1.6l Mini Cooper Engine 09 on 2040-parts.com

Forget high beams -- lasers are coming

Audi has kicked off 2014 with the unveiling of an updated version of its Sport quattro concept car -- as first revealed at last year's Frankfurt motor show. Set to underpin the German carmaker's stand at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the latest incarnation of the bullish-looking two-door coupe showcases distinctively styled matrix LED headlamps with new laser light technology that, Audi officials suggest, will soon begin appearing on regular production models as a high-cost option. Already confirmed for the Audi R18 that will compete at the Le Mans 24-hour race later this year, the new headlamps use matrix LEDs and an aperture mask for low-beam mode.

Mercedes GL 63 AMG revealed

For the first time Mercedes-Benz has added a range-topping AMG performance version to the GL Class – the Mercedes GL 63 AMG. Many would ask whether the Mercedes GL has any point when the perfectly good M Class is a more sensible offering. After all, it’s the size of the Albert Hall and not the most dynamic SUV on the planet.

CONFIRMED: McLaren P13 will arrive in 2015 to take on Porsche 911 & Audi R8

McLaren has confirmed the McLaren P13 will arrive in 2015. The original plan for McLaren’s new range of supercars was that the 458-bashing 12C would arrive first (which it did) followed by a more affordable mid-engined car – think nearer £100k than £200k – to mop up sales from the Porsche 911 and Audi R8. But McLaren decided they should get the P1 out before the P13 so they could give their dealer network a nice halo model, and go head-to-head with LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder.