Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S-Class sedan will once again offer a V12 engine in its range-topping, ultra-luxury configuration unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 boasts a 523 horsepower, 612 lb-ft. of torque twin-turbo V12 that offers 13 more horsepower than its predecessor. Moreover, the S600 offers its peak torque – among the highest available on a passenger car – from just 1,900 rpm. Despite all that grunt, Mercedes has seen fit to include a start/stop system to save fuel when the vehicle is at stoplights as standard equipment for the first time.

The latest version of Mercedes’ V12 should also show up in the upcoming S-Class coupe.

The 2015 S600 is the latest in nearly a quarter century of V12-powered S-Class sedans. Badging, some additional chrome and unique wheels set the S600 apart outside, but it otherwise offers drivers a mostly incognito way to waft around in high-tech luxury.

Based on the new-for-2014 S-Class range, the S600 benefits from a lighter and stiffer body, plus a host of luxury, convenience and safety upgrades. Befitting its stature at the top of the S-Class lineup, the S600 will come as standard with nearly every high-tech feature Mercedes offers. The automaker’s Magic Ride Control that reads the road ahead for surface variations and pre-charges the air suspension to reduce impacts as much as possible is fitted to all S600s. In addition, the car will also include the automaker’s Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist to automatically steer the car back into its lane should the driver wander off path accidentally. The nearly autonomous Distronic Plus with Steering Assist feature that lets drivers momentarily take their hands off the S600′s steering wheel comes standard as well.

Pricing for the S600 will be announced closer to its on-sale date this spring.

Live images by Mark Elias.

Significantly lighter than the outgoing model, the redesigned 2015 BMW M3 also gains a torquier and more efficient six-cylinder motor.

Additionally, the Blue Roundel has unveiled the 2015 M3′s sleek two-door counterpart, the M3 Coupe-replacing 2015 BMW M4.

Less is More

In place of its predecessor’s characterful but thirsty 4.0-liter V8, the new M3 uses a downsized 3.0-liter inline-six that relies on twin turbochargers to produce 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,850 rpm all the way to 5,500 rpm. Those figures represent gains of 11 ponies and, more importantly, 111 lb-ft of twist compared to the old eight, with peak torque arriving 2,050 rpm earlier.

While official ratings have yet to be released, BMW claims a fuel economy improvement of 25 percent; the 2013 M3 was rated at 14/20 city/highway mpg.

Buyers will continue to have the choice of manual and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, but both have been redesigned. The standard-equipment six-speed stick features a rev-matched downshift function and helps the sedan to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds, while the seven-speed dual-clutch – which is up a gear over the previous unit – gets launch control and a slightly quicker sprint time of 3.9 seconds. Also part of the septa-cog’s bag of tricks is a “Stability Clutch Control” function that opens one of the clutches in order to quell understeer.

Upgraded M compound brakes on all four corners and a stiffened, track-tuned suspension will keep M3′s newfound power in check. As expected, hydraulic-assist steering gives way to a new, more efficient electric-assist setup with three different effort modes. An optional Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers also offers a trio of modes, allowing drivers to prioritize ride comfort or handling agility.

All M3s will be equipped with an Active M Differential that keeps tabs on throttle inputs, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car’s yaw rates in order to maximize traction.

Thanks in part to the increased use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum in the body and suspension, the M3 is an impressive 176 lbs. lighter than before. Contributing to the weight loss are components like the new six-speed manual (-26 lbs.), smaller engine (-22 lbs.) and carbon fiber roof (-11 lbs.).

Looking the Part

Outside, the M3 wears a heavily-sculpted front bumper, a discreet hood bulge and flared fenders all around. Air curtains mounted in the front apron team up with “Air Breathers” – that’s BMW-speak for fender vents – to optimize airflow around the wheel arches and improve aerodynamics. Around back, a diffuser with inset quad tailpipes and a Gurney-style spoiler provide both style and function. Eighteen-inch rims are fitted as standard, while 19-inchers can be specified as an option.

The M3′s cabin is closely modeled after the standard 3-Series, with differences including an M-specific instrument cluster, a sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and on the center console. Naturally, liberal helpings of M badging are also part of the package. A tablet-style 6.5-inch display screen mounted on top of the dashboard displays stereo and vehicle information.

Notable options will include a head-up display, a front collision warning system, full LED headlights, and, on the performance end, lightweight and extra fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes.

Following its formal debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 2015 M3 will arrive at dealerships in early summer. Expect pricing, standard features and the full options list to be released closer to that launch date.

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Volkswagen has traveled to the Detroit Motor Show to unveil a new concept called Beetle Dune.

The Beetle Dune is wider, taller and longer than the regular-production Beetle R-Line on which it is based. Billed as a Baja Bug for the 21st century, the show car wears a rugged, Audi allroad-like appearance thanks to plastic cladding on the wheel arches, brushed aluminum trim on both ends as well as on the rocker panels and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped by all-terrain tires. The suspension has been raised by about two inches in order to increase the car’s off-road capacity.

A pair of skis can be mounted on the outside of the trunk lid thanks to a clever mechanism that includes a swiveling rear spoiler and a 0.8-inch-wide belt.

The Beetle Dune cabin stands out thanks to a bespoke instrument cluster, sport seats for the front passengers and a state-of-the-art infotainment system controlled by a 7.7-inch touch screen mounted on the center stack. The cabin is equipped with several grab handles including a large one prominently mounted in lieu of the glovebox that harks back to the original air-cooled Beetle.

Fully functional, the concept is powered by a GTI-sourced 210-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas-burning engine that spins the front wheels via a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The mill enables the Beetle to sprint from zero to 62 mph 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph while returning 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Volkswagen says it is currently evaluating whether or not to move the Beetle Dune past the concept stage. If given the green light for production, the car could arrive on dealer lots in time for the 2015 model year.

BMW has lifted the veil of secrecy from its new M4, revealing that the coupe will boast far more torque, noticeably less weight and comprehensively uprgraded technology compared with the M3 Coupe that it replaces.

The M4′s mechanically-identical sedan sibling, which retains the traditional M3 nameplate, has also been revealed.

Like the redesigned M3, the M4 sports a muscular-looking front fascia, flared fenders and a hood bulge that signals the presence of something mean lying beneath. Air curtains mounted in the front apron team up with “Air Breathers” – that’s BMW-speak for fender vents – to optimize airflow around the wheel arches and improve aerodynamics. Around back, a diffuser with inset quad tailpipes and a lip spoiler provide both style and function. Eighteen-inch rims are fitted as standard, while 19-inchers can be specified as an option.

The heart of the M Division’s latest creation is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six that churns out 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,850 rpm all the way to 5,500 rpm. Those figures represent gains of 11 ponies and, more importantly, 111 lb-ft of twist compared to the old M3 Coupe’s 4.0-liter V8, with peak torque arriving 2,050 rpm earlier.

While official ratings have yet to be released, BMW claims a fuel economy improvement of 25 percent; the 2013 M3 Coupe was rated at 14/20 city/highway mpg.

Buyers will be offered the choice of new manual and dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. The standard-equipment six-speed stick features a rev-matched downshift function and helps the M4 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 4.1 seconds, while the seven-speed dual-clutch – which is up a gear over the previous unit – gets launch control and a slightly quicker sprint time of 3.9 seconds. Also part of the septa-cog’s bag of tricks is a “Stability Clutch Control” function that opens one of the clutches in order to quell understeer.

Upgraded M compound brakes on all four corners and a stiffened, track-tuned suspension will keep M4′s considerable power in check. As expected, the M3 Coupe’s hydraulic-assist steering gives way to a new, more efficient electric-assist setup with three different effort modes. An optional Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers also offers a trio of modes, allowing drivers to prioritize ride comfort or handling agility.

All M4s will be equipped with an Active M Differential that monitors throttle inputs, the rotational speed of the wheels and the car’s yaw rates in order to maximize traction.

Thanks in part to the increased use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminum in the body and suspension, the M4 is an impressive 176 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. Contributing to the weight loss are components like the new six-speed manual (-26 lbs.), smaller engine (-22 lbs.) and carbon fiber roof (-13 lbs.).

The Inside Story

Those familiar with the standard 4-Series coupe’s interior will immediately feel at home in the M4. Model-specific cabin upgrades include a unique instrument cluster, a sporty three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, sports seats and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and on the center console. Naturally, liberal helpings of M badging are also part of the package. A tablet-style 6.5-inch display screen mounted on top of the dashboard displays stereo and vehicle information.

Notable options will include a head-up display, a front collision warning system, full LED headlights, and, on the performance end, lightweight and extra fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes.

The M4 will make its in-the-sheetmetal debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, after which it will ship out to dealership by early summer. Watch for pricing, standard features and the full options list to be released closer to that launch date.

The latest addition to the 991-series Porsche 911 lineup – the Targa – has made its formal debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

As expected, the 911 Targa will be identical to the existing coupe and convertible variants from the rocker panels up to the belt line. Above that, it gains a large wraparound rear window and a roll bar adorned by three small vertical air vents, design cues that characterized the first 911 Targa that bowed in 1967.

Unlike the original model, the new Targa’s roof panel is power-operated, opening and closing at the touch of button. The fully automatic system stores the roof panel behind the rear seats when the driver decides that a little open-air motoring is in order.

The Targa will be offered in 4 and 4S model variants. The 4 will come standard with a 3.4-liter flat-six rated at 350 horsepower and 287 lb-ft. of torque, while the 4S utilizes a 3.6-liter flat-six that churns out 400 horsepower and 324 lb-ft. of torque. Both send output to all four wheels through the buyer’s choice of a seven-speed manual transmission or seven-speed “PDK” dual-clutch automatic.

Porsche says the 911 Targa will launch this summer, with pricing starting from $102,595 for the 911 Targa 4 and $117,195 for the 911 Targa 4S (including destination).

Live images by Mark Elias.