David Brown Automotive Speedback sports classic looks, modern performance

A new 510-hp, V8-powered British sports car has broken cover in London, boasting classically inspired styling, a hand-built aluminum body, crafted interior trim and a $400,000 price tag, Created by a new company, David Brown Automotive, the Speedback is a prototype built on a Jaguar XKR platform with the aim of delivering a “vision of a classic-looking sports car without compromising modern convenience and features.” Drive comes from the XKR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8, unmodified and boasting 510 hp and 461 lb-ft, mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. The 3,968 lb. curb weight is very similar to that of the donor car, so performance and economy figures are also similar: 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Jaguar reveals the Cars & the Stars for the 2014 Mille Miglia

Jodie Kidd in a Jaguar XK 120 ahead of the 2014 Mille Miglia The real Mille Miglia ended in 1957 after a series of crashes saw it cancelled, but it returned in 1977 as the Mille Miglia Storica, a glorious event run over 1,000 miles of beautiful Italian roads featuring cars that ran in the original Mille Miglia. Jaguar has a big history with the Mille Miglia, and has taken to using the annual event to roll out stars to drive its cars for maximum coverage of Jaguar’s Heritage. 2014 is no different – although the number of entries is lower than in previous years – with ten classic Jaguars, including XKs, C-types and one D-type, taking to the Italian roads in May and piloted by a diverse range of star drivers.

GM's No. 2 PR executive leaves to join United Airlines

Tony Cervone, a top spokesman for General Motors as it battled bankruptcy rumors and won U.S. rescue loans, is leaving the automaker. Cervone, 46, will join UAL Corp., parent of United Airlines, as chief communications officer and senior vice president, United said in a statement on Wednesday.