Porsche have just released the first details of the all-new 997 Turbo S. The first 'S' in five years is based on the 'standard' Turbo and features performance upgrades across the board.
The twin-turbocharged six cylinder engine has been tweaked to produce a hefty 530 bhp; up 30 bhp from the Turbo. Despite the rise in power, the consumption figures are identical, making it a particularly efficient machine. Available exclusively on the Turbo S is a brand new seven-speed 'Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe' or 'PDK' twin-clutch gearbox. The top speed is 315 km/h (195 mph) and the all-wheel drive manages to get to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just over 10 seconds.
To keep all that power in check, Porsche have fitted the Turbo S with carbon ceramic discs and a mechanical differential lock on the rear end. The 19-inch wheels are inspired by the dominant RS Spyder LMP2 racer. As is more than appropriate on a top-of-the-range model, the new Turbo S' interior is fully equipped with the latest technology and all the luxury appointments.
The Turbo S will be available as a Coupe and Cabriolet. In Germany the Coupe is priced at 173,241 Euro before taxes while the Cabriolet comes at a 10,000 Euro premium.

Last week we learned that for the first time in a long time a Ferrari 250 GTO has come onto the open market. Generally considered one of the most valuable cars in the world, these Ferrari GT-racer usually change hands in complete privacy. Rumour has that for one of the most recent 250 GTO sales around $30 million was offered in return. Many of these rare Ferraris are safely locked away in prominent collections, so this is very much a unique opportunity to acquire a prime example of the quintessential Ferrari GT-racers. The chassis that has now come to the market is offered by RM Auctions as a private treaty sale for its current, Japanese owner. This particular chassis is one of the seven in existence today with the 'Series 2' style body and one of four converted by the factory to the later specification in period.
This exciting news inspired us to dive into our archives for shots of all four of these cars, resulting in a spectacular 30-shot gallery. All four of these machines started life with the more common 1962 style body and were refitted over the 1963/64 winter with the more aerodynamic body styled by Pininfarina. In addition Ferrari built three new chassis for the 1964 season. It was very much a stop-gap solution for the Italian manufacturer as they struggled to get the mid-engined 250 LM homologated as a GT car. The Pininfarina lines are also clearly inspired by the shape of the 250 LM. This is most obvious in the design of the rear half of the car, particularly the roof. The four converted 250 GTOs were all owned by prominent Ferrari privateers and raced with considerable success. On their long list of successes are class honours at the Targa Florio, numerous victories in Italian hill-climbs and notable wins in the hands of the likes of Graham Hill, Mike Parkes and Innes Ireland.
Our detailed article includes a general history of the 250 GTO as well as a detailed look at all four chassis. The cars are captured around the world with sparkling action photography from events like the Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival and Monterey Historic Races. Chassis 4675GT that is currently on offer by RM Auctions is captured at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where Ferrari was the featured marque. We are not privy to the asking price but it must be in excess of $20 million.

Last week we already looked at Pininfarina's upcoming Alfa Romeo concept and now it's time to highlight the second of three show cars headed for Geneva to celebrate Alfa Romeo's 100th anniversary. This is a Bertone styled Coupe that will bring the Turin based design house back to the Swiss show for the first time in three years. Designed by Mike Robinson, it is powered by the familiar 440 bhp, 4.2 litre V8 engine. For now all we have is a sketch but we will keep a close eye on this one.
Five years after launching the original concept, Renault will finally reveal the production version of the Wind in Geneva. The small two-seater has a foldable metal roof and will be pitched against cars like the Peugeot 207 CC. Mazda will celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of its most iconic models, the MX-5, with a limited edition version of the sports car. Based on the base model, it mostly sports tweaks to the exterior like bigger wheels. Production of the Europe only version is limited to just 2,000 numbered examples.
Today the first Formula 1 group-test concluded at Valencia. The Ferrari proved to be the quickest car, followed closely by the surprisingly fast Sauber C29. Powered by the Ferrari engine, it is the 2010 BMW car that never was. The C29 will be driven by Kamui Kobayashi and Pedro de la Rosa. While most of the established teams were already out testing, Virgin Racing was the first of the newcomers to reveal their car. Dubbed the VR-01, it has been designed exclusively using Computional Fluid Dynamics by Nick Wirth. His company's previous project was the ALMS Championship winning Acura LMP1 car, which was also developed in its entirety on the computer. The Cosworth-engined Virgin VR-01 has a very distinct look and a very appealing livery.

After a particularly eventful winter, the 2010 Formula 1 season unofficially kicked off this morning with the first day of testing at Valencia. Due to the huge restrictions on testing, this was the first opportunity for the teams to sample their new cars. Originally a joint launch of all cars was planned at Valencia but in the end the teams could not agree. Nevertheless many of the 2010 Formula 1 machines were only revealed today.
Most eyes in the paddock were on the Mercedes Grand Prix, which, de facto, is the defending world champion and has seven-time world champion in its ranks. The new W01 was seen for the first team when the door of the pit box opened early this morning. The former Brawn team have produced a very attractive car with some hints of Adrian Newey's very effective 2009 Red Bull design. The most appealing part of the car is the heavily sculpted air-intake. Schumacher was third quickest today in the Mercedes-Benz W01. Other cars debuted this morning were the Toro Rosso STR5 and the Williams FW32. This Cosworth engined machine is a radical departure from last year's FW31 and unlike most other new cars, it does not follow Newey's lines. Renault already revealed their R30 last night. To be piloted by Robert Kubica and the first Russian in F1, Vitaly Petrov, it sports a very retro yellow and black livery.
Over the weekend the first major endurance race of the year, the Daytona 24 Hours, was held. In one of the fastest editions in history, the established teams were upstaged by a debutant team. Piloted by Joao Barbosa, Ryan Dalziel, Terry Borcheller and Mike Rockenfeller, the Action Express Riley featured an independently developed Porsche Cayenne engine. Built by the Lozano Brothers Porting, the V8 outclassed the 'official' GT3 derived flat-six as well as all other works engines. The Riley Mk XX was run by last year's winners Brumos racing, who were not so lucky this year with their own flat-6 powered Riley.

At the headquarters of title-sponsor Vodafone, McLaren have taken the wraps off the all-new MP4-25 this morning. Still powered by the Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, the team's 2010 is a radical departure from its troubled predecessor. The most distinct new feature is a massive fin mounted on the air-box. Compared to the Ferrari yesterday the completely different location of the exhausts stand out. McLaren also has a very special driver line-up in Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. It's the first time since 1989 that McLaren have two world champions under contract and never before have the two most recent world champions been team-mates. The MP4-25 will make its track-debut on Monday when the teams will hold the first official test of the new season.
Also using Mercedes-Benz power is the Carlsson C25, which is the German tuner's first distinct model. Production is limited to just 25 cars and Carlsson have ensured absolute exclusivity by allocating just one car per country. The Mercedes sourced, twin-turbo V12 is massaged to produce a staggering 753 bhp. The C25 will be officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
At the Swiss show, Pininfarina will mark the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo. The two legendary companies have a long and lasting history together. Particularly the open Alfa Romeos have traditionally been clothed by the Turin based 'carrozzeria.' At Geneva, Pininfarina will showcase an Alfa Romeo based Spider Concept, which may give an indication of the replacement of the current Spider model. For now all we have to show is a render of the upcoming concept.