Briggs & Stratton 796970 Sten-102-499 on 2040-parts.com

Preview: Porsche Panamera

After what has already been the most drawn-out model introduction ever (the initial Porsche sketches of the new model having been revealed in 2005), Porsche has finally released the first official rendering of its forthcoming Panamera sedan, set to be launched in 2009. Though the plan view doesn't show much of the new Porsche's design, the company says the features will 'include a wide and low body offering dynamic proportions and muscular design'. But while the grand tourer will have a 'compact overall look', the interior space is claimed to offer a brand-new experience of roominess, with two single seats and generous headroom at the rear allowing adults to sit in comfort.

Top Gear China launches +video

Top Gear China Well, we’re assuming Top Gear China has launched. Or at least they’ve had a crack with a pilot episode, fifteen minutes of which you can see in the video below. We’re struggling to work out the banter, but we think we’ve got figured a chunk of the content.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S arrives – the quickest production Aston ever (video)

The new, more powerful, Aston Martin V12 Vantage S arrives Aston Martin has been teasing something ‘Coming soon’ for a few days, and here it is – the new V12 Vantage S. The new S replaces the V12 Vantage (which we knew Aston Martin had stopped building) and gets Aston’s latest AM28 version of the venerable V12 with 565bhp and 457lb/ft of torque thanks to new engine management, combustion chambers and camshafts resulting in more power and a much flatter torque curve. The extra power has pushed the V12 S beyond the 200nph barrier, with the top speed now 205mph and, we assume, a quicker sprint to 62mph, but Aston Martin aren’t letting on how much quicker the V12 S is.