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

3,000bhp supercar selection set for Birmingham

THE NEW age of efficiency appears not to be dampening manufacturers’ desire to build high-performance flagship cars, with 3,000bhp worth of shiny new models set to descend on Birmingham’s Performance Car Show in January. Among the headliners are the Jaguar XKR-S GT, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, McLaren 12C Sprint and Aston Martin Vanquish. The Ferrari steals the outright performance headlines, with 0-62mph dispatched in just three seconds and 100mph disappearing in only 6.5 seconds, courtesy of a melodious 6.3-litre V12 engine under the long bonnet.

BMW M Sport for 1- and 3-series

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 16 February 2007 09:03 M Sport models for the BMW 3-series Coupe and Convertible A new flagship has arrived for the 3-series two-door range - and it gives some pointers to how this summer's new M3 could shape up. The Coupe and Convertible's beefy M Sport styling kit is available with any engine spec and comprises 18-inch M-design alloys (19s are an option), a new spoiler and aero pack, plus 15mm-lowered sports suspension. This is no minority choice, either.

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.