Weekly standouts!

Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG

Mercedes Benz has splashed details on its new SL63 AMG roadster, prior to an unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.

The new SL63 AMG continues making use of a folding metal roof, but the whole car now weighs 125kg less (at 1845kg) than its predecessor, thanks in part by making use of an all-aluminium body.   Another new feature is the twin-turbo 537hp (or 564hp with the AMG Performance pack) 5.5-litre V8 engine found in other hot AMGs like the E, S, CL, CLS, and M-Class.

The new roadster also provides plenty of torque as well, 800Nm (590lb ft) or 900Nm (663lb ft) with the AMG Performance pack.  All that thrust is sent through AMG’s seven-speed MCT transmission to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds (or 4.2 seconds), while top speed is limited to 155mph (or 187mph).

Prices start at €157,675, while its launch will be in May.

BMW M135i Concept

This is the latest addition to BMW’s M-Performance line-up – the M135i – joining the M550xd, X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

In case you haven’t been following BMW news recently, M-Performance cars are meant to be the top of the range, sportiest versions of BMW’s “normal” range of cars – placed just under full-on M products.

Although the M135i is just a concept car for now, it will almost certainly go into production.  The concept makes use of a petrol twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine producing well over 300hp.

While the styling of the new 1-Series is questionable, the M135i is unique in the sense that it will be the only high-powered rear-wheel drive hatchback on sale.

Citroen DS4 Racing Concept

Citroen continues to impress with what its design department can do with its new DS4 Racing concept car.

The DS4 Racing Concept makes use of a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 256hp, the most powerful engine ever made for a Citroen production car.  There is no word on whether the car will go into production, however it is possible that Citroen will use the public’s reaction at the Geneva Motor Show to make a decision.

Two words to Citroen - build it!

Ferrari 620 GT leak

Ferrari announced that they will reveal the 599GTB’s successor – the 620GT- on 29 February.  So here we are, thanks to the internet, with a leaked photo before the due date.

This is very likely to be the actual 620GT, but there is no official information just yet on specifications.  However, several sources are claiming it will produce around 700hp from an updated V12 engine.

Aston Martin Vantage GTE

Aston Martin Racing returns to the FIA GT racing category after an absence of four years with this – the Vantage GTE.

The Vantage GTE is based on the GT2 race car, but comes with extensive modifications to areas such as the engine, chassis, and drivetrain.  Power comes from a heavily reworked version of V8 Vantage’s road car engine, while drive is sent through a six-speed semi-automatic sequential transmission mounted at the rear of the car.

The Vantage GTE will make its competition debut at the 60th anniversary of the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race on 17 March.

Alex Kisiri