McLaren 50 12C & 12C Spider celebrate McLaren’s 50th anniversary

McLaren say they will be building a maximum of 50 each of the 50 12C Coupe and 12C Spider to mark the occasion, both of which get special features provided by McLaren Special Operations – the same McLaren division that created the 12C High Sport. That means a new front bumper which has been optimised by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for more downforce, extra carbon fibre and kevlar exterior bits, ceramic brakes, 19″ front and 20″ rear alloys, full leather, extra carbon fibre in the cabin, a heritage badge and a numbered plaque. There will be the option of three colours for the 50th anniversary 12Cs - Carbon Black, Supernova Silver and, of course, McLaren Orange – and each car will get its own silver car cover, a limited edition key in a carbon fibre box and a signed art print (sadly, there’s no sign of a tool chest or Tag Heuer watch).

CAFE standards set to rise to 54.5 mpg for 2025

President Barack Obama on Friday revealed ambitious plans to raise the corporate average fuel economy standard for cars and light trucks to 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year, a landmark move that will dramatically remake carmakers' product portfolios and consumers' buying habits. Unlike the first CAFE standards passed by Congress in 1975, the Detroit automakers now publicly support the high requirements and have begun retooling their fleets to adapt the changes. “[This] represents the single most important step we've ever taken as a nation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Obama said in a morning press conference.

IFR Aspid strikes Spanish gold

By Tom Richards Motor Industry 08 August 2008 13:32 More than 100 potential IFR Aspid customers have signed up for a two-day test drive following the new two-seater sports car's unveiling at the London motor show last month. Now the Spanish manufacturer is seeking to create an international dealer network.The Aspid has been in secret development for five years, with IFR working hard on making it relevant to the needs to the 21st century. Although there are no definite CO2 figures, a kerbweight of 700kg means the Aspid should be capable 56.4mpg, they say. The chassis and suspension are aluminium, while the bodywork is carbonfibre and the brakes are made from stainless steel. Definitely.