grey with yellow film coating and black wheels with yellow painted rim flanges reflects the graphic design of the Frankfurt International Motor Show launch version of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM racing coupe which will be used in the DTM next year. The special model is equipped with Performance seats and an aerodynamics package, highlighting its proximity to motorsport. The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe and C 63 S Coupe are also available as "Edition 1" special models from market launch. The extraordinary combination of exclusive design and equipment characteristics is inspired by the optical appearance of future Mercedes-AMG racing coupes which will compete in the popular DTM series in 2016. Two exterior designs address different customer wishes.

Mercedes-Maybach SUV concept: Vision Ultimate Luxury interior teased

Mercedes-Maybach posted a teaser video of what it calls "the ultimate in luxury" last week, saying that the featured, yet-to-be-named vehicle would be presented in the Beijing Motor Show. Now there's a teaser sketch giving us a wider look of the concept's interior, as well as a name. The concept also has a name by now: the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury. We guess that might have been coming, even if the name isn't exactly concise. But, the accompanying release also informs us that the concept is a combination of a high-end sedan and an SUV, confirming that it is indeed the high-riding vehicle that's been rumored for a while. The interior sketch also shows a very wide center console with stylized grab handles, which suit the SUV dimensions and aesthetic, without being as trucklike as the Maybach G650 Landaulet's interior. As well as the lavish two-tone color scheme and the touch of wood on the door panel, the concept interior shows a wide color instrument display ahead of the driver. The gear selectors are paddle shifters next to the chunky steering wheel rim, and the controls seem to have been grouped on the wheel's spokes, leaving just a few switches on the dashboard. Autocar reports that the concept will be followed by a 2019 production version, slated to debut at the Los Angeles show at the end of this year. It would be based on the Mercedes-Benz GLS, but with a more bespoke design inside out, as hinted by the concept. Basing it on the GLS would mean Mercedes would be manufacturing it at the Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, making it the first Maybach built in the U.S. Related Video: Image Credit: Mercedes-Maybach Beijing Motor Show Maybach Mercedes-Benz SUV Concept Cars Luxury mercedes-maybach