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McLaren MP4-12C performance specs released

The twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V8 in the McLaren MP4-12C sports car cranks out 592 hp at 7,000 rpm, according to factory performance specs released on Sunday. The engine hits its torque peak of 443 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm and holds it up to 7,000 rpm. That power gives the MP4-12C a top speed of 205 mph.

Audi Urban Concept

Audi has released additional photos and information on the Urban Concept, which is set to make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. As we previously reported, the new car – touted by Audi as a 'new kind of concept car' that combines aspects of a racing car as well as a fun-to-drive urban vehicle – is a diminutive two-passenger vehicle powered by two e-tron electric motors. Measuring in at 3200mm long, 1700mm wide and 1200mm tall, the Urban Concept is expected to weigh less than 500kg, thanks largely to a cockpit made from CFRP.

Aston Martin make Nissan’s Andy Palmer their new CEO

Andy Palmer (pictured) is taking the reins at Aston Martin Lagonda Aston Martin has effectively been without a boss since Ulrich Bez stepped down from the role last year, but that changes with the announcement that Andrew Palmer – until now, Chief Planning Officer of Nissan – is to step in to the role. There’s no specific start date for Andy Palmer at Aston, but Nissan has announced that Philippe Klein will take up Palmer’s role at Nissan on 15 September, so it shouldn’t be long before Palmer holds the reins at Aston Martin. But what exactly has persuaded Andy Palmer to jump from a big corporate behemoth like Nissan to a struggling luxury car maker with owners who either want to tug the operating strings (the Kuwaitis) or are looking for a quick return (Investindustrial)?