Studebaker Avanti R2 160mph Speedometer on 2040-parts.com

Tiff Needell compares the 911 and F-Type

It was a mere matter of time before somebody pitted the new Jaguar F-Type against a flat-six-powered automobile from Stuttgart. And while our natural inclination would've been to choose the mid-engined, two-seat Boxster S to mash heads with the 380-horse V6 S model, the lads at Evo had Tiff Needell compare the new Jag to a 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The heavier Neunelfer is a closer power/weight match to the F-Type.

Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler – the Defender goes rallying

The Land Rover Defender goes rallying (pictured) with Bowler modifications The venerable Land Rover Defender – now reaching the end of its shelf life – may not seem the perfect rally car. But a Defender tweaked and fettled with some Bowler Fairy Dust is another matter, and that’s exactly what’s happening with a new, one-make Defender Challenge by Bowler – and backed by Land Rover – which is aiming to put up to fifteen Defenders in to UK forest stage rallies and hill rallies in 2014. The Defender in question is a Defender 90 Hard Top with the usual 2.2 litre diesel, but sorted by Bowler to deliver 170bhp and 323lb/ft of torque (up from the regular 122bhp/266lb/ft) with a standard six-speed manual ‘box, MSA roll cage, fire extinguisher and Khumo tyres.

Aston Martin gives luxury makeover to Toyota city car

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin has forged an innovative alliance with Toyota to develop what could be the world's first luxury city car. Aston Martin on Monday released a photo of the Cygnet, which is a Toyota iQ with restyled front sheetmetal. Although officially billed a concept, reports in Britain say that Aston Martin will put the Cygnet on sale next year.