Mercedes-Benz CLS

The countdown to the World Car Finals has begun this week, with a list of 10 finalists announced for the overall title, along with the contenders in five specialist categories. According to the firm, a jury of 86 "distinguished international automotive journalists" selected the finalists by secret ballot, based on their own assessment of the vehicle as part of their professional work. The initial list of 40 models has been shaved to 10 finalists, with representation from around the world.

The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe has been spied during development testing, giving us another glimpse at the company's upcoming rival to the likes to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Porsche Panamera. Essentially replacing the current 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 8 Series 'GC' should launch sometime next year and will offer a style-focused four-door coupe alternative to the more traditional 7 Series limousine.

The next-generation 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS has been teased on social media this week, ahead of its unveiling at the Los Angeles motor show later this month. A pair of images were posted to Twitter, accompanied by "The Original Perfected" as a tagline. The first shadowy teaser shows the front of the vehicle, with its LED daytime-running light signature and front grill the main visible items. It's likely the car will be revealed in a deep metallic red.

UPDATE: Revealing new images have been added to this article's gallery, including a first look at the new CLS's interior. The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS has been spied during development testing in Germany this week. Despite the swirly black-and-white camouflage, the CLS's four-door coupe silhouette is clearly on display, as are the visual similarities to the new E-Class Coupe.