Steve Davies

If you thought the standard Audi R8 Spyder wasn't showy enough, then this could be the car for you. Created by Audi UK and donated for auction at the White Tie and Tiara Ball, this Gumbal-ready R8 Spyder is bound to create something of a stir out on the roads.

A new member of the M family has arrived on the scene, resplendent in its Frozen Polar Silver metallic paint finish. A new model, and a new name - CRT, which stands for Carbon Racing Technology.

It is either a sad indictment on the standards of modern driving, or a tribute to man's technological progress that we edge ever closer to the day when the driver-less car will become a reality on our roads.

Whilst I completely understand Aston Martin's rationale for producing the Cygnet city car, I get a lump in my throat (and an unsettled feeling in my stomach) when I bring you news that you can now buy a limited edition Aston Martin with scatter cushions with matching blue enamelled Cygnet & colette keyring. Whatever next?

MINI has thrown its newest offspring into the toughest endurance race in the world, giving it a baptism of fire which should prove its sporting credentials. MINI used its experience gained over many years of MINI Challenge sprint racing, in the development of its new racing car for this unique event and this will be the first time the new MINI Coupe has been seen in public. No pressure then..

We are hearing this morning that Mr Justice Peter Smith has dismissed the appeal made by Group Lotus, against the ruling which allowed 1Malaysia Racing Team to continue using the Team Lotus name in Formula One.

If you've ever been to the Lotus test track at Hethel you'll remember it as a challenging track - bumpy, off camber in places with minimal run-off. Lotus chassis engineers can describe every undulation and surface change, and have clocked up thousands of miles developing the class-leading handling traits of cars such as the Exige, 2 Eleven and Evora.

This week Aston Martin is putting the final touches to its race preparations in readiness for the toughest 24 hour race of them all – the annual ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours on 25 and 26 June where a brace of new Aston Martin V12 Zagatos will compete.