During the early 1970s, Lola produced a batch of two-litre sports racers every year. The 1974 model was known as the T294 and built to take a four-cylinder engine of the customer's choice. One exception is this T294, which was ordered new by Corrado Manfredini. He requested a two-litre car that could be fitted with the three-litre Cosworth DFV engine to get a car that was as light as possible for hill-climb events. It was raced in period by several drivers with both the DFV engine and also a BMW 'four'. Having spent many years on display in a museum, the unique T294 was recommissioned and fitted with a DFV engine once more.
This week, Hyundai revealed the latest version of their mid-engined show car. Now dubbed the RM20e, it is powered by an electric motor for the first time. It should provide neck-snapping performance, courtesy of the 800 bhp / 960 Nm motor. Wether we will ever see a production version of the RM20e is doubtful as it serves mainly as a platform to showcase the South Korean company's latest technology. Another Hyundai to break cover is this Elantra N TCR. It is latest addition to the manufacturer's TCR line-up and will be run in the countries where the Elantra is on sale.
Offering aspiring GT racers an opportunity to get their toe in the water, Ginetta has created a GT Academy version of the G55. Like the G55, the new GTA, is powered by a Ford-based 3.7-litre V6 engine. Ginetta will stage a series specifically for the car on the British Isles from the 2021 season onwards.

The latest custom coachbuilt machine to emerge from the Ferrari factory is this Omologata. Commissioned by a European client, it is based on the 812 Superfast. As the name suggests, it is inspired by Ferrari's GT racers of old like the 250 LM and 250 GTO. The tenth one-off V12-engined custom Ferrari built since the P540 Superfast Aperta of 2009, the Omologata boasts a hand-crafted aluminium body. The design cues that set the car apart from the regular production Ferraris are more subtle than some of the other unique machines created in Maranello during the last couple of years.
Another coachbuilt V12-engined Ferrari to break cover this week is the Touring Aero 3 that was revealed at the Salon Privé show. Created by Touring Superleggera, its design is influenced by the aerodynamic competition cars created by the Italian carrozzeria in the 1930s. These include the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B that held the largest ever lead over the second placed car at Le Mans. The bespoke Touring body was fitted on a Ferrari F12berlinetta chassis, which ensures it goes as well as it looks. The Aero 3 is not strictly a one-off as Touring is open to enquiries from customers.

To mark the 25th anniversary of McLaren's Le Mans victory, the British manufacturer produced the limited production Senna GTR LM. Just five examples have been built; each one a tribute to the F1 GTRs that finished in 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th positions in the 24 Hours. Accordingly, each is finished in a virtually identical livery to the five F1 GTRs. In addition to the unique colour schemes, the Senna GTR LMs also benefit from a slightly reworked engine that produces 20 additional horsepower.
After months of teasing, BMW have finally taken the wraps off the all-new M3 and M4. In addition the 'standard' models, the German manufacturer also launched the 'range-topping' M3 Sedan Competition and the M4 Coupe Competition. Compared to the regular M3 and M4, the Competition versions feature an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 30 hp more powerful engine. What is also carried over is the controversial nose with the rather oversize 'kidney' grille.
At this weekend's Nürburgring 24 Hours, Aston Martin will debut the Vantage GT8R. Built to compete in the series' SP8T class, the new Aston racer sits between the GT3 and GT4 models in terms of performance. Aston Martin Racing will build 50 Vantage GT8Rs and will also make kits available for existing GT4 owners to upgrade their to run in the SP8T class.

Nissan have offered a preview of the all-new Z-car with the Z Proto show car. The design is clearly an evolution of the previous 370 Z but also incorporates cues of the original 240 ZX. The Z Proto is powered by a four-litre, twin-turbo V6 but no performance figures have been released yet.
The Ferrari Portofino has received its mid-model M evolution. The changes include subtle revisions to the design, a slightly more powerful engine and an eighth gear in the paddle-operated gearbox. Launched yesterday, the Portofino M is the first Ferrari to be launched exclusively online.
Following the success from last year, Bonhams will return to Switzerland this weekend for the second annual Bonmont auction. Due to cross the block is a colourful mix of machinery with a strong focus on recent supercars. The sale is headed by a pair of virtually brand-new Bugatti Veyrons; a Super Sport and a Grand Sport Vitesse. Also consigned to the sale is this lovely Porsche 918 Spyder. Finished in silver with a black interior, this car was actually used a little bit by its two owners.
The auction will take place this Sunday with a limited number of bidders actually allowed in the room.

Circuit Zandvoort was due to host the first Dutch Grand Prix in 35 years earlier this year. In order to meet the stringent requirements to stage a Formula 1 race, extensive modifications were made to several corners. Sadly these changes could not be put to the test this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the race postponed to 2021, the first major event at the modified track was last week's Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort. While this could go ahead, and even with a small number of spectators, the programme was a little different than year's past. It nevertheless turned out to be an action-packed event with interesting fields, headlined by the Masters Formula One and Endurance Legends grids.
We ventured to what is now known as CM.com Circuit Zandvoort to find out how the track has been modified and capture all the highlights of the Historic Grand Prix. The result is this 100-shot gallery that serves to illustrate this concise report.

At this weekend's Tuscany Grand Prix at Mugello, the Scuderia Ferrari will take part in the team's 1,000th Formula 1 Grand Prix. This will be celebrated with among other things a special livery for the SF1000, and even the safety car has been re-painted red from its traditional silver. To mark this occasion, we have taken a closer look at a pair of Ferraris that were pivotal in Ferrari's Formula 1 history.
The newest of the pair is the F2007, which was raced during the 2007 season by Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen. Even though it was a season of change for the team, the V8-engined machine performed very well. Finnish racer Raikkonen won on his debut and then scored five more victories. At the end of the year, Raikkonen was crowned World Champion and Ferrari also won the constructors' trophy. A such, the F2007 remains the last Ferrari to be driven to both the drivers' and constructors' titles.
Among the earliest surviving Ferrari Grand Prix cars is this 340 F1. Very much a reflection of Ferrari practices in the day, it started life as a 125 F1 with a supercharged 1.5-litre engine and was then rebuilt for the 1950 season with a much larger naturally aspirated V12. While most Ferraris of this era were used up for parts, this chassis has fortunately survived. It has been with the same family for several decades but is fortunately regularly raced in historic events.

To mark a new era for the company, Maserati have tonight revealed the MC20. The mid-engined machine is the first all new sports car developed by the Italian company in many years. It is powered by a purpose-built twin-turbo V6 engine that features proprietary twin-spark ignition system. The three-litre unit is good for 621 bhp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The compact two-seater weighs in at just 1,500 kg. This helps the MC20 accelerate to 100 km/h in less than three seconds and then on to a top speed of 325 km/h. Styled in-house, it features distinct Maserati cues like the grille. Like a true supercar, it also boasts 'butterfly' doors. The MC20 will enter production later this year but the order book has already opened.

On Saturday, Gooding & Co. staged the highly anticipated Passion of a Lifetime sale with fifteen hugely impressive machines from a single collection. A live auction, the sale was topped by a trio of Bugattis. The one-off, ex-King Leopold Type 59 Sports Roadster proved most valuable of all at £9.5 million. The Bugatti Type 57 S Atalante and Type 35C also lived up to the pre-sale expectations. Another runaway success was the Miura SV consigned, which found a new owner for a startling £3.2 million. With the exception of the highly original Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato all lots changed hands for a total of just over £34 million.
Hot on the heels of announcing the road-going model, Gordon Murray Automotive have now revealed the first glimpse of the track-focused T.50s. It is based on the road car but features a more powerful engine, less weight and a more aggressive aero-package. Perhaps the most significant change is the use of a paddle-operated gearbox. Currently not eligible for any racing series, the T.50s is priced at a startling £3.1 million. Production is limited to just 25 examples and interested parties better hurry as all 100 road cars were spoken for within 48 hours of last month's launch.

Already announced last year, the road-legal Brabham BT62R has now been revealed. The re-born manufacturer has worked hard to preserve all the crucial characteristics that make the BT62 track-day car so highly regarded. The engine performance is similar, be it with a new map to make it slightly more friendly on public roads. Needless to say, the interior has also been more opulently equipped. Like the earlier BT62 variants, the BT62R can be finished in a livery reflecting one of the 35 victories scored by the Brabham F1 team.
British luxury manufacturer Rolls-Royce have taken the wraps off the second generation of the Ghost. Compared to the previous generation model, the new 'New Ghost' features revisions in exterior and interior design with an eye on further improving the comfort for driver and passengers. A further change is that the power of the twin-turbo V12 is distributed to all four wheels.
For those more interested in the original Silver Ghost, Gooding & Co. have consigned this fabulous Alpine Eagle Tourer for the Passion of a Lifetime sale. The London-based sale has fifteen lots from the same collection and will feature a live auction with online and telephone bidding.
Another brand-new luxury car to break cover this week is the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. As always, the S-Class is the company's flagship model and features the latest in safety and comfort, as well as with regards to efficiency. All engine choices will include a mild-hybrid system. The most potent model available from the launch is this S 500 with a straight-six engine that produces 450 bhp in combination with the electric motor.
The German company also revealed a first glimpse of the upcoming SL Roadster, which is currently under development by high-performance subsidiary Mercedes-AMG.

One of the events that has fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic is the annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Initially, a new date in the fall was announced but ultimately, it was cancelled altogether. As a small consolation, we have today taken a closer look at three great cars that starred on the shores of Lake Como in years past.
First up is this Aston Martin DB3S, which was originally sold to the United States. Finished in the American racing colours of white with a pair of blue stripes, it was raced extensively for several seasons on the American West Coast. One of the best result was scored by future Grand Prix winner Richie Ginther, who placed second at Pomona in 1957. Restored to its original configuration and colours, chassis DB3S/115 is now part of a German collection.
Also part of a German stable is this Lagonda LG45 Rapide. It is one of four Team Cars built in 1936 for the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year. It combined the talents of Lagonda chief engineer W.O. Bentley and competition specialists Fox & Nicholl. Sadly, the Le Mans race was cancelled but this this car was nevertheless raced extensively well into the 1950s. It has now been beautifully restored to its original guise.
Most definitely not restored is this beautifully preserved Fiat 8V Rapi Berlinetta. It was sold new to an American engineer based in Germany and he would own it through to his death in the early 2010s. Apart from a re-spray during the late 1950s, 106*000100 has survived in highly original condition.