Yesterday, Honda announced its return to Formula 1 in 2015 as McLaren's engine supplier. Between 1988 and 1992, the McLaren/Honda partnership resulted in four driver's titles, so not surprisingly the expectations will be very high. Most successful of all Honda-powered McLarens was the MP4/4 raced during the 1988 season by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Together they won a staggering 15 out of a possible 16 races. One of these all-conquering machines was recently restored by McLaren and driven during the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed by Bruno Senna. We used that opportunity to capture every detail as it can be seen in this 18-shot gallery.
Already some years in the making, Porsche have released further and amended details about the upcoming 918 Spyder supercar. Among the changes is a significant boost of the performance of the internal combustion engine and the electric motors. This has lifted the combined power output to close to 900 bhp. In addition to the additional information, Porsche also released more images of the sophisticated hybrid supercar.
During a spectacular launch at the Airbus factory in Hamburg, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the latest generation S-Class. Known internally as the W222, it replaced the W221 generation, which was introduced back in 2005. As can be expected, the new S-Class is more luxurious, more technologically advanced and more efficient as the outgoing model. Topping the range during the market introduction will be the S 500, which boasts a 449 bhp, twin-turbo V8.

From the mid-1970s, Ferrari focused the company's racing efforts on Formula 1 and with considerable success. This did leave the loyal privateer racers looking for alternatives. Not content with settling with anything but a Ferrari, some of these privateers requested Padova-based Ferrari dealer Michelotto to create a 308 GTB-based rally car. Although it did take some time to get the 308 GTB Group 4 right, the car turned out to be remarkably successful. In fact it remains the only Ferrari to have ever finished in the top three of a World Rally Championship round. Ferrari also took note of the efforts of the small shop and cemented a relationship with Michelotto that lasts to this day with cars ranging from the F40 to the current 458 Italia GT2 as the indirect and direct result. Over the years we captured four 308 GTB Group 4s in action during events like the Tour Auto. They can be seen from every angle in this lovely 24-shot gallery.
This morning, HSV's all-new 'Gen-F' range broke cover. One of the range topping models is this ClubSport R8 SV. It is powered by a 456 bhp version of GM's LS3 V8, which is currently the most potent available in the Gen-F range. The car comes with a choice of a manual or automatic six-speed gearbox and a raft of high-tech electronic goodies as standard.
Following a link-up with Zagato last year, BMW have now partnered with Pininfarina to bring a one-off show car to next week's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Known as the Gran Lusso Coupe, it is powered by a V12 engine. For now that is the only concrete information and the three images released today also do not draw a complete picture just yet.

This week, Lamborghini celebrated the company's 50th anniversary with a rally through the north of Italy. The event culminated with the launch of the spectacular Lamborghini Egoista in Sant'Agata Bolognese. This 600 bhp V10 engined machine was created by the Volkswagen Group's head of design Walter de Silva as a homage to the Italian manufacturer. The unusual show car features a single seater layout with a centrally mounted cockpit. In De Silva's own words: "It represents hedonism taken to the extreme, it is a car without compromises, in a word: egoista (selfish)." One of the clear inspirations was the Apache helicopter resulting in many subtle and some more obvious cues like the canopy and the turbine like exhaust. The Egoista is Lamborghini's gift for Lamborghini and will not be sold.
The launch of the striking Egoista prompted us to look back at some classic Lamborghini prototypes. It all started 50 years ago with the Franco Scaglione penned 350 GTV. Using the same underpinnings was the 3500 GTZ of which two were built and only one remains today. Later in the decade, Bertone produced this fantastic Marzal, which provided a preview of the upcoming Espada production car. Long before Lamborghini settled on the Gallardo as the spiritual replacement of the Jalpa, several very different prototypes were built in the late 1980s and through the 1990s. Among them is the P140 of 1989; the first V10-engined Lamborghini. Using the same engine was the Cala penned created by Giugiaro/Italdesign, which remains as one of the most beautiful Lamborghinis and was also a participant of the 50th anniversary rally with Fabrizio Giugiaro behind the wheel.

In motorsport, Peugeot is today best known for their rallying and endurance racing victories but over a century ago they were among the leading Grand Prix manufacturers. Although they did not quite invent it, Peugeot were the first to successfully race engines with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, which is still very much the standard for high performance engines to this day. Among these pioneering machines was the Peugeot L45 built specifically for the 1914 French Grand Prix. Due to problems with the Peugeot's inferior tyres, the final race before the Great War was won by arch-rivals Mercedes with this 18/100 Grand Prix. Like most Grand Prix cars of the day, the Peugeots were shipped to the United States where racing continued through 1916. Using one of the sophisticated Peugeots, Dario Resta won the 1916 Indy 500. Our feature car was one of the French Grand Prix racers and some believe it to be Resta's actual Indy winning machine. It was raced at Indy as late as 1949, and has been owned by the same family for over six decades. We captured it in full detail at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it formed part of the Indy 500 Centenary celebrations.
A Peugeot due to race in the United States this year is the equally impressive 208 T16 Pikes Peak of which even more details and images have been released this week. Among them are some baffling performance figures like a 0-100 km/h time of just 1.8 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. All this is made possible by a 875 bhp, 3.2 litre V6 engine, equipped with twin turbochargers. We will continue to follow Sebastien Loeb's efforts and are also looking forward to seeing the 208 T16 Pikes Peak in its final livery.
Also boasting a twin-turbo V6 is the Volkswagen Design Vision GTI, launched at the GTI Treffen earlier this week. The German manufacturer have now also released more information and these detailed images of this very high performance Golf.

Today, the annual 'GTI Treffen' (GTI Meeting) on the shores of the Worthersee in Austria kicks off. It attracts thousands of VAG enthusiasts and also inspires the Group's brands to bring out exciting new (show) cars. Volkswagen themselves will celebrate the launch of the seventh generation GTI with the spectacular Design Vision GTI. Slated as a track-ready machine, it features a turbocharged six cylinder engine, good for over 500 hp. This power is distributed to all four wheels through a DSG dual clutch gearbox. For now only renderings of the Design Vision GTI have been released but we will update the page as soon as actual images become available. Already revealed in full detail is the Seat Leon Cup Racer. Powered by a 330 hp engine, this is a serious racing car that is available to customers and will be eligible for a variety of races including the long distance events on the Nurburgring Nordschleiffe. Seat also hinted that the Leon Cup Racer could form the basis for a brand new WTCC machine as well.
One of the 35 cars out on track during this weekend's WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps was the HPD ARX-03c. Launched ahead of this season, this is an updated version of the new LMP1 car that was campaigned for the first time last year. Over in the United States, it already won the second round of the American Le Mans Series. Facing stronger opposition from the likes of Audi and Toyota, the HPD ARX-03c stood out at Spa as the only open LMP1 car.

On Saturday, the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Belgian Ardennes hosted the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Due to its place on the calendar, the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps also doubled as a final dress rehearsal for next month's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 35-car strong field consisted of high quality entries throughout with Audi and Toyota dicing for the outright victory and the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin and Porsche going head-to-head in the GTE Pro class. Although reliability issues ended the fight for the win early, there were sufficient close fights in the other classes to keep the spectators on the edges of their seats throughout the race.
Our photographers ventured to the legendary track, notorious for tempestuous weather and were treated to two days of beautiful blue skies. The result of their efforts is this concise report, illustrated by an action-packed 220-shot gallery.
Over the weekend, Porsche also took the wraps off the new 911 Turbo S. It combines the latest, '991' bodystyle with a direct injection, twin-turbo engine, good for a hefty 552 bhp. In addition to the familiar all-wheel drive system, the range-topping model also boasts sophisticated four wheel steering. Thanks to these upgrades, the 911 Turbo S can now complete a lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleiffe in well under 7:30 minutes.

One of the absolute stars of the upcoming RM Auctions Villa Erba sale will be this Ferrari 340/375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta (chassis 0320AM). Equipped with low drag body work, it was one of three Ferrari works cars entered in the 1953 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sadly, the car was disqualified on a technicality. Fitted with a larger 375 MM-spec engine it was later pressed into service at the Carrera Panamericana. Following a long spell in the United States, it has been in British hands for the last decade. Although no estimate has been given, the only other survivor of the trio sold for EUR 4.3 million six years ago, and the prices have gone up considerably since then. Both cars are featured in our 30-shot gallery of the 340/375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta.
Other exciting cars on the roster for Villa Erba include the very first MG Magnette K3 and the very rare Moretti 750 Grand Sport. Also included in the 40-car catalog are each of Ferrari's supercars; the 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo.
RM Auctions will certainly hope to build on the results achieved last week at the Don Davis Collection sale where a Ferrari 330 GTS sold for just over $1.9 million and a Toyota 2000 GT achieved seven figures for the first time, selling for an impressive $1.15 million.

Ever wondered what could happen if a bunch of Formula 1 engineers get free reign to modify the most sensible model in the range? A possible result is the Twizy F1 Concept created by Renault Sport. It boasts a more powerful electric motor, complete with a KERS system, as well as wild wings and massive slicks. It was presented last week at the Valladolid factory where the standard car is built. In the coming weeks and months, the Twizy Renault Sport F1 will be demonstrated at selected events.
Another one-off is the Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept, due to be launched at the annual VAG Worthersee meeting in Austria. This is a thoroughly lightened and more powerful version of the current 2-litre turbo TT. Weighing in at 1111 kg and powered by a 310 hp engine, it can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. In addition to the striking body-kit, the Audi TT Ultra Quattro also features a redesigned interior with a gated gearshift.
Due to be launched Down Under later this month is the HSV Gen-F. It is the high-performance manufacturer's take on the new Holden F-Series. For now only a single teaser shot has been released but we will update the database entry as more information becomes available.
Peugeot have begun testing the highly anticipated 208 T16 Pikes Peak rally monster. Together with new images, the French manufacturer also released more details; the car is powered by a twin-turbo, 875 bhp V6 engine, which had originally been developed for endurance racing. Among the 208 T16 Pikes Peak's most impressive figures is the 1 kg/bhp power to weight ratio. This is another project we will follow very closely.

Last week, from Tuesday April 22 to Saturday April 27, around 250 historic racing cars traversed some of France's finest roads, competing in the 22nd annual Tour Auto retrospective. The ever spectacular event started in Le Grand Palais in Paris and after passing through Orleans, Vichy, Albi and Limoges finished in La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast. Among the many significant cars entered were a host of Ferraris, Cobras, Porsches and Aston Martins, while the drivers including former F1 racers Olivier Panis, Erik Comas and Jacques Laffite as well as 1999 Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack. They were all faced with the same challenging route that combined public road sections with timed special stages and circuit races. Serving as a backdrop to the route were some of France's most breathtaking buildings and landscapes, which this year included the Chateau de Chambord and the Central Massif mountain range.
Our photographers followed the Tour Auto from start to finish; a first for us. The result of a week of very long days is this stage-by-stage report and an action-packed 260-shot gallery.

Today, Audi is a familiar face in DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft). This was certainly not the case when the German manufacturer entered the series back in 1990 with the V8 Quattro DTM. This was the company's first foray into circuit racing in Europe after two highly successful seasons in the United States with the 200 Quattro Trans-Am and the 90 Quattro IMSA GTO silhouette racers. By comparison, the near stock V8 DTM was a relatively straightforward machine but it did feature Audi's new V8 engine and the trademark quattro all-wheel drive system. Much larger than its rivals, the Audi V8 Quattro DTM nevertheless managed to dominate, winning the DTM title two years running with drivers Hans-Joachim Stuck and Frank Biela. The other manufacturers successfully pressed the organisers to raise the minimum weight for the Audi. This prompted Audi to redevelop the car and engine for the 1992 season with a flat-plane crankshaft. When the 1992 Audi was deemed illegal, the manufacturer quit DTM on the spot.
We captured both the original and the final specification of the V8 Quattro DTM in respectively a 6-shot and 18-shot gallery.

The Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari is named after, and located in and around the house Enzo Ferrari was born in back in 1898. Having opened its doors in 2012, the museum nevertheless looks beyond the achievements of just one man and his company, and instead pays tribute to all the manufacturers and coach builders that were based in the Modena area. In addition to the permanent displays, which very vividly depict the history of the automotive industry in Modena, the museum also hosts temporary displays focusing on a specific theme. During our visit this was the rivalry between local manufacturers Maserati and Ferrari. Accordingly, just over a dozen historic road and racing cars from these iconic companies were lovingly displayed in the purpose-built section of the museum. All this and much more can be explored in our detailed report, which is illustrated by a 80-shot gallery.
Among the phenomenal machines on display was this spectacular Maserati 350S V12. Little known today, this type served as an interim model built in anticipation of the upcoming 450S. Two were constructed with six-cylinder engines in 1956 and a third was readied with a free-revving V12 ahead of the 1957 season. None of these were particularly successful as they lacked proper development. Our feature car is believed to be the V12-engined car, which was sold to South America with a more common straight six. In recent years, it was completely restored to its original configuration, complete with the very rare V12. We captured the car both at the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari and during the 2011 Goodwood Revival. The result is this 12-shot gallery.

On Saturday, the Auto China in Shanghai kicked off with the official press day. Now truly a global event, the show attracted all major manufacturers. Among the most interesting new cars on display was the Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4. Developed to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, it will be built in a limited number of just 100 examples and boasts a 20 hp increase over the 'standard' Aventador. Fellow Italian manufacturer, Maserati, took the wraps off the all-new Ghibli. More technical details were also announced, including the performance figures of the range topping Ghibli S. It is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that is closely related to the new Quattroporte's V8 and produces just over 400 hp. A 275 hp diesel engine will also be available, which is powerful enough to enable the Ghibli to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. Compared to the Quattroporte, the compact Ghibli has a wheelbase that is a full 20 cm shorter.
Among the many concept cars on display were the Acura SUV-X, Honda Concept M, the Nissan Friend Me, the Buick Riviera and the Volkswagen CrossBlue.