Kia Niro stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

You sense from the press material accompanying the Kia Niro, on show here at IAA, that Kia is just a tiny bit pleased with its latest concept. And to be fair, it has every reason to be. Just look at it - this thing is magnificent.

Lister Knobbly back on track

Lister The Lister Knobbly - one of the most famous British racing cars of the 1950s - is now available to buy new, with prices starting from £249,000 for track-only versions and £259,000 for road car derivatives. Lister Cars was founded by George Lister in 1954 and its Jaguar-based ‘Lister Knobbly’ race cars were among the most competitive cars in motor racing during the late 1950s. In May 2013 three existing companies - George Lister Engineering of Cambridge, Brian Lister Light Engineering and Lister Storm – were amalgamated following investment by Warranty Wise to create Lister Motor Company Limited.

Aston Martin wants the Le Mans title

Aston Martin will challenge for the overall Le Mans Champion in 2009 Aston Martin won the overall title in 1959 – 50 years ago with the DBR1 driven by Caroll Shelby – and are aiming to bring the title back to the UK with the new car, which is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola, and powered by the same V12 engine seen in the title winning DBR9s of the last two years. The car will carry the famous Gulf Oil colours, and is being funded in partnership with Lola, Michelin, Koni and BBS. And this is a good time to pick to challenge for the title.