The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes’ current design language, not much is expected to change.

That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals — from Aston Martin to VW — will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.

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An attentive Autoblog reader spotted what appears to be a prototype Mercedes S400 Hybrid in a Houston Texas parking lot the other day. The test car’s badges were all taped over, but the S400 and hybrid badging on the trunk lid seems to match the show concept. The S400 was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall and will launch into production in mid-2009 at about the same time as the ML450 Hybrid. While the SUV will use the Two-Mode hybrid system developed with GM, Chrysler, and BMW, the S400 will use the mild hybrid system created with BMW. The mild hybrid uses a 15kW motor sandwiched between the transmission and 3.5L V6. The Mercedes mild hybrid system is likely to be the first mass production hybrid with a lithium ion battery. At the auto show introduction, Mercedes claimed that the full-size hybrid luxury sedan will achieve nearly 30 mpg.

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Though Toyota already unveiled the production version of its diminutive iQ city car at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show last March, this is the first time anyone has seen the vehicle testing out in the wild. These spy photos of the iQ also give us a good sense of the car’s true scale, which is to say that it’s really friggin’ small. Not MINI small, smart small. Unlike the smart fortwo, the iQ can reportedly carry three people and a child rather than just two adults thanks to its clever 3+1 seating arrangement. We’re not sure if anyone but the driver would be comfortable were the iQ filled to capacity, but at least it’s possible in a pinch. As you can see, there’s virtually no overhang on the front or rear of the iQ, which allows Toyota designers to maximize the space between. Winding Road also reports that the car will feature a unique flat gas tank to save space, thinner seats and smaller heat and air conditioning units. Toyota expects to sell 100,000 units of the iQ in its first year of production, which should start later this year, and while nothing’s been confirmed, the Japanese automaker could be eying North America for some of those sales considering our current lust for small, fuel-efficient vehicles.

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This one’s a little hard to explain, as it’s not often you see a Ferrari F430 with a removable hardtop. As the source surmises, it could be a mule for the next F430, but it looks for all intent and purposes like a standard F430… just with a removable hardtop. On the other hand, Ferrari could actually be developing a hat for the F430 Spider in response to owner requests for it. That’s not very likely either, because Ferrari owners know what they’re getting, and if they’re concerned the sun will singe their balding heads, then they get the coupe version. Finally, this could be a single, rogue Ferrari owner who has spent some money to make his F430 more unique than the next. Being that the car was spotted in Ferrari’s hometown of Maranello and it’s wearing manufacturer license plates, that scenario’s unlikely, as well. We’re stumped, but it’s pretty clear this car, whatever it is, comes with the full sanction of Ferrari itself. What is the Prancing Horse up to here?

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