Lamborghini have stepped up their racing involvement with the launch of the Gallardo GT3 FL2. For the first time the Italian manufacturer was directly involved with the development of the car, sharing the responsibility with long-time partner Reiter Engineering in Germany. Compared to the outgoing model, the Gallardo GT3 FL2 is 25 kg lighter. It also boasts a revised bodykit with a new splitter and carbon-fibre diffuser derived from the one-make Super Trofeo cars. Produced by 'Squadra Corse', the new V10-engined racer is priced at EUR 320,000 before taxes.
On Monday evening, Lotus revealed the E21 Renault; the first of the 2013 Formula 1 cars. As expected, due to the minimal rule changes, it is a direct development of the E20 driven to victory back in November by Kimi Raikkonen. The Fin has been retained as the lead driver, again joined by Romain Grosjean. Testing will commence early next week when the E21 will be joined on the track by the other new cars, which are expected to break cover in the coming days.
Of a slightly different order is the Brabus 800 Widestar, which is the German company's take on the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG. Due to be launched at the Qatar Motor Show, the potent 'off roader' is powered by an 800 hp, twin-turbo V12 engine. That is enough power to drag the car to a top speed of 270 km/h despite the brick-like aerodynamics. In addition to the tweaked engine, the 800 Widestar also boasts an instantly recognisable body-kit.

Displaying a great sense of humour, Max Balchowsky named the 'junkyard dogs' he built in the late 1950s and early 1960s, 'Old Yeller' after the famous hound in the Disney motion picture of the same. The best known of these is Old Yeller II, which Balchowsky created in 1959. The rather ungainly machine featured a custom chassis and a sizeable Buick V8. Its looks and humble origins certainly deceived as the pale yellow racer was often on par with far more exotic sports cars. Balchowsky raced it himself until the car's pace attracted the attention of the likes of Dan Gurney and Carroll Shelby, who also wanted a go behind the wheel. After being raced in contemporary events until 1974, the unique machine briefly lingered in a backyard before it was restored for historic racing. Still in very original condition, it is a regular sight on both sides of the Atlantic at events like the Monterey Historic Races and the Goodwood Revival. We captured the car at many of these occasions, resulting in this 18-shot gallery.
Also sporting controversial looks was the Aston Martin Type C Speed Model. Eight of these were built in 1938 and 1939 using spare 'Speed Model' chassis. These were constructed to homologate Aston Martin's new two-litre racer for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1936. Compared to the early Type A and Type B Speed models, the Type C featured a sophisticated body both with regards to the design and construction. The featured example was the original prototype, which received the nickname 'flying banana' because of its yellow colour and unusual design.

Following a 20-year hiatus, Ferrari finally set its sights on sports car racing again with the launch of the 333 SP early in 1994. In many ways a two-seater version of the Scuderia's contemporary Formula 1 cars, it was powered by a five-valve per cylinder V12, which produced a glorious howl that is still without equal. A big difference with the 'old days' was that Ferrari had no intention to race the car themselves but instead made it available to privateers like the late Giampiero Moretti, who had been one of the driving forces behind the project. This proved to be the perfect approach as in the next eight years no fewer than 40 examples were built and sold, and during the car's long career, it scored no fewer than 56 outright wins. Among them were three wins in the Sebring 12 Hours and one in the Daytona 24 Hours.
To offer you a unique insight into this fabulous machine, we have gone through our archives and created a spectacular, 78-shot gallery; our largest yet about a single car. Featured are no fewer than 13 different examples, starting with the prototype and spanning the complete production run to the final chassis produced, which was built specifically for the 2004 Daytona 24 Hours. All cars are shown at speed at a variety of events on both sides of the Atlantic. Enjoy!

With the North American International Auto Show barely wound down, it is already time to switch our focus to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, which starts in little over a month. Although we are not entirely certain the car will be launched at the Swiss show, Ferrari have already released teaser shots of their upcoming Enzo replacement, believed to be known as the F150. A Formula 1 car for the road, it will feature a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and a turbocharged V8 complemented by a KERS hybrid system. When more information of the Ferrari F150 becomes available we will of course let you know.
Certainly due in Geneva will be the Rolls-Royce Wraith. The classic type name will be revived for the coupe version of the Ghost, which will be the most potent Rolls-Royce ever. For now just a single teaser image is available as with the Ferrari, we will keep you posted.
Bentley have given full disclosure of the revised Mulsanne. The flagship model boasts a series of luxury updates that brings the car up to the current state of technology. The car is effectively a WiFi hotspot and includes integrated iPads. Equipped with the venerable twin-turbo V8, the upgraded Mulsanne is identical to the existing model under the engine cover.
Boasting many more changes is the thoroughly revised Aston Martin Rapide S. The four-door machine features a redesigned nose with a much larger grille. Underneath the altered panels sits the latest version of Aston's lovely V12, which, at 550 bhp, is 17% more powerful than the original Rapide's engine. The new Rapide S will arrive at the company's 146 dealers later this year.

Building on the ashes of the defunct Cisitalia factory, Carlo Abarth emerged as a car manufacturer. The Austrian-born engineer had previously only supplied go-fast components for a variety of engines. He had become involved with Cisitalia as Porsche's official representative in Italy. When the over-ambitious company folded, Abarth received several examples of a racing car he had helped develop as compensation. This would become the Cisitalia-Abarth 204A, which would be raced for 'Squadra Carlo Abarth' from 1949 on by some of Italy's finest drivers like Luigi Villoresi and Tazio Nuvolari. The latter competed in and won his final race in the featured example. Compared to the other examples, this one stands out because of the strut-mounted front fenders. We captured every detail of the car at Villa d'Este last year in a 18-shot gallery.
By the early 1970s, Abarth sold his business to the Fiat Group, who were particularly interested in his now legendary go-fast bits. The successful sports racing cars were entrusted to Enzo Osella, who had already supplied customer support to Abarth's clients. Like Carlo Abarth himself over twenty years earlier, Osella used the opportunity to branch out to developing and building cars under his own name. The first of these and the penultimate to bare the Abarth name was the Abarth-Osella PA1. This combined a new monocoque chassis and a revised body design with the very potent Abarth four-cylinder engine. Against very stiff competition the PA1 took two wins out of eight attempts in the 1973 European Two-Litre Championship. Osella built ten examples, two of which are pictured in our 18-shot gallery.

This weekend, Scottsdale will once again be the car auction capital of the world; all of the major North America-based auctioneers will host a sale in the Arizona desert. Today we take a look at some of the most interesting cars that will be offered.
Our absolute favourite is this unique Maserati 150 GT Spider, which will cross the block at Gooding. Developed by the race shop as a possible road going replacement for the A6G, the compact machine combines race-bred underpinnings with the first ever road car body built by Fantuzzi. The history of this Maserati is as fascinating as the car is beautiful. Also worth a close inspection is this Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet A, which is believed to be the finest of its type in existence.
Barrett-Jackson have been coming to Scottsdale the longest but to take on the likes of Gooding and RM more effectively, they have added a 'Salon' selection to their multi-day auction, which includes the exotic machinery usually found at their rivals. Among these exotics is certainly this gold-painted Duesenberg J Murphy Custom Berverly. Other Salon cars include a Talbot Lago T26 GS Franay Coupe and a Delahaye 175 Saoutchik Coupe de Ville.
Over at RM Auctions we expect great things from this brutal AC Shelby Cobra 427 S/C. Previously owned by various noted collectors, this Street Competition Cobra has covered just 18,000 miles from new. For good measure we have also included the very last Cobra 427 built, which is also the final Cobra produced of the original run.
Both Gooding and RM will also offer other big block machinery; the very rare Corvette L88 in Roadster and Coupe form respectively.

As the final press conferences are winding down, it is time to round-up our coverage of this year's North American International Auto Show. The absolute star in Detroit is no doubt the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray but there were more new cars of note. Fellow General Motors subsidiary Cadillac for example launched the ELR. Using the same technology as the Chevrolet Volt, this compact machine uses a powerful electric motor combined with a petrol range extender.
Audi added yet another RS model to the line-up (not that that is a bad thing) in the form of the RS 7 Sportback. This shares its 560 hp engine and 8-Speed automatic gearbox with the RS 6 announced a few weeks ago. Sister company Volkswagen took the wraps of the hybrid Crossblue Concept, which looks like a precursor to the next generation Touareg.
Toyota used the company's largest Detroit display yet to launch the all-new IS. Particularly in F-Sport guise, it looks like a very exciting machine. One of its rivals will no doubt be the Infiniti Q50. Topping the range is a hybrid model, which offers a combined 354 bhp.
Offering a peek into the future were concept cars like the Hyundai HCD-14, Nissan Resonance and Toyota Corolla Furia.

Kicking off the 60th anniversary celebrations of America's most famous sports car, Chevrolet have revealed the all-new Corvette Stingray on the eve of the North American International Auto Show. Although still clearly a Corvette, the new machine uses cutting edge technology throughout. The chassis is a hydroformed aluminium frame while composites are used for the body, which includes a removable, carbon-fibre roof panel. Powering the Stingray is an all-aluminium, direct injection V8 engine, which is good for an estimated 450 bhp. It is mated to the first ever seven-speed manual gearbox fitted on a Corvette, while a six-speed automatic is available as an option. As can be seen in our 24-shot gallery, the styling is much more angular than on the previous two incarnations and is more reminiscent of the second and third generation models with which it shares the Stingray name. The new Corvette will be available in the third quarter of 2013 as a 2014 model.
To mark the occasion of the new Corvette launch and the type's 60th anniversary, we have also taken a closer look at one of the most extreme versions ever; the L88. Built specifically for privateer racing teams, this homologation special is a thinly disguised racer. Although officially rated at 430 bhp to make sure it did not stand out, the L88 big block engine actually produced 540 - 560 bhp. Available from 1967 through to 1969, just 216 examples were constructed and they remain among the most sought after of all Corvettes. Next weekend both a Coupe and Roadster at the Scottsdale sales of respectively RM Auctions and Gooding. The latter's Roadster is highly original and has a pre-sale estimate of $625,000 - $700,000.

At the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Mercedes-AMG will expand the line-up with new range-topping versions known as the 'Model S'. The first two cars to get this treatment are the CLS 63 AMG and the face-lifted E 63 AMG. Thanks to a rise in turbo boost from 0.9 to 1.0 bar, the 5.5 litre V8 produces 27 hp more in the Model S. To deal with the additional power, the suspension has also been tweaked. The updated machines also come with the new performance oriented all-wheel drive system as an option. Subtle cues and a slightly different badge distinguish the S from the 'standard' AMG versions.
The Detroit display of the Toyota Motor Company will take up more space than ever before. No doubt taking centre stage will be the all-new Lexus IS. For now the Japanese manufacturer has only released pictures but no further details, which will surely come when the compact sedan breaks cover on Monday. Toyota showed even less of the Furia Concept that is also due in Detroit. For now we have to make do with a single shot of one of the taillights.
Over on the other side of the Atlantic, the Autosport International Show kicked off today. Among the new racing cars displayed this year are the Lotus Exige V6 Cup and the faster still Exige V6 CupR. Both cars are powered by a supercharged V6 that produces 345 bhp and 361 respectively.

Following the spectacular Antas GT launched back in 2006, Mazzanti have now introduced the mid-engined Evantra V8. Compared to its very retro predecessor, the new Evantra is thoroughly modern. Available with either a carbon fibre or aluminium body, it is powered by a naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out an impressive 701 bhp. Due to be officially revealed at the Top Marques show in Monaco, Mazzanti will build no more than five Evantra V8s per year.
There is less than a week to go until the COBO Hall in Detroit will open its doors for the 2013 North American International Auto Show. Some manufacturers have already taken a head start by previewing their upcoming releases a little early. Among them is Audi, who will debut the SQ5 TFSI in Motown. Joining the diesel-engined SQ5 announced at Le Mans back in June, this version is powered by a 3-litre, petrol V6. Thanks to a supercharger mounted in the 'V' between the cylinder banks, this compact unit is good for just under 350 bhp. Another sporty model set to star in Detroit is the Dogde Dart GT. Unfortunately this is not yet the high performance SRT model many hope Dodge will develop.
Offering but a glimpse of their plans are Hyundai and Cadillac. The South Korean manufacturer released just a teaser image of the HCD-14 Concept, while Cadillac provided a picture with a camouflaged version of the upcoming, all-electric ELR.

With the 500 K, launched at the 1934 Berlin Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz offered a sports car that combined both the fine handling characteristics of the company's six cylinder engined machines with the luxury of the teutonic 'Grosser' model. It was powered by a straight eight engine that initially displaced 5 litre and later 5.4 litre in the 540 K of 1936. The big engine had a trick up its sleeve in the form of an engageable supercharger, which boosted the power to 160 and subsequently 180 bhp. Although some were clothed by custom coachbuilders, most received one of the standard bodies designed by Hermann Ahrens and constructed at the Sindelfingen factory. Today we want to take a look at one of the styles in the catalog; the Cabriolet A. The 500 Cabriolet A is one of just 33 examples built and it is believed that only 11 have survived. One of the very best in the world, this chassis will be offered at Gooding's upcoming Scottsdale auction on Friday, January 18. Even rarer is this 500 K Spezial Cabriolet, which is believed to be unique specimen, combining the Cabriolet A style with elements from the Spezial Roadster like the V-shaped windshield. We captured this one-off in a 12-shot gallery during recent outings at Pebble Beach and Villa d'Este. The two-door convertible style proved more popular on the 540 K introduced in 1936 with around 83 examples receiving this body at the Sindelfingen works. Coincidentally both of the 540 K Cabriolet As pictured were sold new to Italy.

To fill the rather large footprints of the 250 GTO, Ferrari developed a very extreme competition version of the recently introduced 275 GTB. Effectively a 7/8 scale version of the road car, it nevertheless met all homologation requirements, except for one; it was too light. Although this was easily rectified, the FIA initially refused to reconsider their decision. So what should have been the 1965 GTO is now known as the Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione Speciale. It was eventually cleared to race but only one of the four examples built took to the track, highlighted by a class victory at Le Mans. Our 24-shot gallery of this fabulous machine shows both the prototype and the Le Mans class winner.
We have taken the opportunity of the New Year to clean our shelves from articles we wrote but never came around to publish. Among the cars featured is the McLaren M7A, which was the first McLaren to win a Grand Prix. Not quite as successful as the McLaren or the driver it was named after was the Prost AP02 Peugeot, which we captured in action during the 2011 Spa Classic. Lovely Italian machines added include the Tecno 71 F2 and the Maserati 4CS 1100. A truly international affair is the Nash-Healey Pinin Farina Coupe, which combines a British chassis with an American engine and an Italian designer suit. Also added to our database is a detailed look at the Jaguar XJR-10 as raced in the IMSA GTP Championship between 1989 and 1991.

Ahead of the official launch at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14th, Bentley have released the first pictures and details of the new Continental GT Speed Convertible. Like its fixed-head counterpart, the new Speed Convertible is powered by twin-turbo W12 good for a staggering 616 bhp. To deal with all this brawn, the Speed comes with a close-ratio 8-speed gearbox, an uprated and lowered suspension, and a retuned steering. Capable of accelerating to 100 mph (160 km/h) in under 10 seconds, the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible has a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).
Catering to a similar market as the Bentley over 90 years ago was the Mercer Series 5 Raceabout. Built between 1920 and 1922, the 'Series 5' was the last of the great four cylinder Mercers, which included the legendary Raceabouts of the early 1910s. Compared to those very minimalistic machines, the later Raceabouts were much more lavishly equipped. In addition to the two-seater body, three other styles were available including this Sporting. Our Series 5 Raceabout gallery includes pictures of two different examples, including one highly original survivor that had been owned for many years by a former Mercer employee.