David Brown Automotive Speedback sports classic looks, modern performance

A new 510-hp, V8-powered British sports car has broken cover in London, boasting classically inspired styling, a hand-built aluminum body, crafted interior trim and a $400,000 price tag, Created by a new company, David Brown Automotive, the Speedback is a prototype built on a Jaguar XKR platform with the aim of delivering a “vision of a classic-looking sports car without compromising modern convenience and features.” Drive comes from the XKR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8, unmodified and boasting 510 hp and 461 lb-ft, mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. The 3,968 lb. curb weight is very similar to that of the donor car, so performance and economy figures are also similar: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.

NHTSA probing coolant leak in Porsche 911?

In another embarrassing failure to understand what they're supposed to be regulating, the NHTSA has announced that they are investigating a “coolant leak” in Porsche 911s that were built with the GT1 engine block between 2001 and 2007. Maybe when they said coolant, they were talking about the oil that circulates in a 911 to keep the engine cool? Next thing you know, they'll be checking out fuel pumps on the Tesla Model S!

Hyundai i-Flow Concept at Geneva

The Hyundai i-Flow Concept will show at Geneva Hyundai – as we never tire of saying – is the new Toyota (which is a big compliment – despite the current Toyota Recall woes). It’s having the same impact on car markets worldwide as the Japanese car revolution of a few decades ago. Hyundai – and its sibling Kia – are making more and more convincing cars at relatively bargain prices and pushing both design and quality further upmarket all the time.