New Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype breaks cover

Honda has revealed a new prototype Civic hatchback in Geneva.

Making its global premiere during press day at 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the 10th generation model is described as the sportiest Civic ever. With an assertive stance and ‘provocative’ new design the prototype features low, wide proportions and a long wheelbase - promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space, says Honda.

Running on new larger and wider wheels and tyres, at the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes is joined by LED headlights and daytime running lights which flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car which are joined by distinctive C-shaped LED rear light.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the Prototype said: “We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”

It will become the first European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines while further improvements have also been made to the existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine. A highly responsive turbocharger together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

The new Honda Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built in the UK.

New Competition Package for BMW M3 and M4

The BMW M3 Saloon, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible will now be available with a special Competition Package designed to enhance driving dynamics. 

The suite of upgrades results in an overall performance improvement with the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe (fitted with the optional 7-speed M Double Clutch transmission) accelerating from rest to 62mph in 4.0 seconds, while the M4 Convertible takes 4.3-. The sprint time for 6-speed manual models is similarly a tenth of a second faster compared to the standard car.

The Package includes Adaptive M Suspension with new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+). The standard Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC Dynamic Stability Control have also been adapted to match the upgraded dynamics. Machine-polished, weight- and rigidity-optimised 20-inch M alloy wheels with multi-spoke M styling and mixed tyres (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20) complete the list of chassis upgrades.

For the M3 and M4 Coupe, the interior features lightweight M sports seats featuring seatbelts with woven-in M stripes.

Exterior highlights include the M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes and extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. The high-gloss Black finish has been applied not only to the side window trim, window recess finishers and exterior mirror frames and bases, but also to the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the model badge on the tail.

On-the-road prices for cars fitted with the Competition Pack start from £59,595 for the M3 Saloon, topping out at £63,350 for the M4 Convertible.

VIP’s attend Ferrari 488 Spider London launch

Ferrari launched its new 488 Spider at a star-studded even in London last night.

VIP's including Jamie Campbell Bower, Lucy Watson, Becky Tong and Oliver Proudlock witnessed the unveiling of the 488 Spider during an exclusive event on London's Regent Street. The car was unveiled by Marc Gene, Scuderia Ferrari F1 test driver and the event was hosted by BBC F1’s Correspondent Tom Clarkson.

The 488 Spider is the latest chapter in open-top Ferrari V8 sports cars. Starting with the RHT (Retractable Hard Top), around which the entire car was developed, every area of the 488 Spider has been designed to set ‘new technological benchmarks for the sector’. The result, says Ferrari, is the most powerful and innovative Spider ever built.

In attendance at the launch were guests from the fashion, arts and creative communities as well as those with a passion for the Italian brand and Ferrari clients. Upon entering the venue, guests were able to get up close and personal with the 488 Spider, positioned centre stage on the ground floor.

As they made their way up the glass staircase at the Watches of Switzerland venue, guests were able to experience the Ferrari ‘Tailor-Made’ service as well as look down on the convertible fezza from up high.

Prices for the Ferrari 488 Spider have yet to be announced.

Lotus Evora Sport 410 unveiled

Lotus has revealed a new, lighter Evora Sport 410.

With weight of the Evora 400 cut by 70kg and featuring a host of high-performance carbon fibre components as standard, the Evora Sport 410 clocks 0-60 in 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186mph.

Powered by the same 410 hp supercharged engine as the track-bred 3-Eleven, the new, range-topping Evora has been thoroughly re-evaluated says Lotus, with every component assessed, optimised and reengineered as required. This covers every aspect of the car, including a simplified carbon fibre tailgate (combining five separate elements into one), new lighter-weight door trim panels and the ‘liberal addition’ of carbon fibre across the entire car.

The drop in mass, and a power boost, means the Evora Sport 410 is capable of lapping the company’s Hethel test track in 1 minute 28 seconds - 3 seconds faster than the Evora 400. Kerb weight now stands at 1,325 kg, the car provides a 309 hp/tonne while the reduction in mass has allowed sharper, more agile and intuitive handling - with even greater accuracy and feel, according to Lotus.

The high-performance, carbon fibre components have played the single biggest role in the Evora’s weight loss. These include front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, and rear diffuser as well as race-derived sports seats and a revised front access panel. The one-piece carbon tailgate incorporates a louvered section, inspired by some of Lotus’ most-famous heritage models, and together with carbon rear quarter-light panels help provide the car with a sleeker, fastback-style trailing roofline. These changes have also improved the car’s aerodynamic downforce by 15 per cent with no increase in drag.

As standard, the Evora Sport 410 comes with carbon fibre sports seats trimmed with Alcantara, along with the steering wheel and centre console. The cabin has received attention as part of its development with weight saving measures including a one-piece door trim panels finished in Alcantara, with contrast stitching, the deletion of door arm rests and stowage pockets, the relocation of tailgate and fuel filler release buttons and the removal of speakers - if an entertainment system is not specified.

The Lotus Evora Sport 410 will be limited to a global production run of one-hundred and fifty vehicles per year and will go on sale from June 2016.

Mercedes-AMG reveals C 43 4MATIC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG has added a new new C 43 4MATIC Coupe to its C-Class family.

The 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is mated to a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that, together with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the model-specific chassis technology, provides ‘high agility and exhilarating lateral dynamics’. The 0-62mph time takes 4.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

With model-specific software application, AMG says it has managed to ‘substantially’ reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. Multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for ‘an even more emotive driving experience’. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel.

"The extension of the C-Class family to include the new C 43 4MATIC Coupe is another component in our growth strategy. It not only enriches the wide line-up of the C-Class family, but also starts the introduction of a whole series of new ‘43’ models this year," says Mercedes-AMG GmbH chairman Tobias Moers. "The ‘43’ models boast the characteristic AMG genes, which are also included in our GT and ‘63’ vehicles, and thus consistently interpret our brand essence of 'Driving Performance' in their segment."

In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the 'sailing' function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Characteristic sporty features includes distinctive AMG styling such as the front apron with sporty distinctive air intakes, diamond meshes, silver chrome trim, as well as the rear apron with matt iridium silver diffuser insert. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black and the AMG lettering. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

Additional highlights include the black exterior mirror housings, the high-gloss black waistline trim strip and window frame, as well as the two chrome-plated tailpipes with centre divider. AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually.

Inside, the driver finds a secure position in the sports seat even driving at speed thanks to 'improved lateral support', while the AMG instrument cluster delivers all relevant information in a clearly arranged layout optimised for a dynamic driving style. An authentic sports car look and feel is provided by two tube-shaped round dials, 11.4 cm (4.5-inch) multifunction colour display, RACETIMER and 280 km/h scale in chequered-flag design.

McLaren 570GT to be debut in Geneva

McLaren will debut the new 570GT at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The McLaren 570GT joins the 570S Coupe and 540C Coupe as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series family. Described as practical enough for everyday use, the two-seat, mid-engined sportscar is the most refined and road-biased McLaren yet, designed with a focus on day-to-day usability and long distance comfort. It offers ‘increased levels’ of practicality and comfort, while remaining a true McLaren.

A standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof provides a bright, open cabin running through to the large rear opening glass hatch. With the increased glass area of the 570GT, cabin temperatures is regulated and maintained by an enhanced dual-zone air conditioning system as well as an 18 percent transmission glass tint.

Targeted towards longer journeys and weekends away, the ‘spacious and ergonomically-optimised cabin’ features a pair of eight-way electrically adjustable sports seats, upholstered in leather as standard. The control interfaces for the air conditioning, telephony, navigation and audio systems are managed through the centrally-mounted touchscreen, while vehicle setup is configurable via the TFT LCD digital instrument cluster.

The front luggage area remains unchanged from the Coupe, providing 150 litres of stowage, while a further 220 litres of space is available behind the seats on the leather-lined Touring Deck. This additional space is accessed via the side opening Glass Hatch bringing the total storage space for the 570GT to 370 litres. The Glass Hatch opens on the kerbside whether left- or right-hand drive and is framed by carbon fibre providing significant torsional rigidity.

Power comes from the McLaren-developed 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine which debuted in the 570S Coupe. With 562bhp and 600 Nm, power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment through Normal, Sport and Track settings. The settings include bespoke gearchange calibrations with comfort (Normal), Cylinder Cut (Sport) and Inertia Push (Track) technologies all available.

Sharing the newly developed suspension system with the other models in the Sports Series, the 570GT emphasises long distance comfort through further fine tuning to the system which includes a reduction in spring rate stiffness of 15 percent at the front and 10 percent at the rear. Independent adaptive dampers can be dynamically adjusted through Normal, Sport and Track settings, and are coupled to front and rear anti-roll bars.

The 570GT uses a carbon fibre chassis, weighing in at 75kg, contributing to a dry weight of 1,350kg (2,976lb), which equates to 422PS per tonne - for a 0-62 mph time of in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph. The 570GT returns 26.6 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) on the EU combined cycle and emissions of 249 g/km.

The 570GT is priced from £154,000 in the UK, with first deliveries due to commence late in 2016.

James Bond’s Aston Martin sells for £2.4million

An incredibly rare Aston Martin DB10 made for the latest James Bond film Spectre, sold under the hammer for an amazing £2,434,500.

The auction at Christie’s will provide funds to the Medecins Sans Frontieres charity. The bidding was described as ‘tense and exciting’ before a final bid of an whopping £2,434,500.

The buyer now owns a true piece of automotive history; the only Aston Martin DB10 to be made available for public sale. Celebrating the British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse of the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins. Production of the DB10 was strictly limited to 10 models of the bespoke sports car which was developed and hand-built by the designers, engineers and artisan craftspeople at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters in the UK for the latest Bond film, Spectre.

Eight of the DB10’s were modified for filming, but two of those produced were kept back as show cars for display purposes only and the DB10 auctioned is one of them.

The money raised by the auction will benefit Medecins Sans Frontieres. MSF - or ‘Doctors without Borders’ – is a global humanitarian aid organisation that provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The DB10 is one of the rarest cars ever created. Only 10 will ever be made and this is the only one that will be made available for sale. It’s great to see this DB10 raising vital funds for Medecins Sans Frontieres, it is a fantastic charity that we are delighted to support”.

‘James Bond Spectre – The Live Auction’, was a unique collection of 10 lots which raised a total of £2,785,500 on the night. A further 14 lots are available in the online sale, which continues until 23 February, celebrating the release of the 24th Bond film on Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

Renault reveals Alpine Vision concept

Alpine, part of the Renault group, has revealed its new Vision show car.

The production car will closely resemble the concept, when it goes on sale in 2017. “Motorsports and sports cars are deeply rooted in the DNA of Groupe Renault,” said Carlos Ghosn, Groupe Renault Chairman and CEO. “Earlier this month we announced our return to Formula One with a Renault team, and today we are announcing Alpine. This is an exciting next step in our strategy to leverage talent and technology between road and track, and we look forward to reaching new customers in the sport premium cars segment.”

The show car Alpine Vision combines ‘sensual design with outstanding agility’, and is inspired by the Alpine A110 Berlinette of the 1960s. The Alpine Vision is powered by a new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine which, combined with the cars low weight offers a 0-62mph time of less than 4.5 seconds - the target for the future production model.

Alpine will be managed by a small team with one sole mission, according to Renault - ‘to meet and exceed the expectations of the demanding sport premium customer’. “All of us at Alpine are proud to have been entrusted with the task of bringing back Alpine to sports car lovers around the world”, said Michael van der Sande, Alpine Managing Director. “Our job is to faithfully re-interpret famous Alpines of the past and project Alpine into the future with a beautifully designed, agile, high-performance sports car. Our Alpine Vision show car is immediately recognizable as an Alpine yet resolutely modern. We look forward to revealing the production model later this year.”

Over the next 12 months, the Alpine team will focus on building ‘an outstanding car, very close to today’s show car in terms of design, weight, handling, agility and attention to detail’. Priorities will also include building out the team and the network, and finally, to pursue racing.

The new Alpine will go on sale in 2017 initially in Europe, followed by other markets worldwide.

BMW M2 Coupe gets M Performance upgrades

Following on from BMW's announcement that the M2 Coupe will be the official MotoGP Safety Car, the German brand has added M Sport Performance Parts for the M2 Coupe.

From next month, the dynamic qualities and the visual appearance of the M2 Coupe can be further enhanced with the newly presented range of BMW M Performance Parts. They comprise components derived from motor racing for the areas of aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension.

Featuring an extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre) - these include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps. The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser optimise the airflow around the vehicle, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance. The M Performance radiator grille enhances the sporty appearance along with the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.

The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control. The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound. Meanwhile the Track setting ‘further intensifies’ the volume and character of the exhaust sound. The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available.

The M2 Coupe can be fitted with the BMW M Performance coil-spring suspension so as to optimise road holding and handling. BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety. The interior of the BMW M2 Coupe can also be given a definite touch of sporty style with the addition of M Performance LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side, M Performance floor mats, stainless steel pedal covers and an M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara. This is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o’clock position.

In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.

The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.

On sale in April, prices for the BMW M2 Coupe start at £44,070 OTR.

Eagle adds Jaguar Spyder GT to range

Renowned Jaguar E-Type specialists ‘Eagle’ has announced the third in their trilogy of special edition E-Types - the new Eagle Spyder GT.

The British company has conducted complete and compromise free restorations on original Jaguar E-Types for over thirty years - aiming to ‘refine, develop and deliver exceptional engineering for the Jaguar E-Type while remaining true to the spirit of this extraordinary car’.

The Spyder GT combines the style and dynamics of the previous Eagle Speedster with the high performance touring capability of the Eagle Low Drag GT- and incorporates a folding roof for practicality.

The first car from the East Sussex company was the Speedster, which was developed from a client request and then feted around the world. It starred on Top Gear in 2011. The Eagle Low Drag GT - inspired by Malcolm Sayer’s Low Drag Coupe developed for Jaguar in 1961 - followed soon after.

With the ‘poise and performance’ of the Low Drag GT and the styling of the Speedster - the Spyder GT’s raked windscreen and folding roof offer the best of both worlds – whatever the weather.

An all-aluminium E-Type lightweight roadster based around an original 1960s classic, every line and detail is honed to perfection and performance is greatly enhanced says Eagle. Each of the very few produced will have an entirely bespoke specification dependent of the specific desires of each client.

Paul Brace, Design Director at Eagle said: “Development of the Spyder GT began soon after the launch of the Speedster in 2011 and, like everything we produce, we wanted to ensure that we got as close to perfection as humanly possible. We’re renowned for being perfectionists and our clients are too - so we took the time to develop and deliver an E-Type that stands proud alongside the Speedster and the Low Drag GT.”

Henry Pearman, Eagle Founder and MD commented: “Like many, my love of the E-Type set hold at a very young age and has become a lifetime's dedication. The team here at Eagle have taken this love of E-Types to a new dimension by creating the ultimate trilogy of special edition E-Types - complementing the beautiful originals that form the backbone here at Eagle. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the last thirty years - and excited about what we’ll do in the future!”

The first Eagle Spyder GT will be presented to the commissioning customer during the Summer of 2016. Eagle will be exhibiting at the London Classic Car Show 18-21 February, showing ten E-Types.

Last true Italian Lamborghini Diablo SV up for auction

A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV is set to go under the hammer this March.

Believed to be the very last Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory before German brand Volkswagen took full ownership, Diablo SV will be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show.

The car is also thought to be the last Diablo imported into the UK as well as the last Diablo SV off the production line. 'V12 SVR' left the factory on the 21st of December in 1999 immediately before Lamborghini shut down for the Christmas break and their celebrations to mark the end of the Century. For the previous few months the Volkswagen Group had been in financial control of the company but the end of that year marked a turning point. From the beginning of 2000 some feel that German efficiency began to replace the magic of Italy in terms of the bloodline, style and general madness of the Italian supercars.

Speaking ahead of the sale of the car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: ”It’s a delight to be able to offer this fantastic part of Lamborghini history in the year of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the company’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. The Diablo is a wonderful car that truly represents everything the marque is famous for.”

This right-hand drive example has covered just over 32,000 miles from new and is finished in what Silverstone Auctions believe may be a one-off colour of Pearl Red/Orange combined with a grey/black leather/alcantara interior.

This Diablo is still very much original. The original Lamborghini tool roll with its appropriate tools is present with the original tyre inflator and a very luxurious, custom-made, fleece-lined indoor car cover in red with an embroidered Lamborghini logo.

The condition of the car is described as 'amazing for the year and it drives superbly', particularly after a chassis and suspension restoration in 2013 at a cost of over £10,000. A full geometry set-up was carried out by Grimaldi Engineering in 2013 and in January 2016 the car was serviced and MoT’d.

Nick Whale added: ”Owning a Diablo SV is a dream for most people, however if purchasing one is an option for you, then the appeal of this Lamborghini 'Devil' may be too much to resist.”

The Lamborghini Diablo SV has an estimated at between £150,000 and £170,000 and will be offered in the sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 6th March.

New limited BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

BMW has revealed a new, limited model - the i8 ‘Protonic Red Edition’.

Available for a limited period only, the paintwork has been created exclusively for this car - Protonic Red with Frozen Grey metallic accents. The colour scheme is complemented by BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in Aluminium matt and mixed-size tyres (front: 215 R20, rear: 245/40).

On the inside of the plug-in-hybrid, the special edition i8 comes with ‘high-class’ red double-stitching and exclusive carbon fibre and ceramic trims.

The lightweight and aerodynamically optimised i8 was the first BMW production model to be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. This 1.5-litre engine develops 231hp and drives the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm is available from 3,700rpm. The car’s second power source is a 96 kW/131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor which sends its power to the front axle. The motor develops 250Nm torque from a standstill and can also power the vehicle by itself with a range in everyday driving of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone. Top speed is 155mph, 0-62 takes 4.4 seconds while the i8 emitts 59g/km of CO2 and returns 113mpg.

The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will be produced from July onwards and will officially be on sale from September, 2016 priced at £112,535 OTR.

nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO granted road licence

The nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO has become the first low-voltage electric vehicle to be licensed for road use in Europe.

First test drives of the latest model from the QUANT range are planned for later in 2016. The nanoFlowcell power unit enables a range of over 600 miles (precise range figures will be determined during these tests) with zero-emissions.

The QUANTiNO is now the second vehicle with nanoFlowcell technology, alongside the QUANT-E. The 2+2-seater is notable for its low-voltage electrical system, with a rated voltage of just 48 volts it can generate 80 kW/108 hp for a 0 to 62mph time of less than five seconds and the top speed of 124mph.

The low-voltage system forms ‘an exceptionally efficient symbiosis’ that promises a ‘significantly greater potential range’ compared with the systems commonly used in electric vehicles. Furthermore, it eliminates the danger of electric shocks that can be caused by a high-voltage system in the event of an accident or when undertaking repair work.

The nanoFlowcell vehicle runs with absolutely no emissions, while the ‘ionic liquid’ (electrolyte fuel) is harmless to the environment and to health, is described as cost-effective to produce. The ionic liquids are nontoxic and nonflammable with no need for high-level safety protocols.

nanoFlowcell describes the QUANTiNO as ‘remarkably straightforward’ to drive and as easy to control as a conventional electric car or a petrol-driven vehicle. It also comes with plenty of 'electro-dynamic driving fun and a whisper-quiet soundtrack'. Likewise, filling up the QUANTiNO with ionic liquid involves a process similar to that for a petrol-powered vehicle – with a hose and a refuelling nozzle.

nanoFlowcell AG will present further details on the QUANTiNO and other nanoFlowcell technology showcases at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Ferrari reveals new GTC4Lusso

Ferrari has revealed the GTC4Lusso - a new four-seater Grand Tourer which, for the first time, integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive.

Ferrari says the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to the Prancing Horse brand, building on the work of its predecessor, the FF, which won over a new, younger client base that also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30 percent higher mileage than average.

The GTC4Lusso's name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari's favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. The number 4 alludes to the car's four-seater configuration.

Power comes from a V12-cylinder engine developing 680 hp at 8,000 rpm, while maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80 percent available from as low as 1,750 rpm. These figures translate into a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of well over 200mph!

The GTC4Lusso is equipped with Ferrari's 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system, which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. 

There are new aerodynamic solutions, including a new front grille with integrated air intakes, air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. These elements combine to deliver a drag coefficient, says Ferrari, that is "substantially lower than on the FF".

The styling, by Ferrari Design, is a refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting the concept with a streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.

In the cabin there's a new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25" HD screen with capacitive touch technology and a new steering wheel that's more compact, thanks to a smaller air bag, with integrated controls that are more ergonomic, making for an even sportier driving experience. 

The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

Mercedes confirms new SL pricing

Mercedes has announced pricing for the new SL will start at £73,805 for the SL 400 AMG Line.

The SL range comprises of four petrol engines. The entry level SL 400 comes with a 4.0-litre V6 engine (175 g/km of CO2), which produces 367 hp – 34 hp more than its predecessor – has a 0-62 time of 4.9 seconds, and will be limited to just 130 vehicles. The SL 500 costs from £82,850 OTR and features a 4.6-litre V8 motor (205 g/km) with an output of 455 hp – for a 0-62 mph time of 4.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 will cost from £114,100 OTR and is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine (234 g/km CO2) with 585 hp, meaning it can sprint from 0 to 62 in 4.1 seconds. The SL 65, priced at £173,295 comes with a 6.0-litre V12 engine (279 g/m), which has an output of 630 hp and a 0-62 time of four seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 65 adds extra equipment, including: AMG high performance composite braking system; AMG DYNAMIC SELECT; AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather; AMG Sports Exhaust System; AMG sports suspension; and ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering on the front wings (‘V12 BITURBO’ for SL 65).

The entire SL range is optionally available with Night Package (SL 400: £895; SL 500 £495; SL 63 £2,475; SL 65 £795). The Package consists of 19-inch AMG alloy wheels with a seven-twin-spoke design (20-inch alloy wheels with a cross-spoke design available on SL 63 and SL 65); a diffuser trim strip and front splitter in high-gloss black and exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black.

The KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (£1,605) allows the vehicle to be accessed without the driver having to touch the key. Additionally, the HANDS-FREE ACCESS function includes fully automatic opening and closing of the boot lid with a simple ‘kicking movement’ under the rear bumper.

Inside, the SL 400 and SL 500 come with the new aluminium trim with dark longitudinal grain as standard, while SL 63 and SL 65 come with as standard with the AMG carbon-fibre trim. A light carbon grain trim as also been added as a no-cost option. Brilliant Blue has now also been added to the SL’s colour palette, and, like its other metallic colour options, is available at no extra cost.

For an additional £2,730, customers can add the Luxury Package which includes: Active Body Control including Curve Tilt Function; Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system; Active Multicontour Seat Package; climatised seats including seat heating and ventilation; and power closing for doors and boot lid.

The Mercedes SL is available to order now.

New Renault KWID revealed in India

Renault has unveiled two new KWID show cars at the New Delhi Auto Show.

The KWID is currently enjoying record success in India with 90,000 orders already taken for the model since its launch four months ago. Renault is keen to build on the success with the two new cars - the KWID Climber and KWID Racer. While the former is bred for venturing away from the beaten track, the latter is more at home on the asphalt of race circuits.

The KWID Climber is an off-road variant, with high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs - built for adventure off the beaten track. The KWID Racer conjures up the world of racing, with 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage. Finished in a sporty metallic blue, its wide air intakes are suggestive of performance, while the spoilers and diffuser ‘guarantee outstanding handling’. The inside of the car features materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon.

Renault also showed a brand new 1.0 litre engine with an optimised design for better performance, that it plans to launch, as well as introducing the ‘Easy-R Gear Box’ - an all-new 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). This clutch free driving experience combines the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission with the convenience of automated gear shifting.

At present there are no plans for the Renault KWID to come to the UK.

More power for flagship Audi RS Q3 Performance

Audi has topped off its Q3 range with a new 'RS performance' model pumping out 367PS - an increase of 27PS over the 'standard' RS Q3.

 Joining RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants in the new wave of models positioned above regular RS equivalents, the RS Q3 performance boasts improved acceleration on the way to a 167mph top speed, and features equipment enhancements
which help distinguish it from its namesake.

Power comes from a revised version of the five-cylinder 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343.0 lbft) is available between 1,625 and 5,550 rpm, helping the compact SUV reach 62mph from rest in 4.4 seconds (RS Q3 4.8), yet deliver combined consumption of up to 32.8mpg, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 203 g/km. 

The sports suspension has been lowered by 20mm while quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfers the power to the road via a hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. 

RS design details include restyled bumpers with large air inlets up front, a heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear and gloss black honeycomb grilles. 

The exterior is also distinguishable from the 'standard' RS Q3 through additional matt titanium-look detailing, 20-inch 'performance exclusive' alloy wheels and the exclusive option of Ascari blue metallic paint. 

Inside the instrumentation features grey faces, white dials and red needles. Sports seats in Alcantara and leather with honeycomb stitching in blue are standard for UK models, and the blue accents are also applied to other elements throughout the cabin. 

UK order books for the new Audi RS Q3 performance are expected to open later this month with prices starting from £49,175 on the road.

Mazda RX-VISION concept wins design award

Mazda’s new sports car concept has won ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ at the Festival Automobile International.

First revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the rotary-powered sports car concept features ’exquisitely proportioned dimensions and stunning lines’ says Mazda.

The concept award goes to the vehicle that best embodies pure design creativity and emerging trends. Representing a ‘vision’ of the future, the concept continue’s Mazda’s ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, with smooth-flowing proportions hinting at the performance of the car while paying tribute to Mazda’s heritage of front engine, rear-wheel drive sports cars. The rotary powertrain’s compactness makes characteristics like the low bonnet possible.

Nominated alongside the Bentley Exp10 Speed 6, Peugeot Fractal and Porsche Mission E at this year’s Festival Automobile International, Mazda’s international design chief, Ikuo Maeda accepted the award Tuesday evening together with Kevin Rice, Mazda’s European design director, Julien Montousse, his counterpart at Mazda North America, and Mazda designer Norihito Iwao.

The RX-VISION will be on display at the Festival Automobile International’s concept car exhibition in Paris at the Hotel National des Invalides until 31 January.

DeLorean DMC-12 back in to Production

Production of the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 is to start up again after a 33 years.

The move comes after the US federal government approved a low-volume manufacturing bill. DMC (DeLorean Motor Company) a company not affiliated with the car’s original manufacturer but one that repairs the 9,000-strong original DMC-12 out there, can now go one step further and build full DeLorean replicas.

The last DMC-12 rolled off the production line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, in 1983 but has gained a cult following after starring in the Back to The Future films of the 80s.

For nearly five decades, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not distinguished between a company producing millions of cars and a small business making a few custom cars. NHTSA's one-size-fits-all approach meant that these small companies were subject to the same regulations and paperwork burdens as the large automakers that mass-produce vehicles.

In December 2015, a ‘Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act’ allowing small companies to produce a limited number of completed replica motor vehicles that resemble the appearance of cars produced 25 years ago or more was inserted to the federal highway bill and signed into law.

The vehicles must meet current Clean Air Act standards for the model year in which they are produced, with DMC yet to confirm who the new engine supplier would be. The new law allows the low volume vehicle manufacturer to meet the standards by installing an engine and emissions equipment produced by any modern day manufacturer.

In anticipation of this legislation, the DeLorean Motor Company says it has been working for some time to identify a supplier for engines and other parts that must be reproduced to facilitate the production for 2017. A number of hurdles exist before production can begin, with the Texas based business still in an early stage of determining the feasibility of moving forward.

It’s thought the company plans to produce a small production run of around 300 cars, with prices expected to be around the $100,000 mark (around £70k).

200mph Jaguar F-Type SVR to debut in Geneva

Jaguar has shown a new F-Type SVR - Special Vehicle Operations - ahead of a Geneva Motor Show global debut. 

The new F-Type SVR is the first Jaguar from the SVR department and is developed to exploit the two-seat aluminium sports car’s full potential while retaining its day-to-day usability. Capable of 200mph, the F-Type SVR is lighter, faster and more powerful. Jaguar says it takes performance, dynamics and driver involvement to a new level ‘yet retains the comfort and duality of character inherent to all Jaguar cars’.

“The new F-Type SVR is the first series production Jaguar to be developed by Special Vehicle Operations and benefits from everything we know about precision engineering, performance and design. The result is a 200mph, all-weather supercar that you can drive every day – we even made a Convertible version so that enthusiasts can revel in the sound from the new titanium exhaust system” said John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

Further details will be revealed in Geneva.

The new Jaguar F-Type SVR will go on sale in summer 2016.