Porsche 911 (997) Hardback Brochure 2007 + Porsche 997 Model Range Brochure on 2040-parts.com

New Audi A1 Black Edition and Contrast Edition & 143PS 2.0-litre TDI engine

New Audi A1 Black Edition (left) & A1 Contrast Edition It was always obvious from the start when Audi launched the A1 that they intended to go the MINI route and offer as many options and limited editions as they could muster. So the launch of the Audi A1 Black Edition and A1 Contrast Edition is not exactly a shock. And nor is a new 143PS 2.0-litre TDI engine option.

Spyker B6 Venator Spyder on the way

But much of that will probably depend on real buyers stumping up real money to get on the waiting list for a car we still don’t know a great deal about (in particular what underpins it) but which does look good and manages to encompass Spyker’s traditional styling cues whilst still conspiring to look very current. Now, buried amongst the latest financial report from Spyker – which shows no real turnover or profit, loans in to shares and an injection of cash from Youngman – comes the news that Victor is already getting a bit ahead of himself again with plans to reveal the B6 Venator Spyder later this year. That looks a bit of a ‘run before you can walk’ scenario for Spyker - especially as Victor says production of the C8 Aileron will gather pace this year and the D8 Peking-to-Paris SUV will be a priority – but if Spyker can produce a Venator Spyder that looks as good as the coupe it may be the right way forward.

2013 European Car of the Year finalists announced

The finalists for the European Car of the Year have been announced, a total of 5 finalists from a total of 34 nominees. It’s coming to the end of another year, so we’re going to be inundated with ‘Best Car of the Year’ awards for the next few weeks from all on sundry. Out of the gate today comes the final list for the European Car of the Year’ with a selection of eight cars (it was too close to call for the normal seven finalists) with the only real surprise perhaps being the inclusion of two French cars – the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208.