2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Revealed in Official Design Pictures

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Revealed in Official Design Pictures

Not that the styling of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible hasn't been previewed in the virtually undisguised prototypes that have been caught by numerous spy photographers testing in and around the Nurburgring as well as other locations in Europe, but these grainy black and white pictures that were filed with the EU trademark office are the official deal.

Set to arrive in Mercedes-Benz showrooms sometime during the first half of 2010, the topless version of the new E-Class Coupe keeps the four-seat layout of its tintop twin and like the Audi A5 Cabrio, it doesn't use a retractable metal roof opting instead for a lighter and more compact-sized canvas top.

Don't expect to see any surprises under the hood as the 2010 E-Class Convertible will be offered with the same four-, six- and eight-cylinder engine options (depending on the market) as the latest coupe model including a 204HP 2.2-liter diesel and a 5.5-liter V8 petrol with 388HP.

2010 Opel Meriva MPV First Photographs - Snapped Completely Undisguised

Just last week, we brought you a set of photos showing the new Opel Meriva small MPV with its rear-hinged back doors wide open. Now this time, our man with the long lens has really outdone himself snagging a 2010 Meriva test car without a single trace of camouflage! These new pictures give us our best look at the five-seater minivan that's clearly inspired by the 2008 Meriva concept while sharing many styling cues with both the Insignia and the new Astra hatchback.

Aside from suicide rear doors with the front-mounted handles that are said to open to a 90-degree angle to the body, another distinguishing feature of the new Meriva is its unusual glasshouse design that incorporates a downward kink at the back doors just behind the B-pillar.

Although we don't have any photos of the Meriva's front end, previous spy shots suggest a similar treatment to the latest Astra with wing-shaped headlights and Opel's family grille.

In other aspects, the new Meriva will be slightly longer than the current model while engine choices at launch will include 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline units with outputs of 100HP and 115HP respectively as well as GM's new 140HP 1.4-liter turbo. The diesel lineup will most likely comprise of 1.3-liter, 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter CDTIs.

Designed to compete against small MPVs like the Citroen C3 Picasso and Kia Venga, the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva is expected to make its world premiere at next March's Geneva Salon with European sales following shortly after.

Watercar Python: A Corvette Powered Amphibious Hot Rod that Hits 60mph in 4.5 Sec WITH VIDEO

The same folks that brought you the Subaru-powered, Chevrolet Camaro-bodied amphibian are at it again. WaterCar's latest land-to-sea-and-back creation is the Python. Hailed by the California-based company as the world's fugliest fastest amphibious vehicle, the Python is offered with a choice of Corvette V8 engines ranging from a base LS1 all the way up to GM's latest 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 that makes 640HP in the Corvette ZR1. Marine propulsion comes courtesy of a Dominator Jet drive.

Weighing in at 3,800 lbs or 1,725 kg, the Python is said to be able to reach top speeds in excess of 60mph (97km/h) on the water and 100mph (160 km/h) on land. The maker also claims that the amphibious vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.5 seconds and hit the quarter mile mark in around 12.5 seconds.

For the record, WaterCar does not clarify with which GM LS V8 engine the Python achieves these performance figures on land, though we suspect that it's the LS9.

WaterCar trumpets that the transition from car-to-boat is immediate as the only thing that the driver has to do is put the transmission in neutral then engage the jet, and push a button to raise the wheels. When coming out of the water, the d(r)iver has to reverse the process.

The company says that the Python is hand built to order and can be customized right up to the exact placement of the seats and pedals with buyers offered a choice of more than 60,000 exterior shades and 4,000 interior colors. However, bear in mind that neither a soft/hard top or air-condition is offered at this time.

If you plan on buying one, be warned that prices for fully customized and completed examples start off from a hefty $200,000 or about €137,000 at the current exchange rates.

Link: WaterCar - Hat tip to Fred!