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Mercedes previews new S-Class convertible

Mercedes keeps on expanding its flagship S-Class with more models, and will soon add one more to the roster. But before it does, it's giving us this teaser of what's to come with an advanced look at the upcoming new S-Class Cabriolet. The convertible model will be based closely on the S-Class Coupe we already know, only with a folding roof. Expect that dropping top to be constructed of several layers of fabric (as opposed to a folding metal top) with a glass rear window (instead of plastic) to keep it luxuriously isolated and insulated from the outside world when it's up, and let the wind and sunshine in when down. The Cabrio will bring the array of body-styles in the S-Class range up to six, with the convertible joining the existing coupe and four wheelbase lengths of sedan. Expect powertrain options to closely mirror those of the coupe, including S550, S63, and eventual S65 AMG models driving the rear wheels or all four. Slotting in above the E-Class Cabriolet, the new convertible S-Class will be Daimler's "first luxury four seater cabriolet since 1971." It'll compete in rather rare company against the likes of the Bentley Continental GTC, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, and even the upcoming new Rolls-Royce Dawn when it arrives. And judging from the timing of this preview rendering's release, we anticipate it'll arrive soon. Related Video:

Mercedes caught testing stretched E-Class Maybach

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 won't be the only vehicle to wear the hyphenated name of two of the world's automotive luxury greats. That hulking S-Class will soon be joined by an E-Class variant, which should offer the same touch of subtle luxury as its big brother. At least, that's what we're guessing based on the latest round of spy photos, showing a stretched E-Class with some very telling camouflage. Pay attention, as our spies did, to the rear doors and C-pillar. Like the Maybach S600, the E-Class model features a larger quarter window, although unlike the S, the doors here look to be a bit larger than your usual E550 or E250. Also take note of the heavy tint on those rear windows. It's likely there to obscure whatever sumptuous hides and warm woods Maybach has fitted to the typically business-class interior. While the interior materials are likely to see sweeping changes, expect Mercedes to treat the exterior with a much gentler touch. There'll probably be some unique wheels and C-pillar-mounted Maybach badges, like what we've already seen on the S600. Check out the full round of spy photos up top, and stay tuned for more on the latest Mercedes-Maybach. Related Video:

Lewis Hamilton retakes F1 lead with 'miracle' victory in Germany

HOCKENHEIM, Germany – Lewis Hamilton raced from 14th to first to seize a "miracle" German Grand Prix victory in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday and retake the Formula One championship lead from Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who crashed. Vettel, now 17 points behind the Briton after starting eight ahead, led his home race from pole position until rain caused chaos in the closing laps, with the German sliding off and into the barriers. Hamilton, the reigning world champion, took the chequered flag for a record-equalling fourth German Grand Prix win, ahead of his Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen. "I've never had a race like this," said the four-times champion, who was summoned to stewards after the race for a pitlane infringement but escaped with a reprimand and the victory intact. "Today I feel like I drove the best that I can remember driving. I didn't make any mistakes." It was the 66th win of his F1 career, and Mercedes' 80th, and minutes after the finish, the skies opened with an array of thunder and lightning and a torrential downpour that would have stopped any race. "Miracles do happen, mate," Hamilton's race engineer Pete Bonnington told him over the radio after a slow-burner that turned into one of the great comebacks of the Briton's already stellar career. Hamilton, who threw himself across the pitlane wall into the arms of his mechanics and also got a bear-hug from delighted Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche, seemed about as stunned as anyone. "I really feel that the rain has come down and just washed away any negativity and its a glorious day," Hamilton said, his voice wobbling. "It couldn't have been a better day for me and one that I will always remember." FERRARI NIGHTMARE Beaten by Vettel in his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone two weeks ago, where he went from pole to the back of the field and up to second, he had turned the tables completely. "Love conquers all," declared Hamilton, who had reacted defiantly on Instagram to the booing and hostility from a partisan crowd after his car broke down in Saturday's qualifying. "It's obviously very, very difficult from that position and highly unlikely but you've always got to believe," added the four-times champion, who said a long prayer before the race started. "I really manifested my dream today." For Vettel, it was simply a nightmare – the chance to make big gains slipping through his hands in an instant. He now has 171 points to Hamilton's 188.