Steve Davies

McLaren GT will build 20 new MP4-12C GT3 cars for privateer teams to race in 2012, after completing a selected race programme in 2011 as the new race car completes its test and development programme.

Like me, it probably hadn't occurred to you that in order for Mercedes to create a roadster version of its popular SLS AMG, it would need to lose the gullwing doors. Okay, it sounds obvious now that I've said it, but it still seemed something of a surprise to hear Mercedes announcing as a revelation that the SLS AMG Roadster had proven to be stable even without the gullwings.

Peugeot's RCZ is a real 'grower', so much so that I'm trying to influence Mrs D to consider changing her Audi TT for one later this year, and whilst it's not a hardcore sports car it's still good to see one being campaigned in the most competitive of road-car championships, namely the German VLN series.

Sometimes - on very rare occasions - our friends from across the pond produce better car ads than their European counterparts. Volkswagen comes to mind with their recent Super Bowl ads, or those hilarious off-beat VW Academy ads with Saturday Night Live comedian Bill Hader. Land Rover are another brand that have blurred the lines between the normally dull commercial and a genuine piece of entertainment.

Before you go and remind yourself of the lap times set by Chevrolet's ZR-1, Nissan's GT-R or Porsche's 911 GT2 RS around the Nordschleife - fear not, Peugeot were not gunning for an outright record, but instead the lap record for a fully-electric vehicle.

McLaren GT is the name of the new company which brings together the expertise of McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing, and the team got down to business today when it unveiled its GT3 car and plans for a 2011 development programme which will see Andrew Kirkaldy, Oliver Turvey and Álvaro Parente race the 12C GT3 in 2011.

When it comes to the great corners of Formula One, tradition generally holds sway: Eau Rouge, Copse and Casino Square, to name but a few, are legendary names in the sport’s history. ‘Turn Eight’ may have a little less mystique than its more historic counterparts, but the longest corner of the season is worthy of the reputation it has acquired since 2005. Turning left through approximately 200 degrees, this 640 metre-long corner has established itself as a firm favourite among Formula One drivers.

You might be forgiven for thinking that the most economical version of Porsche's GT saloon would be the Panamera S Hybrid - what with all its clever energy recovery tech and green credentials - but you'd be wrong. Porsche have turned to a more conventional means of propulsion for its most environment friendly poster-child.