Our spy photographers have sent us the first images of Ford’s updated Fusion sedan. Ford’s revised mid-size sedan is expected to bow for the 2017 model year.

The prototype spotted today is still clad in heavy camouflage, but it’s clear that big changes are in store for the Fusion on the styling front. It appears as though Ford designers are toning down the Fusion’s Aston Martin influence, which will include a new-look grille. The profile of the Fusion is also set for a bit of a shakeup with this prototype lacking the small window near the A-pillar that graces the current car.

The interior of the 2017 Fusion will almost be a clean-sheet redesign. The dash and center console are all new, including a rotary gear knob. Our sources say the new gear shifter indicates the updated Fusion will employ a new nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Ford is rumored to be making the switch from Microsoft to Blackberry’s QNX for its Sync infotainment system, but this prototype is still wearing a Microsoft badge. However, it’s still possible that the new car could be fitted with QNX before its 2017 launch.

Ford has stated that its mid-cycle refreshes will be much more thorough than in years past, so expect plenty of more changes beyond what we’ve listed here.

Exact timing for the new Fusion remains uncertain, but the mid-size sedan will likely debut in late 2016 as a 2017 model.

A surge in crossover demand may cause trouble for US buyers awaiting Mercedes-Benz’ new GLA.

The company recently announced pricing details for the all-new crossover, with a $34,225 entry point for the GLA250 4Matic. Like the 2015 C-Class, the all-wheel-drive crossover will arrive in the US market ahead of the cheaper front-wheel-drive edition.

“We have production constraints,” CEO Steve Cannon told Automotive News in a recent interview. “We are not going to be able to get as many as we want. We will not find out where the natural volume is.”

Availability could be even more limited than the company is experiencing with its entry-level CLA sedan, thanks to the “crossover-crazy market,” though the executive admits that GLA allocation for Chinese buyers will also tighten US supplies.

Effects of the supply constraints will be apparent when the GLA250 4Matic arrives in September, though some buyers may opt for the more expensive GLA45 AMG or wait until spring for the front-wheel-drive base model.

Saab’s new owner, National Electric Vehicle Sweden, is reportedly facing potential bankruptcy proceedings in Swedish court.

Test equipment supplier Labo Test has filed a petition asking the court to declare Nevs bankrupt, accusing the startup of failing to pay an outstanding debt of approximately 150,000 kronor (~$21,800 USD), according to an AP report.

The fledgling automaker, owned by a Hong Kong-based energy company, earlier this year announced that 9-3 production had been halted due to a “short term cash problem.” The company blamed the issue on one of its minor stakeholders, Qingbo Investment Co, which has been accused of failing to fund ongoing operations.

The resurrected 9-3 maintained the same overall design as its now-defunct predecessor, but on an all-electric platform with a range of approximately 124 miles.

Recent reports suggest Nevs has been courting several potential investors, including India’s Mahindra and China’s Dongfeng, that could serve as majority shareholders and help bankroll production.

Following reports that Chrysler and Audi may be penalized by China’s antitrust regulator, General Motors has acknowledged an ‘active’ role in the agency’s industry investigation.

The National Development and Reform Commission has targeted foreign automakers and parts suppliers over pricing policies that are allegedly monopolistic, as Chinese buyers are sometimes forced to pay three to four times higher for imported models.

GM’s joint venture with China’s state-owned automotive manufacturer, SAIC Motor, reportedly agreed in 2012 to help the agency with its investigation and research, the company told Bloomberg. It is unclear if the interactions have been entirely positive, or if GM is among the list of companies facing potential punishment.

Shanghai GM claims its models are “priced at a reasonable level, with almost no markups in sales,” with parts prices equivalent to three times the cost of a new vehicle, allegedly similar to US pricing.

Major automakers are currently partaking in a gold rush as they jockey for position in the world’s largest automotive market. Some have blamed the seemingly exorbitant prices on freight, import duties and other government fees.

Chinese law allows the NDRC to fine a company up to ten percent of its previous year’s revenue for violating antitrust regulations.

Milan-based coachbuilder Zagato has revealed its second customized Lamborghini, known as the 5-95.

Based on the Gallardo, the 5-95 features unique bodywork that eliminates many of the original angular edges in favor of a rounded form. Changes include an oval grille, circular taillights and rounded wheel arches, among other tweaks.

It is unclear if the Zagato builds have received any engine retuning, though owners can expect at least 562 horsepower and 397 lb-ft of torque from the stock 5.2-liter V10 engine found in the Gallardo LP570-4.

The first 5-95 was built for Swiss collector Albert Spiess, finished in an understated matte orange hue. The second build, pictured in Facebook posts by Zagato’s Farhan Al Bastaki, features a bolder yellow exterior.

Pricing and availability information has not been revealed, though the latest details suggest Zagato will build a total of five examples.

General Motors’ victims fund has reportedly received claims blaming defective ignition switches for at least 65 deaths.

Applications for deceased claimants represent nearly half of the 135 applications that the company has received so far, with the others related to physical injuries, a spokesperson for fund manager Kenneth Feinberg told CBS.

Not all of the claims may be eligible for compensation, however the number of deaths cited in the applications is consistent with analyst estimates based on accident statistics. Researchers months ago suggested the real number of fatal accidents could be at least five times higher than GM’s estimate, which still stands at just 13.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not publicly established its own count of associated deaths, though the agency told CBS the number is likely more than 13.

GM expects the victims fund to pay out at least $400 million, perhaps building to $600 million or more. A portion of the potentially eligible claimants are currently focusing on damage compensation via formal lawsuits, rather than submitting early applications directly do the fund. The administrator is accepting claims through the end of the year.

As Mercedes-Benz’ new SL400 roadster gets closer to launch, details surrounding its US-market fuel efficiency have emerged.

The entry-level SL will borrow the company’s new turbocharged V6 from the new C400 4Matic. The 3.0-liter mill will produce 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, likely bringing the roadster up to 60 mph from a standstill in approximately 5.2 seconds.

The EPA has posted fuel-efficiency figures, showing city/highway ratings of 20/27 mpg and a combined average of 23 mpg. In contrast, the SL550 fetches 17/24 mpg and the range-topping SL65 AMG gets 14/21 mpg.

The SL400 will slot below the current SL550 in the US lineup, while serving as a successor to the SL350 that is currently available in Europe and other overseas markets.

Pricing has not yet been confirmed, though a sub-$100,000 sticker is expected.

Infiniti has released another teaser for the Q50 Eau Rouge, which still awaits a public confirmation of production approval.

The latest video shows the standard Q50 as it “unleashes the beast within” after the sun sets, morphing into Eau Rouge guise.

The company has continued to caution that the “most powerful Infiniti ever” has not yet been officially greenlit, however the regular teasers suggest otherwise. A prototype was even brought to the Goodwood Festival of Speed for a live demonstration.

A production version is expected to closely follow the concept, borrowing the Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter engine — retuned for 560 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The Godzilla powerplant will likely push the Eau Rouge up to 60 mph in under four seconds and eventually hit 180 mph.

Launch timing remains unclear, pending a final thumbs-up, though a six-figure price tag has been predicted by company executives.