Ferrari have today taken the wraps off the company's most powerful and fastest production car ever. Replacing the 599 GTB Fiorano, the new machine is dubbed the F12berlinetta. It is powered by an updated version of the 6.3 litre V12 used in the FF, which now produces a staggering 740 hp and 690 Nm of torque, 80% of which is already available at 2,500 rpm. Due to the extensive use of lightweight alloys and composites, the F12berlinetta is not only considerably more powerful than its predecessor; it is also substantially lighter. This has also helped reduce the emissions of Ferrari's range-topping model by a staggering 30%. As always, Pininfarina has been responsible for the styling and they have drawn particularly aggressive lines for the F12berlinetta. As on any modern sports car, the design is a balance between aesthetics and aerodynamics. Although Ferrari will reveal the F12berlinetta in the metal in Geneva next week, we don't expect the first deliveries until early 2013.
Also making their world debut in Geneva are two distinct estates. The first is Jaguar's XF Sportbrake, which represents an all-new addition to the British company's line-up. Although the available details are limited, Jaguar have confirmed that a range of diesel engines will be available, which will all be mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. Volvo's all new V40 is a departure from the traditional estate design by the Swedish manufacturer's other 'V' models, as it looks more like a hatchback than a true station wagon. It will be available with a choice of engines, topped by the T5, which is now good for a hefty 256 bhp.
On the Volkswagen's Geneva stand the Golf GTI Cabriolet will certainly take centre stage. With 210 hp on tap, this is the most powerful open Volkswagen ever.

After a difficult season with the failed AMR-One LMP1 racer, Aston Martin Racing have launched a more modest program for the 2012 season. In addition to supporting the various customers, the Gulf Oil backed team will field a single entry in the GTE class of the World Endurance Championship with a revised version of the GT2 V8 Vantage introduced some years ago. Aptly named the V8 Vantage GTE, it benefits from the recent updates to the road going model and includes changes compared to the existing machine. For the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin plan to field a second car, taking on the challenge of old rivals Corvette Racing but also Ferrari, Porsche and BMW.
During the first two decades of the company's existence, Maserati focused almost exclusively on the construction of Grand Prix and Voiturette racing cars. That changed after the War, when the Italian manufacturer expanded into the lucrative sports car market with the A6GCS. Using production-based components, it would be the first of a long line of sports racers, ultimately culminating in the legendary machines like the 300S, 450S and Birdcage. Of the original A6GCS, only a handful were built and they are only rarely seen today. Two years ago we captured chassis 2002 in action at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
While the regular production model may already get frowns from purist Land Rover enthusiasts, the Evoque Convertible Concept to be launched in Geneva will surely be subject of debate. Land Rover are quick to express there are no production plans, it seems unlikely that the concept car was built only to offend part of the company's loyal customer base. Even more likely to be produced is the Citroen DS Racing Concept, which will also be unveiled in Geneva next week. Based on the DS4, this hardcore version features a 256 bhp four cylinder engine, which has the highest specific output of any Citroen production engine. The car's chassis and running gear have also been modified to cope with the additional power.

Following Ford's withdrawal from sports car racing in 1967, John Wyer Automotive (JWA) was handed the reigns of the GT40 program. With backing from Gulf Oil, the small team also raced the GT40 and GT40-based Mirage M1 prototype with great success, winning Le Mans outright twice with a GT40. Rule changes, however, rendered the big-bore sports cars virtually obsolete, so a brand new machine was planned for the 1969 season. Known as the Mirage M2, the compact machine had been designed by Len Terry of Lotus and Eagle fame. Despite his close ties with Ford, John Wyer was unable to obtain Cosworth DFV engines for the new project, so he had to make do with BRM's readily available V12. This proved the car's weak spot, and only late in 1969 with a DFV finally fitted did the rebadged Mirage M3 become victorious. It was too late as for 1970, Porsche acquired JWA's services to run a team of 917s. The Mirage prototypes were retired and have only rarely been seen since. In the past year, we have been fortunate enough to see both a BRM-powered M2 and a Cosworth-engined M3, which has allowed us to tell this fascinating story.
With less than two weeks to go until the show opens, Geneva news has been hitting our desk every day. Yesterday it was Bugatti that grabbed our attention with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. Effectively an open version of the mighty Super Sport, this is due to be the most powerful production roadster ever built. This morning BMW announced the BMW Concept M135i, which combines the twin turbo straight six engine with the hatchback version of the 1-series body. Although still labelled a concept, we expect this car to hit the showrooms sooner rather than later. Celebrating the company's 100th anniversary, Bertone released more renderings of the upcoming Nuccio Concept. Still an unmistakable tribute to the 'wedge', these latest pictures do show the car to be not quite as wild as the early sketches suggests.

In a combined launch at the Barcelona Grand Prix track, Mercedes-Benz have revealed the new SL 63 AMG road car and the W03 Formula 1 racer that will be campaigned by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg in the 2012 championship.
Based on the 'R231' model introduced late last year, the new SL 63 features AMG's familiar twin-turbo V8, known internally as the M157. Displacing just under 5.5 litre, the aluminium engine produces 537 hp in standard trim and as much as 564 hp with the optional AMG Performance package. It is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials like aluminium, the AMG Mercedes engineers have managed to reduce the weight by 125 kg compared to its naturally aspirated predecessor. This enables the the new SL 63 AMG to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.
Having opted to run the first official test with a 2011-specification car to gather as much information on the latest Pirelli tyres, the AMG Mercedes F1 team were the last top team to reveal their new racer. Dubbed the W03, it also features a staggered nose like most of its rivals. Before its public debut, the car was already shaken down in two private sessions, allowing Schumacher to hit the ground running. He was just eight tenths of a second off the leading pace and managed to complete 51 laps in the W03.

In two weeks time, Geneva will once again be the focal point of the automotive industry. All exhibitors try their very best to impress the visitors of what is the most prestigious show of its type. This year promises to be very interesting and we will, of course, report from the show floor but for now we can only look ahead with the latest news.
Peugeot will concentrate on the launch of the new 208, which is celebrated with two distinct concept cars. The most interesting is the XY Concept.
Maserati uses the Geneva show to launch a face-lifted GranTurismo Sport. In addition to the visual changes to the exterior and interior, the new GranTurismo features a more powerful version of the familiar V8 engine, which now produces 460 hp. Sharing the same engine is the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Concept that will be shown by coachbuilder Touring. Based on the 8C Competizione, this show car is a modern interpretation of the original Disco Volante built by Alfa Romeo and Touring in the early 1950s.
MINI will show the Clubman derived Clubvan Concept, while Honda will debut the new NSX Concept in Europe.
Swiss designer Frank Rinderknecht rarely fails to impress in Geneva and now he will bring the Smart based Dock+Go Concept. This innovative machine is powered by an electric motor and can be expanded with a 'energy pack' that bolts on the rear of the car. Packed with batteries, this serves as a range extender and also provides additional luggage space.

At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari will reveal an updated version of the California. Most of the revisions will be skin-deep with a particular focus on the direct injection engine. A change in the V8's map has freed up an additional 30 hp and 20 Nm of torque. Additionally, Ferrari's engineers have managed to shave 30 kg off the 2+2 convertible's weight. New to the option list is the 'Handling Speciale' package that sharpens up both the suspension and steering. The revised California will be available later in the year with the first examples destined for the European market.
Porsche today announced the addition of the fifth model to the company's portfolio. Named after the Indonesian word for the tiger, the new Porsche will be known as the Macan. It will be a small SUV that slots in under the very profitable Cayenne. Production of the Macan will commence in Leipzig in 2013. For now, Porsche have only released a rendering of the new machine.
Missing from the Morgan line-up since 2004, the Plus 8 has returned. Production ceased nearly a decade ago after the ageing Rover-sourced V8 failed to meet the latest emission standards. The new Plus 8 uses a state-of-the-art BMW V8, which produces 367 hp in standard trim or 390 hp with the optional exhaust package fitted. Having to move only 1100 kg, this gives the latest Morgan very impressive performance figures. Although scheduled to debut in Geneva, the Plus 8 is available from Morgan dealers or the factory immediately.

Within a week after unveiling the TT RS plus, Audi have launched another new high performance model; the RS 4 Avant. Based on the current generation A4 Avant, it fills the void left by the previous model that had been discontinued back in 2008. The new RS 4 shares its 450 hp V8 with the two-door RS 5. The power of the naturally aspirated engine is fed to all four wheels through a seven-speed, automatic gearbox. Interested customers do need to be a little patient as the RS 4 Avant won't be available until the fall of this year.
Earlier this month the annual Retromobile show once again brought together a fabulous collection of classic cars. One of the absolute highlights was this barn-find Ferrari 250 Monza. Originally raced in Italy and South America, it was left to rot in Uruguay until it was eventually discovered in the late 1970s. Since then it has been reunited with its three-litre V12 engine and now awaits a brave new custodian to complete the mother of all restoration. This person also needs deep pockets as the reported asking price for the Pinin Farina bodied 250 Monza is a hefty 5 million Euro.
Across the isle from the Ferrari, the Bugatti club showed this lovely Type 55 Billeter & Cartier Cabriolet. Quite in contrast, this eight-cylinder marvel had just benefited from a ground-up restoration to its original configuration. It was clothed with this elegant Cabriolet body by a very exclusive, Lyon-based coach builder for its first owner. Today this early Type 55 is part of an impressive Swiss collection.

BMW have taken the wraps of the latest generation M6 in Coupe and Convertible. Replacing the much loved V10-engined M6, the new version is powered by the same twin turbo V8 that is also found in the recently introduced M5. Displacing just under 4.4 litre, this 'S63' produces 560 hp and 680 Nm of torque. As on the M5, the potent engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with dual clutches for lightning quick gearshifts. To keep the weight down, the new M6 features a mix of body materials that include aluminium and thermoplastics. The Coupe features a carbon fibre roof, which adds to its visual appeal. Due to be launched in Geneva early next month, the new M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible will be available at dealers later in the year.
Also due at the popular Swiss show is Bertone's latest show car. It is dubbed the Nuccio as a tribute to Nuccio Bertone, who headed the company during its most successful period. For now all we have are two sketches of the upcoming concept. These look clearly inspired by the legendary Stratos Zero of 1970, which remains as one of the absolute highlights of Bertone's rich portfolio.

Audi today announced a subtle upgrade of the high performance TT RS model. The new TT RS plus comes equipped with an even more powerful version of the lightweight straight five engine. Fitted with direct injection and a turbo, the 2.5 litre unit now produces 360 hp and 465 Nm of torque. That is enough to propel the compact Audi to 100 km/h in just over 4 seconds and to give it a top speed of 280 km/h. As previously, the TT RS plus will be available as a Coupe and Roadster. Today Audi have only released pictures of the plus Coupe.
Earlier this week, the Chicago Auto Show opened its doors. The headlining event was the 20th anniversary celebration of Ford's Special Vehicles Team (SVT), which has been responsible for most of the manufacturer's high performance model. To mark the occasion, Ford revealed the Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible complete with SVT 20th Anniversary badges on the door sills. Like the Coupe launched last year, the most powerful drop-top Mustang ever features a 650 bhp supercharged V8. The GT500 Convertible will be available later in the year as a 2013 model. Also making its debut in Chicago was the Kia Track'ster Concept. Based on the Soul, the high performance machine features a wider body and 265 hp turbocharged engine. In addition to 66% more power, it also boasts revised suspension with bigger brakes. Inside, the Track'ster Concept is also unique with the spare wheel mounted visibly, bolted to the rear strut-brace.

Today the 2012 Formula 1 season got underway at the Spanish Jerez de la Frontera circuit with the first of a series of official test days. With only a few exceptions, all of the new cars hit the track this morning. One of the most highly anticipated of these was the Red Bull Racing RB8, which replaces the all-conquering RB7. Penned by Adrian Newey, it is a development of the existing design with accommodations made for the new regulations like the stepped nose and re-routed exhausts. Mark Webber piloted the car at the test but he was not the fastest driver. That honour went to returnee Kimi Raikkonen, who placed the Lotus E20 Renault on the top of the time-sheets. The former Renault team uses this type name to celebrate 20 years of building cars at the Enstone factory. Like the Red Bull and Lotus, the Williams FW34 also uses Renault's successful RS27 V8 engine. The new car marks the rebirth of the hugely successful Williams/Renault partnership. Hopefully this will help the British team bounce back after the worst season in its 35 year history. Completing the most laps today was Kamui Kobayashi in the Sauber C31. Like last year, the Swiss team will use Ferrari's V8 but now mated to a brand new longitudinal gearbox. Testing will continue tomorrow and there are several more sessions planned before the season opening Australian Grand Prix in March.

One of the annual highlights on the calendar, the Retromobile show in Paris, was hosted last week by the vast Porte de Versailles exhibition centre. To meet with the increased demand for floor space, the event this year filled the better part of two halls. Fortunately, the unique atmosphere of the show was not lost due to the expansion. Among the highlights this year were the display of a selection from the Mullin Automotive Museum, a line-up of amphibious cars and the traditional surprises. During the show there were also two major auctions; Bonhams' The Paris Sale at a different location and Artcurial Motorcar's sale at Retromobile. The latter, in particular, managed to grab headlines with a turn-over total of 14.5 million Euro, making it the most successful auction on French soil.
As always our photographers ventured to Paris, which was particularly chilly this time. Braving the cold weather, they were among the first ones in the show on the opening, Wednesday morning to capture the event in full detail. The result is a detailed report, illustrated by a 170-shot gallery that includes pictures from the show itself and also the two auctions.
In the coming weeks, you can expect detailed features on many of the remarkable machines that made this one of the finest Retromobiles in recent history.

Even though the official launch was cancelled due to bad weather conditions, Ferrari did release the first pictures of their 2012 Formula 1 car yesterday. Dubbed the F2012, it is a significant evolution compared to the car used with limited success last year. Subtle changes to the regulations have forced Ferrari to fit what even they call a not 'aesthetically pleasing' nose. This the result of the new maximum nose height of 55 cm and the desire to route as much air under the nose as possible for aerodynamic purposes. Inside the nose things have changed dramatically as well as the conventional push-rod actuated suspension has been replaced by pull-rods. This may be Ferrari's solution for the problems the team had to get the Pirelli tyres to work properly in 2011. Like last year, the F2012 will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. Due to the snow, Ferrari was also forced to abandon the first roll-out at Fiorano and will have to until the official test at Jerez before putting the first miles on the car.
The England-based, Indian team Sahara Force India have found a similar solution to the new regulations as is evident when looking at the first pictures of their new VJM05 Mercedes. It was launched yesterday at a very cold Silverstone, where Paul di Resta completed the first laps in the team's 2012 challenger. He will be joined behind the wheel this season by Nico Hulkenberg, who served as Force India's third driver last year.
In a brief statement, Honda revealed their plans to compete in some rounds of the 2012 World Touring Car Championship with a specifically developed Civic. Like the production car, the new touring car version of the Civic will be produced in England with the help from Mugen. Built to S2000 regulations, it boasts a 1.6 litre turbo engine, fitted with direct fuel injection. Although no figures have been released, we believe the straight four will produce in excess of 300 bhp. Using the 2012 season for testing and development, Honda plan to field a two-car effort in 2013.

With the RX-7, Mazda was a dominant force in IMSA's GTU class throughout the 1980s. In a quest for outright success, the Japanese company funded a move to the bigger GTO class at the start of the 1990 season. Although still loosely based on production models, the GTO cars were effectively purpose-built racers. To design their new GTO racer, Mazda hired Lee Dykstra of Group 44 Jaguar fame. The result was the Mazda RX-7 GTO, which boasted a spaceframe chassis and a four-rotor engine. Developed for Le Mans, this compact and lightweight unit produced in excess of 600 bhp. Following a second place debut at the 1990 Daytona 24 Hours, the new Mazda quickly caught on with the competition, scoring the RX-7's 100th IMSA win before the end of the year. With a season development under its belt, the RX-7 GTO really came on song in 1991 when the team secured both the driver's and constructor's titles. In recent years the championship winning car was completely restored to full running order. At last year's Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Mazda brought it out and actually raced it. This allowed us to capture every angle of this spectacular machine.
Yesterday McLaren pulled the wraps off the all new MP4-27 for the 2012 Formula 1 season. Just like its predecessor, it is powered by Mercedes' V8 and will be driven by former world champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Subtle rule changes resulted in significant changes to the aero-package, including the removal of the easily recognisable L-shaped radiator inlets used on the MP4-26. The MP4-27 will make its public debut at the first official test, which is due to be held at Jerez next week.
At next month's Geneva, Suzuki will reveal the highly efficient G70 Concept. The compact machine is both very light and has a low drag figure. As a result the emissions are reduced to just 70g/km.