Without doubt the biggest news of the week was the introduction of the all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S Class, the sixth generation of the German flagship sedan and the first vehicle on the market with autonomous driving capability.

Arguably the most important model in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup, primarily because it debuts the design and technology that eventually features on all of the automaker’s models, it was obvious the introduction of the S Class would be a grand affair.                

And it certainly was, as this photo taken during the introduction confirms. A dedicated arena was built at the Airbus passenger jet delivery center in the German city of Hamburg, where invited guests were treated to an impressive pyrotechnic show.

But beyond all the theatrics, Mercedes has what is conceivably the most advanced car on the market. The list of technologies can run an entire page. In case you’re interested, click here.

For the U.S. market, the first 2014 S Class models will land in showrooms in September. The only engine available at launch will be a 455-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V-8 fitted to either the S550 or S550 4MATIC.

Further down the track, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are planned as well as high-performance AMG models.

Classic Audi 100 cars at meet in Koblenz, Germany, May 2013

Classic Audi 100 cars at meet in Koblenz, Germany, May 2013

This photo was taken at the famous Deutsches Eck in the beautiful city of Koblenz, Germany. It was here that a gathering of Audi 100 owners recently met, with most of them more than happy to explain the history of their cars.

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder production-spec prototype

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder production-spec prototype

Porsche has finally given us our first look at the production 918 Spyder that’s due for delivery at the end of this year. The car’s styling is as impressive as that of its rivals, and now, thanks to some revised numbers, its performance is as well.

McLaren F1 car powered by Honda

McLaren F1 car powered by Honda

This photo may not look like much, but what it represents certainly has a lot of cachet. The photo was released as part of Honda’s announcement that it will be returning to the world of Formula One in 2015 and in the process revive one of the most successful partnerships the sport has ever known.

Volvo's Custom XC60 Camera Car

Volvo's Custom XC60 Camera Car

This beast is a custom six-wheeled Volvo XC60 built as a camera car for use in official photo shoots. Volvo says the custom ride joined the fleet a few weeks back, and replaces Volvo’s old camera car--an aging V70 with the rear roof removed. 

2014 BMW M5 leaked

2014 BMW M5 leaked

An updated version of the BMW M5 is in the works, and this image is proof that the new car is just around the corner. It’s a screen shot of the online configurator for the updated M5, which briefly went live on BMW’s German website.

2013 Holden Commodore V8 Supercars race car

2013 Holden Commodore V8 Supercars race car

Australia’s V8 Supercars is hosting its race in the U.S. this weekend, with the action already underway at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Pictured here is a Holden Commodore-based V8 Supercars race car, which, if you look closely, is almost identical to the Chevrolet SS sports sedan due on the market later this year.

That's it for this week. And if for some reason you aren't already following Motor Authority, we highly recommend you look us up on Twitter and Facebook after you subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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