Riken Raptor Zr 235/55r17 235/55/17 8/32 Tread, C1281 on 2040-parts.com

Audi R8 GT – it’s here

The Audi version of the Gallardo Superleggera - The Audi R8 GT We knew Audi were working on a hardcore version of the R8. Rumours have persisted almost since the V10 version of the R8 bowed in at Detroit last year that Audi wanted to produce a ‘Superleggera’ version of its supercar. We reported in March that Audi were planning a Spyder version of the V8 but also a lightweight version of the R8 V10. We thought it would be the R8 V10 RS.

Mini E Racer (2010) takes on the Nurburgring

In these days of 7min laps, rounding the Nurburgring in 10min hardly classes as electric. Unless you’re in a Mini E. A battery-powered baby BMW driven by ex-DTM racer Thomas Jäger turned in a 9m52 lap, hitting a heady – but presumably near silent – 116mph on the way.

Mercedes AMG engine guru to join VW

The man credited with development of Mercedes-Benz AMG's latest line of high performance gasoline engines, Friedrich Eichler, has been lured to the Volkswagen Group, where he will take up an as yet unspecified position this summer, sources with knowledge of the move tell Autoweek. Eichler, who joined AMG after working his way up through the ranks at Porsche, was instrumental in the development of AMG's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, twin-turbocharged and naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 and twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 that powers the Pagani Huayra. Friedrich Eichler also developed turbocharged four-cylinder engines for upcoming Mercedes AMG cars.