The jury at this year’s International Automobile Festival, chaired by architect Jean Michel Wilmotte, has awarded the Ferrari GTC4Lusso the “Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year” grand prize. This represents the first ever European award of the year for the four-seater GT.

During the opening ceremony of the annual French car show at Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, Ferrari’s current senior vice president of design, Flavio Manzoni, received the award in front of 600 guests.

Following in the footsteps of the FF – an acronym for “Ferrari Four” (four seats and four-wheel drive) – the GTC4Lusso, which was first unveiled at last year’s Geneva motor show, is Ferrari’s most recent take on a shooting brake concept.

The introduction of models with fastback-like silhouettes is said to have won the Italian carmaker a new, younger buying audience.

Source: Ferrari

McLaren has confirmed its second-generation Super Series, which makes its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month, will be powered by a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.

The 650S successor will accelerate from standstill to 124 mph in just 7.8 seconds and cover a standing quarter mile in 10.3 seconds, according to Super Series vehicle line director, Haydn Baker.

The new 4.0-litre M840T’s twin-scroll turbochargers are also claimed to spool up more rapidly than previous designs, delivering reduced turbo lag and quicker throttle response as a result.

“Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved,” says Baker.

In terms of sound output, McLaren claims the new exhaust system has been tuned to deliver a “crescendo” effect, depending on engine rpm and load. A sports exhaust will also come as an option.

Other more ‘decorative’ details include an engine bay illumination feature that is triggered as part of the welcome sequence when the car is unlocked.

Source: McLaren

With the 2017 Formula 1 World Championship set to kick off on 26 March, Aston Martin has unveiled its latest additions to the Vantage range, namely, the V8 and V12 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Editions.

Styled by the brand’s in-house personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, the bespoke models have been created to celebrate the two companies’ ‘Innovation Partnership’ that will beget the AM-RB 001 hypercar.

Taking inspiration from Red Bull Racing’s race livery, the cars are finished in a deep “Mariana Blue” paint colour as standard, with “Tungsten Silver” or satin Mariana Blue exteriors also coming as an option.

Other race-inspired details include a carbon-fibre splitter, diffuser, grille and side strakes, while red infills on the carbon-fibre grille and yellow calipers complete the colour scheme.

Inside, sporting features include Red Bull Racing headrest embroidery, carbon-fibre trim inlays and a colour-coded leather-clad steering wheel complete with 12 o’clock accent stripe.

The signatures of Red Bull Racing drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen also feature on both the sill and inspection plaques.

“Motorsport is and will always be a key part of Aston Martin’s DNA and both the V8 and V12 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Editions bring that ethos straight to our customers,” says Aston Martin boss, Dr. Andy Palmer.

Source: Aston Martin

Koenigsegg has revealed the one-off Agera RS Gryphon ahead of its debut at next week’s Geneva motor show.

Perhaps the final iteration of the now out-of-production Agera RS, and built for a US customer, the Gryphon is powered by Koenigsegg’s optional one-megawatt engine, taking the 5.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged powerplant to a staggering 1341 bhp.

With a curb weight, including fluids, of just 1395 kg, the Gryphon is also within a hair of the magical 1:1 power to weight ratio, previously only achieved by the Koenigsegg One:1.

The exterior, meanwhile, features a carbon-fibre body with highlights finished in 24-carat gold leaf; the latter has been used for all the external striping and badging.

On the inside, the car gets a combination of black alcantara, polished carbon-fibre and black anodised aluminium. The gold detailing also continues, with the seats featuring a gold-coloured logo and piping. A customised ‘Gryphon’ logotype stitched into the dashboard in gold thread completes the look.

In addition to the Gryphon, Geneva will also see the reveal of the Swedish manufacturer’s first fully built Regeras – two of them, to be precise: The first finished in a colour reminiscent of classic British Racing Green, and the second wearing a combination of candy apple red with a clear carbon-fibre centre section. Both cars have also been fitted with Koenigsegg’s new ‘Tresex’ hollow-core carbon-fibre wheels, which are claimed to reduce wheel mass by 40% compared to an alloy wheel of the same size.

Underneath, the hybrid Regera features three electric motors – one on the crankshaft and one on each of the rear wheels – powered by what is said to be the world’s first 800V electrical system in a production car.

The system works in concert with the brand’s twin-turbo V8 engine to deliver 1479 bhp and over 1475 lb-ft of torque. The result is claimed speed times of 93 to 155 mph in just over 3 seconds, and from 0 to 249 mph in under 20 seconds.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a so-called “Direct Drive”, an all-new system developed in-house by Koenigsegg that replaces the traditional gearbox and which is claimed to be significantly lighter and more efficient than a conventional transmission.

Source: Koenigsegg

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the hybrid-powered Mercedes-AMG GT Concept show car at this year’s Geneva motor show.

The four-door sports vehicle gives a sneak preview of the exterior design of the coming series production model that is expected to launch sometime in 2019.

After the Formula 1 racing car, the design study now becomes the second AMG model to bear the new designation “EQ Power+”, which all performance hybrids from Mercedes-AMG will be given in the future.

The hybrid system combines AMG’s 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with an electric motor to deliver a claimed power output of over 800 bhp, while 0-62 mph is said to take less than three seconds.

The fully variable AMG performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive is also supported by the electric motor. It drives the rear wheels directly and has the effect of an additional booster.

“With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept we are giving a preview of our third completely autonomously developed sports car. And extending the attractive AMG GT family to include a four-door variant,” says Mercedes-AMG boss, Tobias Moers.

“The GT Concept embodies the most extreme expression of our design idiom and underlines anew the autonomous profile of AMG as a performance brand,” adds company design chief, Gorden Wagener.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

The new McLaren 720S has officially made its global debut today at the Geneva motor show.

The unveiling confirms both the 720S name and 720 PS horsepower of the first model in the second-generation McLaren Super Series, details of which have been teased online in recent months.

The new 720S is both lighter and faster than its 650S predecessor, and also represents a reinterpretation of McLaren’s design language.

One of the key points in the design is the absence of large radiator intakes on the side of the car; this function is carried out instead by the ‘double-skin’ aerodynamic form of the dihedral doors, which channel air to the high-temperature radiators that cool the mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine.

The latter has 41 per cent new part content compared to the 3.8-litre engine that continues to feature in the McLaren Sports Series, generating 710 bhp and 568 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph is claimed to take less than 3 seconds, while top speed is listed at 212 mph. The car is also capable of coming to a halt from 124 mph in just 4.6 seconds, covering 117 metres in the process.

Like all McLarens, a carbon-fibre chassis underpins the construction of the new model. However, the 720S’ architecture is based around a new carbon-fibre ‘tub’ and upper structure dubbed the “McLaren Monocage II”. A mix of aluminium alloys are also used throughout the chassis and for certain body panels.

Further changes compared to the outgoing 650S include a new generation of McLaren’s “Proactive Chassis Control”, as well a new suspension system.

On the inside, the new model also sees the introduction of a folding driver display and central infotainment screen.

“This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720S is absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment,” says McLaren’s CEO, Mike Flewitt.

Deliveries of the new supercar will commence in May.

Source: McLaren

F1 racing legend and Indy 500 champion, Emerson Fittipaldi, unveiled his dream track car, the much-anticipated Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina, at the Geneva motor show today.

The ultra-light, all carbon-fibre supercar fuses the vision of F1 and Indy Car racing champion Fittipaldi, Italian design company Pininfarina and race-bred German engineering firm HWA.

“I have tried for years to explain to others what it truly feels like to be behind the steering wheel of a championship racecar. There is adrenaline and elation all rolled into an awe-inspiring inner fulfillment that leaves you craving for more. This is what our dream team created in the EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina,” said Fittipaldi of the first car to be released under the Fittipaldi Motors marque.

Revealing a sleek design underscored by an impressive power-to-weight ratio, the supercar’s design theme – that of a shark, inspired by Emerson – finds aerodynamic expression in the vehicle’s flowing, aggressive lines.

Underneath, the EF7 is powered by a 600 bhp 4.8-litre V8 engine, integrated six-speed gearbox, suspension and braking system developed by HWA, and an all carbon-fibre chassis construction with what is claimed to be an “exceptionally low” centre of gravity.

“I have had the privilege to work with many great teams in my life on and off the track, but this project took me to new heights, co-creating with the masters of legendary car design and race-winning engineering,” said Fittipaldi, who began his journey to create a supercar three years ago. “Combined they have over 140 years delivering on the elite cars of the world and this is now the same brilliance in the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina.”

The car will have a limited production run with every EF7 owner also having the chance to get personal coaching by Emerson Fittipaldi himself and move up a driver-training ladder designed by the racing champion. In addition, owners will be able to join the Fittipaldi Racing Club which will provide exclusive VIP high-performance driving and racing experiences at some of the world’s top racing circuits, led by Fittipaldi and other racing professionals.

Meanwhile, supercar fans and video game enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the EF7 in the virtual world where it will be exclusively available in the upcoming PlayStation 4 video game, Gran Turismo Sport.

“The Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina boasts a collective of some of the automotive world’s best partners and it is a project we’re honoured to be a part of,” added Kazunori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital Inc. and creator of Gran Turismo.

Source: Fittipaldi Motors

Danish supercar manufacturer Zenvo has revealed a special 10th anniversary TS1 GT model at the Geneva motor show.

Painted in ‘Fjord Blue’ and highlighted by copper-bronze strips on the hood and roof that are set into the bare carbon-fibre panels, the rear-wheel drive, mid-engined two-seater is effectively a refreshed version of Zenvo’s ST1 model that was unveiled back in 2009.

Underneath, the TS1 GT is powered by a newly in-house developed twin-supercharged 5.8-litre V8 that delivers 1163 bhp and helps propel the car on to a top speed of 250 mph.

It also gets a “revolutionary” drivetrain that is claimed to deliver ultra-fast advanced gear-shift, traction control and ESC technology.

Zenvo was originally formed in 2007 by a small group of engineers led by powertrain specialist, Troels Vollertsen, with the design and styling vision coming from ex-RCA graduate, Christian Brandt.

The bespoke TS1 GT is expected to cost in the region of £1M.

Source: Zenvo

Spyker boss Victor R. Muller has announced that the Dutch company has signed an engine supply agreement with Swedish carmaker, Koenigsegg.

Both the Spyker C8 Preliator as well as its Spyder version, which was unveiled last week at the Geneva motor show, will be propelled by the new Koenigsegg engine.

The normally-aspirated, dry-sump 5-litre V8 engine is claimed to deliver 592 bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Koenigsegg engineers say they have developed the engine specifically to meet Spyker’s needs and the V8 powerplant will be installed in every C8 Preliator, both the Coupe, which was launched in March 2016, and the new Spyder unveiled last week, and replace the Audi V8 powertrain as from car one. The engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

“This is our single most important advancement in technology since I founded Spyker in 2000. I have always admired the amazing technologies developed by Christian von Koenigsegg and his dedicated team creating one of the most sophisticated cars and engines on the planet, and I am convinced our Spyker C8 Preliator clients will tremendously enjoy the huge performance leap,” says Muller.

The carbon-fibre-bodied C8 Preliator Spyder will be limited to 100 units only and production is expected to start by summer 2018. Assembly of the cars will be done in Coventry in the UK by CPP Metalcraft.

Source: Spyker

McLaren has today marked the beginning of full production of the new 720S, with the completion of the ‘Job#1’ car.

The move to full production marks the beginning of a new chapter for the British supercar brand, as the second generation of the Super Series – codenamed ‘P14’ – replaces the first generation, ‘P11’ model family that encompassed the original McLaren 12C and subsequent derivatives, as well as the 650S and 675LT.

The first of 15 new McLaren models confirmed for introduction by the end of 2022 under the company’s Track22 business plan, the new 720S is lighter, faster and more aerodynamic than the 650S it replaces.

Powered by a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine that produces 710 bhp, the car accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and 0-124 mph in 7.8 seconds. Top speed is 212 mph.

“The new McLaren 720S entering volume production is a momentous occasion for McLaren Automotive, marking the first time since the company was formed in 2010 that we have replaced a model family with an all-new generation,” commented Mike Flewitt, McLaren CEO, speaking at a short ceremony at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, to mark the completion of the Job #1 car. “Customer interest in the new McLaren 720S following its unveiling in March at the Geneva International Motor Show has significantly exceeded our expectations and we are bidding farewell to the first-generation Super Series in the knowledge that we have a successor that raises limits in the supercar segment to new heights.”

Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, which was officially unveiled last week at the New York motor show, has become the world’s most powerful and quickest production series SUV ever.

Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 – shared with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – the Trackhawk generates 707 bhp, 645 lb-ft of torque and goes from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds before maxing out at a top speed of 180 mph.

The engine is mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and an on-demand four-wheel-drive system, which includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a single-speed active transfer case.

To reign in the car, new high-performance Brembo brakes have also been added that are the largest standard front brakes ever offered on a Jeep vehicle – 15.75 inches to be precise. The new brakes bring the Trackhawk to a stop from 60 mph in 114 feet.

Visually, the SUV sits one inch lower than non-SRT Grand Cherokee models and is further set apart with body-coloured wheel flares, side sill cladding and a sculpted hood with dual heat extractors.

Additional functional exterior details include a redesigned fascia to improve airflow and cooling and a quad-tip exhaust at the rear. Newly-designed 20 x 10-inch titanium wheels also come as standard.

The new TVR will be unveiled to the crowds as a global debut at this year’s Goodwood Revival, which gets underway on September 8th.

The iconic British sports car maker will therefore become the first manufacturer to globally launch a brand-new vehicle at what is one of the UK’s most famous motorsport events.

Created in conjunction with Gordon Murray Design, the 1200 kg car promises a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-60 mph time of less than 4 seconds, while a special launch edition model will offer 400 bhp per tonne via a five-litre, Cosworth developed V8 engine.

A newly revealed teaser image also shows an aspect of one of the car’s tail-pipes, which sit behind the front wheels of the front-engined two-seater.

“We are incredibly excited to be unveiling the new car at the Goodwood Revival. It’s the first time a global launch of a new car has occurred at the event, and it seems an entirely appropriate place for us to do it, with the marque’s motorsport heritage and an enthusiastic audience of dedicated car fans – and in our 70th anniversary year,” says TVR boss, Les Edgar.

Chevrolet has upped the ante on its muscle car competitors with the introduction of the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE — claimed to be the most track-capable Camaro ever.

Based on the 2017 Camaro ZL1, the new 1LE variant gets additional aero elements including a carbon-fibre rear wing, specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia to help the car stick harder and drive faster in turns.

The car sits on bespoke aluminium wheels that are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than the standard ZL1’s wheels and are wrapped with new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tyres that have been developed exclusively for the ZL1 1LE. The overall footprint grows approximately 10 per cent over the ZL1, but the wheel-and-tyre package weighs about 1.5 kg less per corner.

There’s also a racing-derived suspension system, with Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve shock absorbers both front and rear. The front-end ride height is adjustable with the front dampers, which are used with all-new, adjustable camber plates. The rear stabilizer bar also offers three-way adjustability.

The lighter wheels and dampers, along with reduced thickness rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat, further contribute to an approximately 27 kg lower curb weight than a regular ZL1 coupe model.

Under the hood, the ZL1 1LE is powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the same numbers as the regular ZL1.

However, in preliminary testing, Chevy claims the ZL1 1LE was 3 seconds faster than the standard ZL1 coupe around General Motors’ 2.9-mile, 18-turn Milford Road Course test track.

Although the U.S. manufacturer has yet to disclose the official figures for the car’s top speed or 0-62 mph time, 200 mph and 3.4 seconds, respectively, seem likely.

“The track-focused 1LE package offers progressive levels of performance across the Camaro lineup, from the V6 1LE to the SS 1LE,” says Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “But with the new ZL1 1LE, the progression takes a quantum leap — this is the ultimate track-day Camaro.”

The ZL1 1LE will lead the 2018 Camaro lineup when it goes on sale this summer.

Aston Martin’s newly-created AMR performance sub-brand has launched its first series production derivative – the Vantage AMR.

Inspired by the FIA World Endurance Championship winning V8 Vantage GTE, the race-inspired model will see production limited to just 300 units – 100 with a 595 bhp V12 engine and 200 with a 430 bhp V8.

Both engines are fitted with automated sequential manual paddle-shift transmissions, or for the purist, six and seven-speed manual gearboxes in the V8 and V12 Vantage AMRs respectively.

Externally, the car can be specified with an optional carbon-fibre aero kit that comprises a front splitter, dive planes, side sills and fixed rear spoiler. There’s also an optional forged aluminium wheel, which mimics the design of the wheels fitted to the Vantage AMR Pro Concept shown at Geneva. Further weight savings can be made with the AMR titanium exhaust, which saves 14 kg over the standard V12 Vantage system.

In addition, the AMR ‘Halo Pack’ gets a combination of “Stirling Green” paint and “Lime Green” accents, as well as a special Union Jack-enameled AML wings badge, previously featured on last year’s GTE racer.

Launched at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, the AMR sub-brand aims to make road cars that are both technically and aesthetically influenced from Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the WEC; a series with which the marque tasted world championship success with factory drivers Nicki Thiim and Marco Sørensen just last season.

Operationally, the AMR division has two distinct tiers. Series production limited-edition models such as the new Vantage AMR sit at its entry point, while extreme and extensively modified AMR Pro models, created by Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations, sit at the pinnacle of the range, including the exclusive Vantage AMR Pro unveiled at this year’s Geneva motor show.

McLaren has revealed the new 570S Spider ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The two-seat, rear-wheel drive 570S Spider is the third bodystyle in McLaren’s Sports Series portfolio, lining up alongside the Coupé and the GT.  Compared to the Coupé, the 570S Spider adds an integrated, retractable hardtop that can be opened or closed in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 25 mph.

Although the operating mechanism adds 46 kg to the weight of the Spider, this is the only variance in weight between the new convertible and the 570S Coupé. With the roof in place, the 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine still delivers a top speed of 204 mph – identical to the 570S Coupé – and even with the roof lowered, the new Spider can reach 196 mph.

The Spider also manages 562 bhp at 7500 rpm and 443 lb-ft of torque between 5000 rpm and 6500 rpm, which again are identical figures to the Coupé. However, the convertible’s power-to-weight ratio of 413 bhp per tonne falls short of the Coupé by 15 bhp per tonne.

In combination with a seven-speed gearbox, the Spider accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and to 124 mph in 9.6 seconds; the latter only 0.1 seconds slower than the Coupé.

Aside from the two-piece roof, the only other major external design change is a rear spoiler that sits 12 mm taller than the one on the Coupé. The higher spoiler provides additional downforce to offset the aerodynamic changes resulting from the Spider having a different roof design.

There are also all-new 10-spoke forged alloy wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, but they will only come as an added option.

Following its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June, the new 570S Spider is scheduled to be delivered to customers in August.

For the second year running, the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that powers the 488 GTB, 488 Spider and with a slightly smaller displacement the California T and GTC4Lusso T, has taken the outright International Engine of the Year Award along with the Performance Engine class and the 3-litre to 4-litre displacement category.

The winners of the 19th International Engine of the Year Awards were announced today at a ceremony at Engine Expo 2017 in Stuttgart, Germany. And it was the Ferrari V8, code-named F154CB, that triumphed once again, joining an exclusive list of just four other engines in the awards’ history to scoop the title for two consecutive years.

The explosive power of 661 bhp delivered at 8,000 rpm and 561 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm in seventh gear, along with a throttle response time of 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm in third gear, wowed the panel of 58 international judges from 31 countries.

“The Ferrari V8 is all about amazing power delivery, precision, driveability and a wonderful soundtrack, too. One day soon it’ll be a classic in its own right; indeed I think it is already!” said Tony Robinson, founder of the International Engine of the Year Awards.

This year also saw Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V12 engine, that powers the F12berlinetta and F12tdf, receive the Above 4-litre award for the second year consecutively, and for the third time after the distinction awarded in 2013.

Making its global dynamic debut among some of the most powerful and extreme performance cars in the world at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new Jaguar XE SV Project 8 claimed the hotly-contested Michelin Supercar Paddock Showstopper Trophy – just four days after the car was officially unveiled.

As the only four-door car in the Michelin Supercar Run, the Jaguar faced formidable competition in the 50-car paddock, but voters in an online poll hosted by Michelin UK singled-out Project 8 as one of the six most popular cars of the weekend, qualifying it for the overall Showstopper final on Sunday afternoon.

This shortlist of six cars was judged live on stage by a panel of motoring experts, headed by Michelin Supercar Paddock presenter and former BTCC Champion, Tim Harvey.

“Jaguar’s Project 8 really took everyone by surprise at the Festival this weekend. Not only was it the car’s world debut – but the sheer extremes of the car, and the way it’s pushed the boundaries in every single way, made it an absolute stand out in the Michelin Supercar Paddock,” said Harvey.

The second Collector’s Edition from the company’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, following the F-Type Project 7 of 2014, Project 8 is a road-legal hand-built four-door saloon powered by the most highly tuned version of Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 petrol engine.

The 592 bhp power unit, which has a titanium variable active exhaust, is complemented by an all-wheel drive system and motorsport-derived aerodynamics and carbon-fibre panels to deliver a 200 mph top speed and 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, making Project 8 the fastest accelerating road-going Jaguar car yet.

The high-performance theme continues inside, with subtle applications of gloss carbon-fibre trim as well as Alcantara, on the rim of the steering wheel, instrument binnacle and door cards, while the eight-speed Quickshift transmission can either be operated by aluminium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel or by a central ‘Pistolshift’ lever.

Project 8 is also the first Jaguar to feature a dedicated Track Mode, which tailors driveline and stability control systems for circuit use, and sharpens both throttle and steering responses for improved precision and driver feedback.

Strictly limited to just just 300 units, the car will be available in two specifications at launch; as well as the standard four-seat model, there will be an optional two-seat “Track Pack” version that includes lightweight front carbon-fibre racing seats complete with four-point harnesses fixed to a harness retention hoop in place of the rear seat.

All Project 8s will be built in left-hand drive configuration only.

Aston Martin has introduced a new entry-level DB11 powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Delivering 503 bhp and 498 lb-ft of torque, the new engine will be offered alongside the DB11’s existing 5.2-litre twin turbocharged V12.

Managing 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds and achieving a top speed of 187 mph, Aston Martin says the new V8 has been ushered in to target luxury markets in countries like China, where car taxation policy is structured around engine capacity.

Compared to the V12 model, the V8-powered DB11 gets a bespoke air intake and exhaust system, as well as new engine mounts and a more slimline wet sump system. The V8 unit is also lighter and more compact than the V12, which contributes to a saving of 115 kg and a kerbweight of 1760 kg.

Aston Martin engineers have also made revisions to the suspension bushing, geometry, anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and ESP software.

There are also subtle visual differences on the exterior between the two variants that include a custom alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and a pair of bonnet vents instead of the quartet featured on the V12. These vents come in a choice of black or titanium-finish mesh, again different from that fitted to the twelve-cylinder variant.

“The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made. Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals,” says Aston Martin president and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer.

Deliveries of the new V8 DB11 are expected to commence towards the end 2017.

Jaguar has today revealed the XJR575, the brand’s most powerful production saloon of all time.

The new derivative will sit at the top of the XJ line-up for the 2018 model year, delivering 567 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 25 bhp uplift in power is delivered by Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine that powers the sports saloon from 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds and to a top speed of 186 mph.

Tailor-made exterior details include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring gloss black surrounds. Updated XJR575 exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres mark the vehicle out from the rest of the range while 20-inch gloss-black wheels with red painted brake callipers complete the look.

Inside the XJR575 features bespoke embossed tread plates, diamond-quilted seating and lots of additional 575 branding.

“The Jaguar XJ is the largest model in our saloon car line-up and retains the physical presence and graceful design customers expect from a Jaguar flagship. Anyone who sees this car immediately knows it is both great to drive and to sit in. The intricate details inside and out give owners and passengers the feeling that they are in the presence of something truly special,” says Jaguar design boss, Ian Callum.

Bentley has revealed the new Continental GT Convertible ‘Galene Edition’. Developed in collaboration with British yacht company, Princess Yachts, the luxury carmaker’s bespoke commissioning division, Mulliner, says the car’s styling has been inspired by yacht design.

Painted in a ship-like “Glacier White”, with a matching bodywork kit, the Galene Edition is specified with lower brightware in “Sequin Blue”. A dark blue, four-layered retractable hood and 21″ polished “Propeller” wheels complete the external look.

On the inside, the exterior paintwork is echoed in the stowage case and fascia panels, which can also be specified with a handpainted illustration of a super yacht alongside the Mulliner script.

The seats and door panels, meanwhile, as well as most of the steering wheel, are all wrapped in cream and beige-coloured leather, while a pinstripe walnut finish features on the centre stack and console; the specially created wood finish also adorns the bespoke illuminated treadplates and the entire boot floor.

Under the bonnet, the car is powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant, with 500 bhp and 487 lb-ft of torque.

Bentley says the Galene Edition will be limited to just 30 examples worldwide.