Steve Davies

Vauxhall’s new Astra GTC will make a surprise debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, more than two months ahead of its official world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Details were revealed last night of Vauxhall's eagerly anticipated model which was previewed as the GTC Paris Concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

We have a problem. As of last week BMW UK had already sold more than 2/3rds of their 1 Series M Coupe allocation, and unless the new M5 really pulls a rabbit out of a hat, this innocuous-looking entry-level M car is probably the best car BMW have produced in nearly a decade.

MINI have taken the unusual step this morning of pre-launching its new Coupe in partially disguised form. Due to be available in Autumn 2011, the Coupe (and forthcoming Convertible) expand the MINI range to 6 models.

Following news last week that Renaultsport were preparing to launch a new model at the Nürburgring on 17th June, we now have a little more insight into what to expect. Initial signs pointed towards a Mégane R26.R successor, but we now understand the new model is likely to be carry the Trophy name - so less of a hardcore track warrior and more in the vein of a slightly upgraded Mégane Renaultsport 250.

BMW has just released official details of the all-new 2012 1 Series, after the images (rather predictably) leaked out across the internet on Friday. The all-new, second generation BMW 1 Series occupies a distinctive niche within its segment, and remains the only rear-wheel drive car in its class. But it also remains somewhat too distinctive, retaining the same breadvan shape as its predecessor and the kind of looks that only a Mother could love... Yes, as before the new 1 Series is a car that will polarise opinions - you'll either love it or hate it, rather like Marmite or Gruyère cheese.

The most extreme version of Audi's R8 has gained (or lost, depending on your perspective) further appeal with a new soft-top Spyder variant of the R8 GT. Using the same 552 bhp V10 FSI powerplant as its hard-top sibling, the GT Spyder will be delivered to just 66 lucky customers in the UK out of a worldwide production of 333 units.

A thought occurred to me this morning when Audi revealed its range-topping R8 GT Spyder, that with most of BMW's main competitors now retailing cars well above the £100,000 threshold, can we still consider BMW a luxury brand?

An interesting press release arrived on our desks last night with a message from Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus Plc. Presented in the form of a faux-interview by Lotus PR Manager Liz Brooks, we're told this is the first in a series of regular updates on the progress of Group Lotus towards achieving its 5-year plan.