2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe. Image: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz has become the latest automaker targeting Generation Y thrill-seekers, following on the heels of Ford’s “Octane Academy” contest. Mercedes’ latest Facebook promotion targets the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe to a new generation of buyers, specifically those with a taste for adventure and the ability to produce a short promotional video.

By submitting a one- or two-minute video showcasing your “prowess for adventure” to Mercedes-Benz’s Facebook page, entrants can win the use of a 2012 C-Class Coupe for a one-week adventure. Winners also get a $2,000 cash prize, ensuring that you won’t run out of gas or be forced to sleep in highway rest areas during your week-long odyssey.

The contest is called the “C-Coupe Your Week” program, and it runs through October 14 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Ten winners will be chosen, and winners will have videos and images from their adventures posted to Mercedes-Benz’s Facebook page.

The 2012 C-Class is the least expensive product in Mercedes’ current lineup, with sedan prices starting from $35,675 and coupe prices beginning at $38,095. That may be a little on the steep side for most millennial buyers, but the contest will get a younger generation exposed to the Mercedes-Benz brand, just in time for upcoming product launches. With less expensive B-Class and A-Class products due to launch over the next year, expect to see more promotions targeted to Generation Y shoppers from Mercedes in the coming months.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

We drive the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 and Ford builds a 2012 Explorer out of Legos. Lincoln is going away from the waterfall grille design while a gas station in Tennessee might be the first to offer rapid electric car charging. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on TheCarConnection.

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2012 Hyundai Veloster – First Drive

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We give the 2012 Hyundai Veloster an 8.6/10 for its value and its sporty economy .

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Toyota reused robots to help lower the cost of the 2012 Camry.

We hear the Toyota Supra will return in 2014. Hopefully it won’t turn out to be an endless tease like the FT-86.

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First factory-built Fisker Karma live photos

Jennifer Lopez stars in a new ad for the Fiat 500c. TheCarConnection

Henrik Fisker says the Karma will hit dealerships in October or November. GreenCarReports

U.S. motorists are driving less as gas prices hold steady. TheCarConnection

The last production Mitsubishi Eclipse will be auctioned off for charity. MotorAuthority

Mercedes-Benz is bringing small cars to the U.S. GreenCarReports

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a Top Safety Pick. FamilyCarGuide

Production of the Alfa Romeo 4C will begin in 2013. MotorAuthority

And U.S. sales of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulietta models have been delayed yet again. TheCarConnection

The 2013 Chevy Spark will receive some updates before going on sale in the U.S. GreenCarReports

Murilee Martin’s guilty pleasure this week: Datsun 810 MotorAuthority