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.

General Motors has announced several enhancements, including a new transmission and range-topping trim package, that will arrive later this year for the 2015 Cadillac Escalade.

The luxury SUV will be the latest GM offering to benefit from an eight-speed transmission, following similar additions for the latest Corvettes, full-size pickups and the Cadillac CTS.

The new automatic gearbox is expected to help improve performance and fuel economy over the current six-speed transmission, though specific numbers for the Escalade remain unclear.

The lineup also brings a new Platinum Collection model for buyers who are looking for an even higher level of luxury. First- and second-row seats are upholstered in Nappa semi-aniline leather, with hand-stitched and hand-wrapped leather also found on the upper door panels, center console and dashboard. Sueded microfiber headliner trim and exotic wood accents complete the environment.

The package includes heated and cooled 18-way power front seats, seven-inch LCD screens in the front head rests — complementing the nine-inch overhead display — and a cooled center console to store chilled beverages.

The exterior is distinguished by 22-inch wheels and extra chrome accents, along with a unique grille design and ‘Platinum’ badging.

Buyers of lower trim levels will all benefit from standard 4G LTE connectivity and a Surround View camera system, both available as standard features across the entire range.

The nine-speed automatic transmission and new trim options will be available sometime in the fourth quarter of the year, with the Platinum packages starting at $90,270 (including $995 freight).

BMW has fully detailed its one-off i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition, set for its debut at Pebble Beach.

New pictures reveal the customized interior, pairing Dalbergia Brown leather with ‘i’ Blue stitching on the seats and steering wheel. The Pure Impulse Tera World interior also features bright blue seat belts and “i8″ embossed in the front headrests.

Door sills have been laser etched with “Councours d’Elegance Edition,” while a plaque on the rear shelf carries signatures from BMW executives who played key roles in the i8 development plan.

The exterior is distinguished by BMW Individual Frozen Grey Metallic paint with a matte finish, along with blue accents on the kidney grille and side skirts.

The special-edition will be among the first i8 examples to arrive in the US market, auctioned by Gooding & Company on August 16. Proceeds will support the Pebble Beach Company Foundation and the Concours d’Elegance.