Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Corvette ZR1 (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Oliver First Official Pictures 13 January 2008 21:56 General Motors has unveiled its fastest, most powerful production model ever. Official figures have yet to be released but insiders say the Corvette ZR1 is likely to top 200mph and crack 60mph in a little over 3 seconds. Its new supercharged, 6.2-litre LS9 V8 makes 620bhp and 595lb ft of torque, which GM claims gives the ZR1 a better power-to-weight ratio than the Ferrari 599, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Spyker B6 Venator Spyder on the way

But much of that will probably depend on real buyers stumping up real money to get on the waiting list for a car we still don’t know a great deal about (in particular what underpins it) but which does look good and manages to encompass Spyker’s traditional styling cues whilst still conspiring to look very current. Now, buried amongst the latest financial report from Spyker – which shows no real turnover or profit, loans in to shares and an injection of cash from Youngman – comes the news that Victor is already getting a bit ahead of himself again with plans to reveal the B6 Venator Spyder later this year. That looks a bit of a ‘run before you can walk’ scenario for Spyker - especially as Victor says production of the C8 Aileron will gather pace this year and the D8 Peking-to-Paris SUV will be a priority – but if Spyker can produce a Venator Spyder that looks as good as the coupe it may be the right way forward.

Lexus LF-NX concept

Lexus' LF-NX mid-size crossover concept, which debuts next week in Frankfurt, explores the possibility of a future model in the carmaker's range that would take on the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3. The concept previews another evolution of the ‘L-finesse' design language and features angular design and a front that's dominated by the huge spindle grille as well as Lexus' signature front light arrangement. Like the Lexus IS, the arrow-shaped DRLs are separated from the headlamps, while the front corners separate the bumper from the front wings with a sharp vertical line.