2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG may pack 480 hp

Mercedes-Benz's new-from-the-ground-up 2015 C63 AMG has reached a final stage of durability testing, with prototypes hitting public roads near company's technical center in Germany. The BMW M3-fighting four-door is will debut at the Paris motor show in September. The new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8-powered performance sedan is set for North American sale exclusively in its rear-wheel-drive-only guise.

CAR Most Wanted of 2014: Mazda MX-5

By the CAR editorial team First Official Pictures 03 January 2014 18:30 It’s still the ultimate sun-loving, value-packed roadster that’s untouchable this side of a Porsche Boxster. The rear-drive, two-seat MX-5 is an icon and, frankly, fans cringe that it’ll be messed up, such is its consistent excellence.  Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy should keep standards up, by bringing the 2014 roadster’s weight down. Mazda’s ethos is to optimise every component, from chassis architecture to drivetrains, to boost efficiency and driveability.

A brief history of the 'Le Mans-style' start

The famous ‘Le Mans start’ Since the race’s inaugural meeting in 1923, tradition dictated a standing start. This later became known as a ‘Le Mans start’, and involved drivers lining their cars up along the pit wall in the order they qualified in. Racers would then have to stand on the opposite side of the track, and when the French Tricolor flag dropped the drivers would have to sprint to their cars, strap themselves in and begin racing.