Mercedes A45 AMG takes aim at the Audi RS3

The performance version of the new Mercedes A Class – which looks like it’s going to be the Mercedes A45 AMG – is gunning for the Audi RS3. We know that car makers have other car makers’ models in their firing line when they plan a new model. But it’s not all that common for them to publicly admit it.

Nissan GT-R Nismo leaks – gets 595bhp

Nissan GT-R Nismo leaks – gets 595bhp Nissan has been planning to add Nismo performance versions across their range of production cars for the last couple of years, and we’ve seen the Juke Nismo and 370Z Nismo already. Next up is the Nissan GT-R Nismo (even though you’d think it might be tough to make the mad GT-R any more ‘sporty’), an arrival confirmed by Carlos Ghosn back in February when he said “It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of Nismo road cars without including the GT-R“. Now, ahead of a reveal this week, the first photo of the new GT-R Nismo has arrived together with some detail on what’s on offer.

Lotus lusts after Lutz?

Lotus seem to be pursuing Bob Lutz The Lotus five year plan calls for the track day cars to make way for much more substantial and upmarket cars to become the force at Lotus; a move to become the Aston Martin East Anglia. Probably the first obvious move in this plan was to grab Dany Bahar from Ferrari last year (and Ferrari designer Donato Coco) and now Lotus are casting their net again to snare some big names to drive them forward. Top of the list is almost-octogenarian Bob Lutz who retired from GM – but certainly not from business – last year.