This morning the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre opened its doors for the opening day of the Mondial de l'Automobile or Paris Motor Show. The biennial event always attracts most of the major manufacturers, who try their best to impress in the 'city of lights'. Perfectly suited to that occasion is no doubt the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, which is the most powerful electric production car. It features four electric motors, one in each wheel, which produce a combined 740 bhp. The SLS Coupe nevertheless has a range of 250 km. Over at rivals Audi, most eyes will be on the Crosslane Coupe show car. Constructed from lightweight materials, this small cross over is powered by a sophisticated hybrid drivetrain that consists of a purpose-built petrol engine and two electric motors. A little closer to production ready is the Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept. Based on the recently introduced seventh generation Golf, the upcoming GTI model will include all the familiar elements like the DSG gearbox and the turbocharged four cylinder engine, now good for as much as 230 hp. One of its rivals will be the all-new Renault Clio R.S., which for the first time also uses a dual clutch gearbox. This is mated to a 1.6 litre turbo engine that produces a tat under 200bhp.
Italian sports car manufacturers Lamborghini and Maserati did not have brand new models in Paris but instead revealed extensively revised products. The former launched a face-lifted Gallardo, complete with a new front and rear end and many more detail changes. Maserati will expand the line-up with the GranCabrio MC, combining performance underpinnings with a glorious open body. In a vaguely familiar announcement, the company also disclosed plans to increase production to 50,000 cars per year with a new models including the Ghibli being added to the range in the near future.
Hyundai underlined its intention to return to rallying with this i20, which is ready to compete in the World Rally Championship. Local heroes Peugeot, meanwhile, took the wraps off the 208 R5, due to replace the popular 207 S2000 for use in local and regional events.

On the eve of the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, some of the show's biggest releases have been revealed in full detail. Our eye was particularly caught by the highly anticipated Jaguar F-Type. Jaguar's two-seater sports car is both a feat of styling and engineering. The compact machine comes with a choice of a naturally aspirated or supercharged V6 and the range-topping supercharged V8, which is good for just under 500 bhp. In V8 S trim, the F-Type can sprint to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a limited top speed of 300 km/h.
Porsche's main star of the show will be this Panamera Sport Turismo, which effectively is a shooting brake version of the German manufacturer's four-door model. It is still shown as in concept car form but it seems very likely that Porsche will expand into this popular niche market. The Sport Turismo is powered by the same hybrid drivetrain also found in the Panamera Hybrid S.
Five-time Le Mans winner Bentley will return to sports car racing in 2013 with this Continental GT3. Like the Porsche, the new racer from Crewe is officially labelled a concept car but it will be used to develop the production racer that will join the ever growing GT3 ranks towards the end of next year. No technical specifications of the Continental GT3 have been released yet, other than that it will be rear-wheel drive.

Ferrari is best known for their beautiful high revving V12s but for a period during the 1950s also produced some fantastic four cylinders engines. These were first used to great effect in single seaters with Alberto Ascari absolutely dominating the 1952 and 1953 World Championships but later also powered a wide range of sports cars. Today, we take at two of the rarest of these formidable machines.
The earliest of the pair is the 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Berlinetta. Named for Ascari's championship winning efforts, the Mondial was the first four cylinder Ferrari racer that was made available to customers. Over 30 examples were built and only two received a fixed head body from Pinin Farina. They were created specifically for the 1954 Tour de France but unfortunately neither made it to the finish. Our 24-shot gallery features both examples. The first car was only used at the Tour de France and has survived in spectacularly original condition, which was awarded with 'best in class' at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
With an engine almost twice the size of the two-litre found in the 500 Mondial, the 860 Monza is the ultimate evolution of the theme. It was built for the 1956 sports car world championship and was raced alongside the V12-powered 290 MM, with which it shared its sophisticated chassis. With a victory at the 1956 Sebring 12 Hours in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio and Eugenio Castelotti, the big Monza gave Ferrari a perfect start to the season. Just three examples were built and only two have survived. We have captured both in recent years, most recently at the Goodwood Revival where Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan piloted the Sebring winner with great verve. The two 860 Monzas are shown from every angle in this 24-shot gallery.

McLaren is set to make the company's first appearance at a major motor show one to remember with the launch of the all-new P1 at the upcoming Mondial de l'Automobile. While no specifics have been released along with these three photographs, McLaren did state that the car will sit above the MP4-12C models in the range and will be the "most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made." Hopefully, we will be able to tell you more about the car next week in our full coverage from the show.
Also Paris bound is the new Audi S3. Based on the third generation A3, this hot hatch features the latest version of the direct injection, turbocharged four cylinder engine, which is now good for a hefty 300 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Fitted with Audi's 'quattro' all-wheel drive system as standard, the car comes with a choice of a manual or twin-clutch automatic gearboxes. The new S3 is expected to hit the showrooms in the spring of next year.
One of the most competitive GT classes is the GT300 class of the Japanese Super GT Championship. Thanks to the relatively lenient regulations, a wide variety of machines go head to head, ranging from production-based GT3 Audis and Ferraris to the exotic Daytona Prototype derived Shiden. One of the latest additions to the field is the Mugen developed Honda CR-Z GT. Inspired by the CR-Z road car, this is a classic silhouette racer combining a bespoke chassis with a race-bred drivetrain and a custom body. This hybrid racer is driven by a mid-mounted and HPD developed V6 engine, which is also used for LMP2 prototypes and an electric motor. The combined output is around 363 bhp as the twin-turbo V6 is heavily restricted to balance the performance. Among its rivals are a similar Prius-inspired silhouette racer, which debuted a few races earlier. Now three race into its career, the CR-Z GT has already scored its first podium. It is due out again next weekend at Autopolis.

This weekend we once again took a magical step back in time at the annual Goodwood Revival meeting. The period extravaganza at the high speed circuit in England's beautiful region of West Sussex never fails to impress. In addition to the 'regular' program, this year's edition featured a unique pre-War Silver Arrows high speed demonstration, a Ferrari 250 GTO parade, a special Shelby Cobra race and the all American legend Dan Gurney as the special guest. The action kicked off with a race into sunset on Friday evening and kept the record number of spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the weekend. In addition to the spectacle on track, the Revival traditionally has a lot more to offer ranging from period shops to mesmerising displays in the sky. Across the road from the track, Bonhams held their annual auction. Selling some very rare machinery, they more than doubled their revenue compared to last year.
As always our photographers dressed for the occasion and explored all corners of the former RAF airfield. The result is this detailed report, illustrated by a 390-shot gallery, which is our largest ever from the Revival. Among the many highlights are fire-breathing Aston Martins, sliding Jaguars and wheel-hopping Cobras, often piloted by a host of star drivers.

In less than a fortnight, the doors of the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre will open its doors for the biennial Mondial de l'Automobile or Paris Motor Show. As always, details of the releases due gradually trickle in during the weeks building up to the show. Today, we take a look at four of the latest 'previews' offered by the manufacturers.
Of these four we most look forward to the Lexus LF-CC. This compact two-door coupe (hence CC) concept is the latest in a line of impressive show cars produced by the Japanese manufacturers. Wether it will be added to the Lexus line-up is still a mystery but the sophisticated hybrid drivetrain is expected to be adopted by future production models. With the Concept Active Tourer, BMW will also showcase a sophisticated concept car in Paris. The compact machine uses a modified version of the i3 hybrid system, which produces a combined 190 bhp. The car itself offers an 'initial insight into further innovations for the premium compact segment', which suggests it may form the basis for a new, front-wheel drive addition to the range.
In recent years, MINI have mastered the art of creating new variants of the same theme. The latest of these variants is the Paceman, which actually is a variant of a variant; the two-door version of the Countryman. Like its slightly bigger brother, it is available with all-wheel drive and a full range of engines. At the launch the Cooper S is the most powerful variant, which boasts a 181 bhp strong turbocharged four cylinder.
One of the many world debuts on the Peugeot stand is this 208 R5 rally racer. Replacing the hugely popular 207 S2000, it will become available to customers in the summer of 2013. Built to the strict 'R5' regulations, it uses a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, which is good for 280 bhp and drives all four wheels.

One of the rarest versions of Ford's all-conquering GT40 is the Mk III road car. Compared to the 'standard' production versions, the Mk III featured numerous modifications to make it more suitable to use on the street. Among the most obvious changes are the revised headlights to meet American legal requirements and the elongated tail, which houses a luggage box. Under the skin, further modifications included the relocation of the gear-shift to the centre of the car to allow for a left hand drive version. Introduced in 1967, it was the most expensive Ford ever offered, which was among the reasons the 'Blue Oval' struggled to find buyers, and eventually only seven were built. Most famous of this handful of owners was Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan.
While most Mk IIIs are only rarely seen today, the one still owned by Ford UK does make regular outings, serving in recent years as one of the course cars at the Goodwood Revival. In the past few months, we were able to shoot two of the other six, including the one originally owned by Von Karajan, which was shown at The Quail last month. Earlier in the year we were treated to the car that had been displayed at Beaulieu for many years but was now lovingly restored to its original configuration while preserving much of its originality. All this has resulted in this 30-shot gallery that serves to illustrate a full article, which goes into detail on what set the Mk III apart from the rest of the range and why it ultimately failed to attract sufficient customers.

At the upcoming Mondial de l'Automobile or Paris Motor Show, Peugeot is pulling out all the stops with this very wild Onyx Concept. For all intents and purposes, this is a civilised version of the 908 HYbrid4 that should have raced at Le Mans this year against Audi and Toyota. The drivetrain is virtually identical and features an unrestricted twin-turbo diesel V8, good for 600 bhp and an electric motor that adds another 80 bhp to the mix. What is all-new is the aggressive, angular body that shares some cues with the current production models. Weighing in at just 1,100 kg, the all carbon-fibre Onyx should be very, very quick. It is, however, unlikely to ever appear on the showroom floor of the local Peugeot dealer.
Also powered by a twin-turbo diesel V8 is the new Porsche Cayenne S Diesel. Displacing 4.2 litre, the eight-cylinder engine produces around 380 bhp and more importantly a tarmac shredding 850 Nm of torque. This gives the oil burning Cayenne a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 metric tonnes. Unlike the Onyx, the Cayenne S Diesel will be available; from January 2013.
The latest addition to MINI's ever expanding range is this John Cooper Works Contryman. It combines the largest of the MINI bodies with a 214 bhp engine and a host of visual tweaks. With a little imagination, the JCW Countryman can be seen as the road going equivalent of the WRC MINI.
Other new cars due in Paris and announced this week are the Peugeot 2008 Concept, Nissan TeRRa SUV Concept and the SsangYong e-XIV Concept.

In just a few days time we will once again enter the high octane time machine that is the Goodwood Revival. During this year's edition, the time-warp event will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cobra with a special 45-minute, two-driver race and honour the great Dan Gurney with several track parades. A car that fits in both categories and also has rich history at Goodwood is the AC Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. With this Pete Brock styled, coupe bodied version of the Cobra, the late Carroll Shelby's team finally managed to break Ferrari's stronghold on the GT class at Le Mans and in the World Championship. At last year's Revival, Kenny Brack and Tom Kristensen proved that the Cobra Daytona is still a formidable weapon by taking a glorious victory in the coveted TT Trophy. To mark that occasion, we have completely overhauled our article and added many new shots to our gallery, which now boasts 48 shots, featuring four of the six cars built. Despite their high seven-figure value, each of them is pictured being driven hard on the world's finest tracks like Goodwood, Le Mans and the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
One of Dan Gurney's finest hours came in June of 1967 when he drove his Eagle Mark 1 Weslake to victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. Powered by the beautiful Weslake V12 and complete with the beak of an eagle, the very first Eagle still ranks among the most beautiful Formula 1 racers ever built. All three V12-engined cars built can be seen in our 24-shot gallery, while the very first, Climax-powered example is the star of a separate article. We expect the Spa winning chassis to be one of the highlights of the Gurney parade, while in his honour, the event organisers have also restarted the legendary 'Gurney for President' campaign.
Building on the success of the recent Festival of Speed sale, auctioneer Bonhams have once again assembled a fine selection of cars for their annual Revival sale. Our favourite is this Mercedes-Benz 680 S Cadogan Tourer. Time-warp is certainly a term that applies to this car, which has been carefully preserved since the early 1950s. In highly original condition, and owned by just one family from new the lovely patinated 680 S is expected to sell for over GBP 1.5 million.
In addition to the Cobra race and the Gurney parade, this year's Revival will also feature a parade celebrating the 250 GTO's golden anniversary and a demonstration race celebrating the 75th anniversary of the British Grand Prix. For this occasion Audi and Mercedes-Benz have prepared their cherished 'Silver Arrow' racers, which will be driven at considerable speed by the likes of Sir Jackie Stewart. Not surprisingly, this spectacular program has attracted its fair share of attention and as a result Saturday and Sunday tickets have already sold out. A handful of Friday tickets are still available on the Goodwood website but if you want one, you have to be quick! In case you do miss out on the tickets, keep an eye on this spot for our complete coverage due soon after the event.

Audi have today released full details of the all new RS 5 Cabriolet during a special online debut. It joins the Coupe RS 5 in the German manufacturer's line-up. Both machines use the latest naturally aspirated V8, which thanks to a sophisticated direct injection system produces 450 hp. In good Audi tradition, this power is transferred to all four wheels, through a dual clutch, seven-speed gearbox. While officially limited at 250 km/h, Audi can remove the limiter on the owner's request, raising the 'V-max' to 280 km/h. The first RS 5 Cabriolets are expected to be on the road early in 2013.
Opel and their British cousins, Vauxhall have revealed a glimpse of the upcoming Cascada. This promises to be the largest convertible manufactured by the two companies in several decades. Not slated for a Paris debut, the Cascada is expected to be unveiled completely early in 2013.
Rounding off our coverage of the Monterey events, we have today taken a closer look at three of the week's Monterey Auctions. Defying the current economic situation, it proved to be another record breaking set of sales with combined revenues exceeding $250 million. Like last year, Gooding & Co. topped the charts, achieving a result of $113.5 million in two evenings. One of the few records that was not broken was that for the most expensive car ever sold at an auction, although three cars did achieve 8-figure prices. More details can be found in our brief report report, illustrated by a 100-shot gallery from the three major auctions.

No fewer than five Alfa Romeo 6C 1750s graced the 18th fairway during the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Among them was the striking Figoni Coupe we featured in great detail earlier in the year after it racked up almost every award at Villa d'Este. Equally spectacular and unique was the Aprile Spider Corsa. The car was brought over from Italy for the very first time by Corrado Lopresto, who only collects one-off Italian coach-built cars. Penned by noted designer Count Revelli de Beaumont, the body currently fitted is actually the chassis' second; in 1938 the original Zagato Spider body was discarded due to accident damage. In the same hands between 1956 and 2008, the lovely Alfa Romeo was only rarely seen and almost forgotten. As can be seen in our 18-shot gallery, the 6C 1750 Gran Sport Aprile Spider Corsa has seen been lovingly restored by its current custodian.
At the upcoming Mondial de l'Automobile Paris, Peugeot will bring back the legendary GTi badge by introducing a high performance version of the 208. Already shown as a concept car in Geneva, the new 208 GTi boasts a 200 hp version of PSA's versatile direct-injection, turbocharged four cylinder engine. A version of that same engine is also used for the new DS3 Cabrio, which will also make its official debut in the French capital. Not a true convertible, it is fitted with a roll-back roof that was first seen in the Citroen line-up many moons ago on the quirky 2CV. Despite the additional strengthening required to maintain rigidity, the 'Cabrio' only weighs 25kg more than its fixed-head counterpart. Following their Paris debut, both hot 'hatches' are expected to arrive at the showrooms early in 2013.

One of the most exclusive events during Monterey classic car week is The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. Hosted by the Quail Lodge, access was strictly limited to 3,000 visitors. They were treated to a display of around 180 cars and motorcycles, as well as the finest food and drinks the area has to offer. Among the featured themes this year were the Golden Anniversary of Iso Automobili and Pre-War Alfa Romeos. The highlights on show were the unique Iso Varedo, the V8 engined Alfa Romeo S11 and the freshly restored Ferrari 159 S; the oldest Ferrari in existence. The event also boasted the introduction of the one-off McLaren X-1. During lunchtime, a parade of competition Cobras from the nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca paid The Quail a visit. We were on hand at the 10th Quail, a Motorsports Gathering and have spent our time well, with this detailed report and 140-shot gallery as the result.
One of the founders of The Quail is Gordon McCall, who also hosted the annual McCall Motorworks Revival a few days earlier. Held at the Monterey Jet Center, this event serves as the unofficial start of the action-packed automotive week on the Monterey Peninsula. Like The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, the 'Jet Center Party' combines a display of classic cars with fine cuisine. Among the stars of the show were the all-new Aston Martin Vanquish, the earliest Sting Ray Corvette in the world and two spectacular Ford GT40s. All this and much more can be found in our report, illustrated by a 70-shot gallery.