2007 Polaris Hawkeye 2x4, 4x4 9920795 on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes’ AMG division unveils new twin-turbo V8

Those obsessed with torque bemoaned Mercedes’ high-revving 6.2-litre V8 when it was launched in 2005, but just as the world has come to accept the naturally aspirated engine, the company has now unveiled a new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. Up to 563bhp – which is the same as the SLS AMG – and 663lb ft, which is much more than the 479lb ft the modern-day Gullwing supercar manages. The engine is an all-new 5.5-litre V8 (5461cc to be exact) with direct-injection technology, an aluminium crankcase and two turbochargers.

Driven: Mazda RX-8

The two most obvious elements of its unusual make-up are its rotary engine and rear-hinged rear doors with integral B-pillars. What became clear during our week with the RX-8 was how these two aspects of its design form the basis of many other unique qualities... Sports coupe and GT coupe The rotary engine of the RX-8 has a very distinct power delivery that is a defining part of the car's character, but it is also a very small lump of metal compared to a similarly powerful conventional reciprocating piston engine, enabling more of the car's overall length to be devoted to cabin space.

GM names Stracke to succeed Reilly as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall

General Motors on Thursday named global engineering chief Karl-Friedrich Stracke to replace Nick Reilly as CEO of its money-losing Opel/Vauxhall unit, effective April 1. Stracke will report to Reilly, 61, who continues as the head of GM's European operations and will be nominated to chair the Opel supervisory board. Stracke, a German native, has led GM's global vehicle engineering operations for the past 15 months.