Top 5 news stories of the week

20 Dec, 2013 3:52pm Jonathan Burn Comments

Weekly round up of the biggest news stories to break in the past seven days

1. Mercedes C-Class revealed

Before the C-Class had even been officially unveiled, we already had a good idea of what the BMW 3 Series rival would look like thanks a whole host of leaked images and a wealth of spy shots. The new look gave the C-Class a far more grown up image, with striking similarities between it and the flagship S-Class. Updated engines were also introduced along with a new Nissan derived 1.6-litre diesel engine as the entry-level motor. Pricing will be announced earlier next year, but we can expect a price tag of around £26,000.

2. Lamborghini Huracan unveiled

Initial reports suggested the replacement for the Gallardo would be called the Cabrera but the official reveal confirmed the model be named the Huracan. It’s powered by revised version of the 5.2-litre V10 from the Gallardo but produces 601bhp, up from 552bhp and is more economical. First deliveries are set for spring 2014, with prices expected to start from around £175,000.

3. 11 new Audi models confirmed

Audi has announced it plans to introduce 11 new models to the line up. The CEO of the German manufacturer, Rupert Stadler said, “We will continue to write this success story and expand our product range from the current 49 to 60 models. We see a great deal of potential, particularly in the SUV segment and in the especially prestigious full-size category.” Models such as the Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 could all join the Audi range, along with a Porsche Panamera rival in the shape of the Audi A9 saloon.

4. MINI John Cooper Works concept revealed

MINI has previewed the hot John Cooper Works version of the third-generation MINI. Previewed as a concept, JCW will be the most powerful variant, with power expected to be in the region of 217bhp from a tweaked version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the outgoing Cooper S. The concept features a more aggressive body kit over the standard model and is finished in an exclusive paintjob. The JCW concept will debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

5. Mercedes teams up with Aston Martin

Mercedes and Aston Martin have confirmed they have signed an agreement that will see the pair develop bespoke AMG V8 engines for the next-generation of Aston Martins. The first cars likely to be fitted with the new engines are the replacements for the Vantage and DB9, although no date has been set.