McLaren MP4-12 650S hits the Web ahead of official Geneva reveal

Images of the new McLaren MP4-12 650S have leaked to the Internet ahead of a planned unveiling for the British supercar at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. Created in response to customer demand for an edgier version of the McLaren MP4-12C offering greater levels of driver engagement, the 650S runs a more heavily tuned version of McLaren's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 direct-injection engine producing a claimed 25 hp more than the variant used by standard sibling for a total of 641 hp (as its name suggests 650 ps -- metric hp). Further details remain scarce ahead of the MP4-12C 650S's official public unveiling in Switzerland two weeks from now, although information passed on to prospective customers at a private presentation of the new two-seater held last week suggest it is also in line to receive a series of modifications to its seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes and aerodynamics -- all aimed at providing it with a more aggressive nature and added racetrack ability.

Chinese bank may join Saab rescue deal

Saab's owner, Swedish Automobile, said on Monday it is discussions with a bank in China and Chinese automaker Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile over a rescue deal for Saab. Reports had said on Sunday that the Bank of China would replace China's Pang Da as an investor in Saab, which is under bankruptcy protection. Swedish Automobile confirmed Monday that it is talking with Youngman and a bank in China about an equity interest, but did not name the bank.

Autoweek's Editors' Choice from the 2012 Paris motor show

Supercars lit up the City of Light as horsepower and performance took center stage at the 2012 Paris motor show, even as Europe's economic woes cast a dark shadow over the proceedings. Traditionally one of the most dazzling events on the automotive calendar, the show delivered again this year with extravagant reveals. While emissions and fuel economy remain crucial issues, the spotlight Paris debuts subscribed to a higher creed of performance.