McLaren have released the latest model in their top-of-the-line 'Ultimate' range. Dubbed the Elva, it harks back at the earliest McLaren sports racers like the M1A of which the versions earmarked for customers were built by specialist manufacturer Elva. Derived from the Senna and Senna GTR, the Elva features a striking roadster design. Lightweight was the key word and amenities like a radio are not fitted while an actual windshield is available as an option. To provide some creature comfort McLaren have created a sophisticated airflow system dubbed the Active Air Management System. This creates a bubble of calm air around the car's occupants by channeling air through and then out of the nose just ahead of the cockpit at high speed. Like the Senna, it is based on, the Elva features a version of the familiar twin turbo V8 engine that produces around 800 bhp. The first Elvas will run off the McLaren line in the second half of 2020 and production is strictly limited to 399 examples.

Swiss racing car manufacturer really came to the fore with the Mercedes-Benz engined Group C cars that were raced from the mid-1980s. Today we take a look at two particularly interesting examples of these V8-engined machines. First up is the second Sauber C8 built, which is also the second ever Sauber powered by a Mercedes-Benz engine. These early Sauber Mercedes racers used the single cam version of the M117 V8 engine, equipped with a pair of turbochargers. The featured example scored a break through victory at the 1986 Nurburgring 1000 km and was later also campaigned by a privateer. Now in Danish hands, it has been meticulously restored and has returned to the track.
Also due to take to the track in historic Group C racing is this Sauber Mercedes C9. The C9 was a further development of the C8 and thanks to additional backing from Mercedes-Benz proved more competitive. Among the most crucial changes was the use of a new twin-cam version of the twin-turbo V8, which was used from the 1989 season onwards. It was hugely successful, winning the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Sports Car Championship. The chassis highlighted today was used in testing only as was retained by Peter Sauber himself for many years. Now in private hands, it was demonstrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and is due to start racing from the start of the next season.
Also due out in 2020 is the heavily revised Hyundai i20 R5 '20. It is based on the junior category rally car introduced back in 2016 but boasts the biggest single upgrade since the original launch. All key areas, engine, chassis and aerodynamics have been addressed to ensure the i20 R5 '20 will be as competitive as its predecessor.

To celebrate Ferrari Friday we today take a look at a pair of very rare examples built by the Italian manufacturer. The earliest of the pair is one of three Ferrari 166 Inters clothed by Stabilimenti Farina with a Cabriolet body. The featured example had a distinct raked grille and an abundance of chrome trim. It was ordered by a Swiss Grand Prix driver but eventually ended up on a scrapyard. It was saved but the body was lost. A recent and very comprehensive restoration has brought the unique Stabilimenti Farina Cabriolet back to its original form. Chassis 0063S made its post restoration debut this summer at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance.
Californian auctioneer Gooding & Co. have announced the first lots of their Scottsdale Auctions. Leading the way is this Ferrari 500 Superfast, which was originally sold to an Italian customer. Having spent most of its life in the United States and Germany, it was recently restored and fully certified by Ferrari Classiche. Chassis 6305SF is estimated to sell for in excess of $2.5 million.

Following in the footsteps of the limited production RWS built a few years ago, Audi have now created the R8 V10 RWD, which is available in Coupe or Spyder configurations. Like the name suggests, this version of the R8 is rear-wheel drive only. Thanks to removal of the all-wheel drive related components the RWD is 65kg and 55kg lighter respectively than the quattro versions of the Coupe and Spyder. Deliveries of the RWD Coupe and RWD Spyder will start in the spring of 2020.
Together with the road-going rear-wheel drive R8, Audi have also announced an updated version of the R8 LMS GT4. Among the most notable changes are the addition of adjustable ABS and traction control systems. Adjustments can be made by the driver directly on the new steering wheel, which was originally developed for the GT2 version of the R8 LMS. The R8 LMS GT4 should hit racing tracks around the world from the start of the 2020 season onwards.
At the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW will reveal the CS, or Club Sport version of the M2. It was developed alongside a racing version of the M2 and is powered by a 444hp version of the 'S55' twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder engine. The M2 CS can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Later this month, RM Sotheby's will host the company's first ever Abu Dhabi auction during the Grand Prix weekend. Among the first cars added to the lot list are the three 1990s machines highlighted today.
The most recent is a great specimen of the limited production Lamborghini Diablo GT. Launched in 1999, this was effectively a racing Diablo for the road. As a result, it was only street legal in Europe. One of the very last built, the example on offer was originally delivered to an enthusiast in Moscow. It was consigned with just 6,600km on the odometer.
Although based on a production car, this Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.8 is a fully fledged competition car. It was campaigned in the 1993 ADAC GT Cup before being sold to Japan. It has recently been refurbished by Freisinger Motorsport and is another low mileage example.
Considering the venue, it is only fitting that Grand Prix cars are also on offer and among them is this Benetton B192. It was raced by Michael Schumacher three times in 1992, finishing fourth once and then third in the other two outings. It then served as a spare four times. Campaigned in the late 1990s in the BOSS GP series, chassis B192-06 is still very much 'on the button'.

We have a soft spot for the original Viper GT racers and today we have highlighted this GTS-R, which we recently spotted at the Dix Mille Tours. This car was originally raced by the works backed Viper Team Oreca in the FIA GT Championship in 1999. It was subsequently also raced at Daytona and won the FFSA Championship twice. Chassis C20 has been restored to its original livery and was also campaigned at Le Mans and Spa last year.
With the BT62 Competition, Brabham have created the third version of the highly acclaimed V8-engined supercar. As the name suggests, in this configuration, the BT62 can compete in races. The first example will debut at next weekend's Britcar race at Brands Hatch. Customer deliveries of the BT62 Competition will start in early in 2020.
At the recent Tokyo Motor Show, several Japanese manufacturers have introduced sophisticated show cars. One of the finest was this Lexus LF-30, which uses wheel mounted electric motors. The stylish coupe has a combined output of 536bhp and 700Nm of torque. Also on show was this Mitsubishi Mi-Tech Concept, which is hybrid vehicle that uses a turbine to generate power for the electric motors.

With the 2019 racing season coming to a close, it is the time for new competition cars to be launched. During last weekend's Finali Mondiali at Mugello, Ferrari revealed updated versions of two of their 488-based racers. First up is the 488 GT3 Evo. Like the name suggests, it is an evolution of the GT3 racer introduced three years ago. Among the changes are revised aerodynamics and a lengthened wheelbase that is now identical to that of the 488 GTE. The 488 GT3 Evo is available as a complete car for existing customers or as part of an upgrade kit for existing owners.
Ferrari also comprehensively revised the 488 Challenge with this 488 Challenge Evo as the result. Aerodynamics were also a chief area of improvement with 50% increase in downforce as the current model. As with the GT3, the 488 Challenge Evo can be ordered as a new car or an upgrade package for existing cars.
Toyota Gazoo Racing also revealed further images and details of the GR Supra GT4. It will feature a 430hp engine mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The first customer cars will be available in March of 2020 and will be priced at €175.000.