Aston Martin Vantage Paddle Shifter on 2040-parts.com

More than a (gull)wing and a prayer

They make up just six percent of Mercedes car sales in the United States—but nothing preserves and proliferates the top-shelf, seductive image of a Benz like a sports car. This is a point that's been driven home to me in a wide array of circumstances this year: Mercedes sports cars are still rock stars. I'll admit, I've often been a skeptic.

Mercedes AMG GT gets new 503 bhp Twin-Turbo 4.0 litre V8 (video)

The new Mercedes AMG GT (pictured) gets the new 503 bhp Twin-Turbo 4.0 litre V8 We’ve speculated that the new Mercedes AMG GT – and, for that matter, futures ’63′ AMGs – will get a new twin-turbo V8 to provide the power as Mercedes look to move away from the naturally aspirated 6.2 litre V8 in cars like the SLS. And this is it. A new 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 – the M178 engine – has been developed to replace the 6.2 litre V8 and, in initial tune, develops 503 bhp at 6250 rpm and 479lb/ft of torque from just 1750 rpm.

Bertone Pandion (2010) at Geneva motor show

You can see the Bertone Pandion from almost anywhere within the giant halls at the 2010 Geneva motor show. It might be low and sleek, but the rear-hinged scissor doors run almost the entire length of the car and stand over 3.6 metres high when open. It’s quite a sight.