Mercedes Benz S Class 1988 Speedometer [4861400] on 2040-parts.com

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (2011) track testing begins

McLaren has begun testing its latest track weapon, the MP4-12C GT3 ahead of the 2012 FIA GT3 season.  How different is the MP4-12C GT3 from the roadgoing edition? The MP4-12C GT3 is based on the standard machine but modified for FIA GT racing by McLaren GT - a joint venture between McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing, a UK-based team currently competing in FIA GT with Ferrari F430s.  Externally you'll notice the race-spec fixed rear wing, undertray diffuser, front splitter, louvres and vents. Underneath there's a new suspension system, ditching the road car's linked suspension for FIA-compliant conventional dampers and anti-roll bars. Akebono is supplying race-specific brake components, and Bosch Motorsport has installed its ABS system. The car sits 100mm wider on its new suspension and has suitably flared bodywork as a result.  It's still the McLaren's bespoke 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, tuned for racing.

Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel: 57mpg on a romp to Munich

Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel on its way to 57mpg The much denied – but always going to happen – Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel finally arrived officially at the New York Motor Show in April. And actually, Michael-extracting apart, the arrival of the 2.2 Diesel XF is a sure sign that Jaguar has its swagger back. Because if they were still afraid - as they were for a very long time - that a cheaper, smaller-engined XF would undermine the premium status the XF had earned since its arrival, they’d have continued to make excuses for its absence from the XF range.

1884 De Dion Runabout sells for $4.62 million at RM auction

Two weeks ago we told you about one of the world's oldest running motor cars going up for auction in Hershey, Pa. That car, the 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trepardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout, sold on Oct. 7 for more than double its estimated price--a cool $4.62 million.