Original Austin Healey 3000 Bj7/6 Cockpit Surround: Refinished/triple Plated on 2040-parts.com

Hennessey Venom GT hits 265.7mph for new world top speed record (+ video)

The Hennessey Venom GT – an American, Lotus Elise-based supercar – has clocked 265.7mph for a new world record top speed for a production car. The world top speed record for a production car has been held by the Bugatti Veyron (well, the Veyron Super Sport) at 258mph, but that’s a ‘limited’ speed for its production cars. The Veyron Super Sport actually hit 267.81mph at VW’s Ehra-Lessian track (it actually hit 269.8mph one way) but because production cars are limited to 258mph the higher speed doesn’t count.

2015 Volvo XC90 First Edition price & spec – costs £68,000

The new XC90 First Edition – a range-topping, £88k XC90 The more we’ve looked this week at the new Volvo XC90, the more we’re beginning to see it as a seminal model for Volvo in the same way the original XC90 was in 2002. And, if all it promises comes close to reality when the first new XC90 s start to arrive in 2015, the new XC90 really could make serious inroads in to the market for premium SUVs currently dominated by Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Land Rover. The new XC90 ‘s clever packaging, good looks, technology and toys certainly seem to offer a beguiling package for a premium family SUV, although the price is likely to be a touch stronger than the current model.

Ducati 1199 Panigale merges components, sheds weight [w/gallery]

Ducati has released an image of its new 1199 Panigale without its fairings, illustrating how multiple elements of the bike have been fused together to make it incredibly lightweight and compact. The motorcycle manufacturer has managed to reduce the overall dry weight to be reduced by 10kg to a benchmark weight of just 164kg. The monocoque connects to the specially-designed engine's cylinder heads and comes forward to house the steering head bearings.