Mercedes-Benz 2012 B-Class Small MPV

While Mercedes-Benz rolled out the second-generation of the B-Class at the 64th IAA in Frankfurt this past September, the German company continues to release new pictures of its compact MPV.

This time, Mercedes published a fresh batch of 38 photos, perhaps in an effort to maintain interest in the 2012 B-Class amidst the storm of new arrivals that are swamping the media.

Unlike the upcoming A-Class, the new B-Class has retained its predecessor's “sandwich” platform.

While the exterior design does not depart significantly from the model that it replaces, the interior is all-new –and all for the better since it adopts Mercedes’ latest styling elements some of which, such as the chrome-ringed round vents, were first introduced in the SLS AMG supercar.

The new B-Class is available with two engines: a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, in 122HP (B180) and 156HP (B200) guises, and a 1.8-liter common rail turbodiesel with an output of 109HP in the B 180 CDI and 136 HP in the B 200 CDI.

Mercedes’ compact MPV is available in four equipment levels, while for the first time the 7G-DCT dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox is on the options list.

Daihatsu Pico EV Concept

The third Daihatsu concept model heading to this year's edition of the Tokyo Motor Show is the PICO, a futuristic proposal for a diminutive two-seater EV commuter positioned between small cars and motorcycles.

At 2,400mm long, 1,000mm wide and 1,530mm tall with a wheelbase of 1,830mm, the Daihatsu concept is much smaller than the Smart Fortwo, yet it has space for two passengers sitting in tandem-style.

The driver and the passenger enter the vehicle simply by raising a protective bar than opens like a scissor-style door.

Other highlights include the LED panels incorporated on the protective bars as well as the front and rear ends of the car, and which display a variety of messages to warn pedestrian and other motorists on the road.

Daihatsu says that the PICO tips the scales at just 400kg (or about 880 pounds). .

The concept’s batteries can be charged in 2 hours and offer a driving range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) at speeds of up to 50km/h (31 km/h).

Weismann Roadster MF5 V10 Black Bat by SchwabenFolia

We'll forgive you if you've never heard about SchwabenFolia and Dähler, its co-partner in the creation of the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 V10 Black Bat.

SchwabenFolia is a car wrapping company based in Korntal-Münchingen, Germany, and is responsible for the Roadster MF5's dark looks.

The company dressed the outer body panels as well as bits from the interior plus the door sills, trunk and engine room in a matte black skin. To showcase its craftsmanship, SchwabenFolia even wrapped the 20-inch BBS alloy wheels in the same shade.

A foiled “imprint” of the Nürburgring's northern loop on the driver's side and the chrome emblems round out the makeover.

In factory spec, the limited production roadster mode is powered by the previous BMW M5's 5.0-liter V10 engine with 507HP. This is where Swiss company Dähler steps in adding a new sportier exhaust system and modified electronics to boost output to 600-horses.

The tuner says that the Black Bat can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.5 seconds, to 200km/j (124mph) in less than 10 seconds and top out at 321km/h (200mph).

To improve braking, Dähler added Brembo 6-piston fixed calipers with 308x32mm discs up front and 4 piston fixed calipers with 380 x 28 discs at the back.

No pricing information has been released yet.

Hot Toys Avatar: 1/6 Jake Sully

Amid very high anticipation, Hot Toys is proud to present their Movie Masterpiece Series MMS159 1/6th scale Jake Sully Collectible Figure from the award-winning and glove-sweeping science-fiction epic adventure blockbuster AVATAR movie written and directed by JAMES CAMERON. The movie-accurate Jake Sully collectible is specially crafted based on his image in the movie in the Pandora world, highlighting the head and body sculpture and painting, highly detailed accessories and weapons, as well as specially-made light-up figure stage imitating the Pandora scene.

The 1/6th scale Jake Sully Collectible Figure specially features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Jake Sully in the movie Avatar in the Pandora scene, Realistic 1/6th scale of approximate 18 inches / 45 cm tall with Over 30 points of articulations. Highly detailed head, body sculpture and painting in Avatar skin color and patterns. Wig with strings of beads. Movable tail. Four (4) pieces of interchangeable palms including: One (1) pair of relaxed palms, One (1) right palm for holding gun, One (1) right palm for holding knife

Costume: One (1) brown cummerbund, One (1) green loincloth with strings of beads , One (1) right forearm gauntlet, One (1) pair of leg armors

Weapons: One (1) long gun, Six (6) grenades with harness. One (1) knife with sheath and harness

Accessories: One (1) piece of hair accessory with feather-like materials, One (1) visor, One (1) headset and one (1) mic on throat, One (1) choker, One (1) pair of arm bands, One (1) pair of arm bands with feather-like materials, Light-up figure stage imitating the Pandora scene with transparent pillar

Release date: Q4 2011

Artists: Figure Sculpted by Joseph Tsang, Figure Painted by Joseph Tsang
**Battery not included for figure stage, 3A batteries (3 pieces) are required
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different