The Audi RS 3 is being reintroduced in five-door, Sportback guise. Powered by a 400PS TFSI engine, 0-62mph takes 4.1-seconds and - with the optional dynamic package plus - the de-restricted top speed is 174mph. The RS 3 is 25mm lower than a regular A3, and has flared front arches to accommodate a wider front track and the standard fit 19-inch alloys. At the rear there’s an elongated RS roof spoiler, a rear diffuser and an RS exhaust system with large oval tailpipes.
A new range-topping BMW M Performance 7 Series has been revealed. The flagship M760Li xDrive is powered by a 6.6-litre engine, pumping out 610 bhp for a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 189mph, with the optional M Driver’s Package. The standard-fit eight-speed Sport transmission has been specially adapted for sportier gear changes, while an M aerodynamic package with larger air intakes at the front is joined by exclusive 20-inch light-alloy wheels and M sports exhaust system with flap control, for a ‘rich V12 soundtrack’.
Mercedes-AMG has unleashed the fastest estate car in its segment - the E 63 S 4MATIC+. Powered by a 612 bhp 4.0‑litre V8, the all-wheel drive sports wagon sprints from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds, yet at the same time the engine is now more efficient thanks to a cylinder deactivation system fitted as standard. New design details include a sporty front end with a coupé-like bonnet, wider arches and large AMG alloys. The new Mercedes-AMG E 63 S will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Euro NCAP is its marking 20th Anniversary with a crash test comparison of two family cars built two decades apart. A 1997 Rover 100 was tested alongside the latest Honda Jazz, displaying a marked difference in crashworthiness. The Rover, with no crumple zones or safety cell seems to just disintegrate while the Honda is clearly stronger and offers multiple air bags against the Rover’s one. Euro NCAP is confident that safety advances driven by rigorous testing have helped deliver a 63% reduction in the number of car occupants killed or seriously injured.
BMW has revealed its fifth generation 5 Series Touring. The new estate car is larger and more spacious than the outgoing model, but around 100kg lighter. It will be available with four engines, with stand out figures including a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds for the 3.0-litre 540i while the 520d offers up to 65.7 mpg. The boot capacity has increased and the now standard-fit Air suspension at the rear means the new car can carry loads of up to 730kg - 120kg more than its predecessor. The BMW 5 Series Touring will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Kia’s new Rio has gone on sale, with prices starting at just under £12k. Larger than the outgoing model, the new Rio will be sold as a five-door only and promises improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions thanks to new high-tech engines. Regular trim levels are badged 1, 2 and 3 for simplicity, but from launch the range is topped by a limited-run, First Edition model, seen here in Blaze red which comes with 17-inch alloys, faux leather interior and a 6-speed manual gearbox, priced at £17,445 OTR.
Lamborghini’s latest Aventador S has made its dynamic debut in Valencia. A select group of International journalists took the new Lambo around the Ricardo Tormo circuit, as well as on the surrounding roads. Powered by a V12, 6.5-litre engine - with an extra 40 bhp over its predecessor for a total of 740 brake horse power, the Aventador S will accelerate from 0-62 in just 2.9 seconds on to a top speed of 217mph.
The current Ford Mustang achieved a lowly two-star rating for overall safety in a series of recent crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP. There are concerns about its crash protection for adult and child occupants with a ‘worrying lack’ of safety equipment commonly available on the European market. Euro NCAP says the driver and passenger airbags inflated insufficiently and noted that the European Mustang does not have the US-spec Forward Collision Warning system. Ford has confirmed its forthcoming facelifted Mustang will feature upgraded safety kit as standard.
Following on from its World debut in Detroit, Kia’s new high-performance sports saloon – the Stinger - has been revealed in European spec. The fastest production Kia to date features a long bonnet, short overhangs and a fastback roofline. The rear-wheel-drive five-seater is powered by a choice of two petrol engines or a diesel - all turbocharged - mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says it’s targeting a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph. The new Stinger is set to arrive in Europe later this year.
Ford has facelifted its Mustang for 2017. A lower, re-modeled bonnet and grille deliver a leaner look and refined aerodynamics, while LED lighting has been added front and rear. Under the skin new suspension brings increased lateral stiffness with sharper response and handling, while a new 10-speed automatic transmission is also available. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine has been recalibrate while the 5.0-litre V8 has been thoroughly reworked, says Ford, and is more powerful than ever. The facelifted Ford Mustang isn't expected in the UK until 2018.
Jaguar has revamped its F-Type for 2017, with more driver-focused technology, new front bumpers and full LED headlights. An exclusive 400 SPORT launch edition is available for one model year only, powered by a new 400PS version of the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine. The special edition features an uprated chassis and braking system, 20-inch alloys and a unique Dark Satin Grey finish. The new Jaguar F-Type starts from £51,450 OTR while the 400 SPORT launch edition is priced at just over £70k.
The performance division of Mercedes - AMG - is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebrations with the launch of a new GT C Coupe. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto show, the GT C will initially be available exclusively as a special ‘Edition 50’ model, with plenty of black chrome and unique paint finishes including graphite grey. Power comes from a 4.0-litre V8 engine delivering 557 horse power, which translates into a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S have also been facelifted and upgraded with even more power.
The first Ford GT customer car has rolled off the production line. The rear-wheel drive Supercar features an aircraft-inspired body design and active aerodynamics. A twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine produces nearly 600 bhp, and when coupled with extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium - results in one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car says Ford. Initially just 500 vehicles are to be built, and the first of these are shortly due to reach their new owners around the globe.
The most powerful MINI Clubman yet has gone on sale, starting at £29,345 OTR. Receiving the full John Cooper Works treatment, the new Clubman features upgraded suspension, styling tweaks and an all-wheel drive system as standard for maximum traction when putting the hammer down, unleashing 231 bhp for a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds. If you require an eight-speed sports Steptronic transmission, that’ll cost you an extra £1600 while a Chili pack - with heated seats and 19-inch alloys will set you back an extra £2,000.
Lamborghini has revealed its new Aventador S. Front downforce has been improved by more than 130% over the previous model, thanks to a more aggressive nose and longer front splitter. The new Lambo features a number of exterior design developments - particularly at the front and rear - while in profile it remains clearly an Aventador. The 6.5-litre engine pumps out 740 bhp - 40 more horse power than its predecessor - for a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 217mph. Prices for the Lamborghini Aventador S start at £225k excluding tax.
Mercedes has revealed its new E-Class Coupé. Larger than the outgoing model, the sleek new Coupé features a low-slung sports grille, a long bonnet with ‘powerdomes’ and frameless side windows. A choice of petrol and diesel engines include a new 2.0-litre diesel which returns 71mpg, while the initial three petrol engines available from launch have a range of outputs - from 184 to 333 bhp. On the inside two high-resolution displays are merged under a single lens to produce a ‘floating’ Widescreen Cockpit effect. UK pricing and specification will be announced at the end of the year.
Lexus has revealed its new flagship LC coupe. The luxury 2+2 is available in either LC 500h hybrid guise - the first model to feature Lexus’s Multi Stage Hybrid System with ‘much improved’ performance - while the LC 500 is powered by a 477 PS, 5.0-litre V8 engine. Both power units are mated to a segment-first Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission. With a sporty, sweeping roofline, the LC also features sports suspension and 20-inch alloys as standard. Further specifications, and equipment details will be announced in 2017.
Infiniti has shipped its new Q60 sports coupé to Cuba, making it the first US-spec car registered there since 1958. The Q60’s arrival marks Infiniti executive design director Alfonso Albaisa’s first trip to Havana - where his great-uncle, architect Max Borges-Recio, designed many buildings in the capital including the world famous Tropicana club. The Infiniti Q60 is on sale now with prices starting at £33,990 OTR.
Further details of the new Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain model have been revealed. With flared arches, large wheels, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard - the latest E-Class also features a model-specific ‘All-Terrain’ mode which includes settings for off-road driving, and raises the car by an extra 20mm. Only the E 350 d model is expected to go on sale in the UK next year - with pricing to be set around the £50k mark.
The Ferrari World Finals, in Daytona, saw the covers come off the new 488 Challenge. The latests Ferrari is the first ever turbo-charged model to join the international Challenge racing series and also the most powerful - with 660 brake horse power from its 3.9-litre V8 engine. The most noticeable changes compared to the road car are aerodynamic - including a completely redesigned front bumper, new rear flanks that take cooling air to the rear brakes, optimising downforce and a monster rear wing to increase stability at high speeds.
