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.

Budget 2014: Fuel Duty freeze, Classic Car VED & £200 million for potholes

No fuel tax increase, and 40 year rolling road tax exemption for cars. Most of the 2014 Budget headlines are about cuts in cost for beer and bingo and help for pension prisoners held to ransom by annuity regulations. But in amongst there’s some good news for motorists; nothing that will change your world, but welcome nonetheless.

Design Essay: BMW i – Setting the industry agenda for the next decade

Many have already dismissed BMW i as a radical experiment too far ahead of its time, but looking beyond the glossy carbon fiber facade reveals three ways it will change the automotive landscape during the next decade: 1. Re-define the EV category Despite Tesla, Nissan, GM, Renault and Toyota all operating in the EV space, global sales in 2012 totaled just 54,000. Many put this down to high-cost and range anxiety, but another key factor is nearly always overlooked.