Porsche 914 Ashtray on 2040-parts.com

VW's wild new 496-hp Golf GTI

UPDATED: Volkswagen has revealed a 496-hp version of the seventh-generation Golf GTI as part of activities at this year's Worthersee fan meet in Austria – and with it, projected the hot hatchback into the same league as some of the world's most celebrated supercars. Dubbed the Design Vision GTI, the radical new concept showcases a twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine developed for use in upcoming models that, like the new Golf GTI, are based around Volkswagen's highly flexible MQB (modular transverse architecture) platform structure. Set to find its way into selected new Volkswagen models in future years, the direct injection engine replaces the Golf GTI's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four, and is mounted transversely in the engine bay of the Design Vision GTI.

Mini One Clubman to launch at Geneva

The Mini story continues, with the announcement that a new entry-level Clubman, the Mini One Clubman, is to launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The Mini One Clubman comes with the same 1.4 litre engine as the Mini One, producing 95bhp and boasting the same suspension set-up as the Mini Coopers, which at least means the new Clubman One should be fun to throw around. Mini One Clubman to launch at Geneva in March The Clubman gets a pretty decent set of eco-credentials, offering Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Stop Start and Shift Point Display as standard.

Bentley Sports Car Concept at Paris 2012

It appears Bentley are planning to reveal a new sports car concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, perhaps as a pointer to a new, sportier, model. Bentley has a great motorsport history, but its current crop of cars – even the new Continental GT Speed – are heavy grand tourers rather than sports cars. But with Bentley looking for new directions in a bid to up its annual sales to 15,000, they are looking at new directions to build sales, one of which is the Bentley SUV.