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Volkswagen has just introduced the new XL Sport concept at the Paris Auto Show. Based on the XL1, it uses a V-twin engine adapted from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, the world's most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle, to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 270 km/h.

Photo: Volkswagen

With the XL Sport, Volkswagen and Ducati demonstrate how high-tech developments can lead to synergies between Volkswagen Group brands.

Using the lightweight XL1 platform (795kg), most of the body panels on the XL Sport concept are manufactured in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) using the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. The forged magnesium wheels, lighter than aluminum alloy wheels, are shod in high-performance rubber (205/40R18 front; 265/35 R18 rear) and partially hide ceramic brakes.

Photo: Volkswagen

Using the lightweight XL1 platform (795kg), most of the body panels on the XL Sport concept are manufactured in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) using the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. The forged magnesium wheels, lighter than aluminum alloy wheels, are shod in high-performance rubber (205/40R18 front; 265/35 R18 rear) and partially hide ceramic brakes.

The XL Sport is longer (168.9” vs. 153.1”) and wider (72.7” vs. 65.5”) than the XL1, while their height is the same (45.4”). The XL Sport's broad front section is marked by dual LED headlights, air intakes on either side, and no conventional radiator grille. Meanwhile, the wing doors are reminiscent of a high-end sports car's.

Volkswagen plans to build 500 units only. Pricing remains unknown.

Source: Volkswagen

From wrc.com

Jari-Matti Latvala began his quest for a maiden World Rally Champiosnhip asphalt victory in perfect style when he was fastest in shakedown at Rallye de France-Alsace on Thursday morning, October 2nd.

The Finn was quickest through the 3.80km Hautepierre Parc des Sports test next to the Strasbourg service park by 1.2sec in a Volkswagen Polo R.

Jari-Matti Latvala, VW Polo R WRC (Photo: Volkswagen)

Kris Meeke was second in a Citroen DS3, with championship leader Sébastien Ogier's Polo R and Dani Sordo's Hyundai i20 tying for third, a further 0.5sec behind.

Latvala set the pace throughout the morning and posted the fastest time on his fourth and final run over the tight and twisty service roads around the sports and leisure complex.

The Finn has made no secret of his desire to win on asphalt but missed out at August's ADAC Rallye Deutschland when he crashed out of the lead on the final morning.

The top 10 shakedown times were:
Position Driver Time
1. Jari-Matti Latvala 2min 36.0sec
2. Kris Meeke 2min 37.2sec
3. Sebastien Ogier 2min 37.7sec
3= Dani Sordo 2min 37.7sec
5. Andreas Mikkelsen 2min 39.1sec
6. Thierry Neuville 2min 39.3sec
7. Mads Ostberg 2min 39.5sec
8. Robert Kubica 2min 39.6sec
9. Yuriy Protasov 2min 42.0sec
10. Elfyn Evans 2min 42.1sec

The all-new 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 becomes one of the fastest vehicles on the market after recording 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.95 seconds and a quarter-mile time of under 11 seconds.

That's with the new 8-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters (optional), but even with the standard 7-speed manual transmission, the car achieves 0-60 in 3.2 seconds.

Powerful cars need equally powerful brakes, and the 2015 Corvette Z06 can stop from 60 mph in only 99.6 feet -- the best braking performance of any production car GM has ever tested. Additionally, the Corvette Z06 achieves 1.2 g in lateral acceleration compared with the Corvette's previous best 1.13 g.

These fantastic results were achieved with Z06 coupes fitted with the Z07 Performance package, which adds Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

It is the first Corvette Z06 with a supercharged engine -- SAE certified at 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque -- and the first with an available 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

Source : Chevrolet

Photo: Chevrolet

After several weeks of anticipation, the all-new 2015 Volvo XC90 finally made its debut at the Paris Auto Show today. It will go on sale next year.

Photo: Volvo

Offering seating for up to seven, the redesigned XC90 comes with a selection of four powertrains (the ones available in Canada have yet to be confirmed):

• 4-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 320 hp;
• 4-cylinder diesel engine rated at 190 hp;
• 4-cylinder diesel engine rated at 225 hp;
• Plug-in hybrid system rated at 400 hp (T8 Twin).

The 2015 Volvo XC90 is based on the SPA platform that will underpin all future models from the Swedish company. It carries over many design cues from the previous generation while adding some new ones like T-shaped LED headlights (supposedly reminiscent of Thor's hammer) and a wider front grille. The vehicle also features Safe Positioning, which is aimed at reducing injuries in crashes where the vehicle leaves the road, and automatic braking technology that can stop the XC90 before it turns in front of oncoming traffic.

Inside, the first thing you'll notice is the crystal shifter, followed by the large touchscreen that provides access to navigation and entertainment functions. Black and white leather surfaces combine with aluminum and wood trim to create a rich environment.

Source: Volvo

From GMM

After two weeks of intense speculation, Fernando Alonso on Thursday had to admit his future at Ferrari is currently unclear.

"I don't live on Mars," said the Spaniard at Suzuka, when asked by swarms of reporters if he was up to date with what has been happening in the press since Singapore.

Alonso can no longer deny that his frustration at Ferrari, and perhaps also the Maranello team's frustration with his flagging commitment, could lead him elsewhere in formula one.

Asked directly ahead of the Japanese grand prix to categorically rule out a move to a rival team like McLaren-Honda or Red Bull for 2015, he said: "That is a difficult question.

"I say only that I will do what is in the best interest of Ferrari," he is quoted by Speed Week.

"Ferrari is a big name, a big brand, bigger than any of us. I will always act in the interest of the team," Alonso repeated.

But the rumours suggest otherwise: that, as probably the best driver in F1 today, the 33-year-old has finally tired of waiting for a title-winning Ferrari.

Alonso acknowledged: "Only if you win titles will the people keep thinking you are the best. Of course I want to win more.

"I feel good, I'm fit. This is the best phase of my career.

"Nothing has changed in the two weeks since Singapore. There are some options on the table," he revealed.

Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso. (Photo: WRi2)

One reporter pointed out that Alonso could easily stop or at least quieten the rumours by declaring plainly 'I am definitely staying at Ferrari'.

Fernando Alonso replied: "The bottom line is that you always have an idea of what you want to do. And I do.

"I am happy that I have a choice in formula one. Every driver cannot say that. I consider myself lucky that I myself can decide about my future."

The team most linked with Alonso's services in 2015 has been McLaren, with Honda open to paying lucratively for F1's biggest name.

But surely Alonso cannot imagine reuniting with Ron Dennis, after the ill-fated events at McLaren in 2007?

"I had no war with anyone there," Alonso insisted. "But I am with Ferrari, I drive for Ferrari and it would not be very respectful to talk about other teams."

If Alonso does go, Ferrari will be keen to replace him with another great champion. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is a rumoured candidate.

Italy's Autosprint reports on Thursday that a race engineer who once worked closely with Vettel at Toro Rosso - Riccardo Adami - is preparing to move from Faenza to Ferrari for 2015.

"A coincidence, or a clue?" read the report.

Lamborghini unveiled its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle today at the Paris Auto Show.

The 910-horsepower Asterion LPI 910-4 concept houses a 5.2L V10 engine and three electric motors along with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in three seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h. All-electric range is 50 km.

"Lamborghini is always looking ahead, investing in new technologies and setting new benchmarks, delivering the unexpected," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

Photo: Lamborghini

Featuring a full carbon fibre unibody structure, the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 is finished in Elektra Blue. Styling is classic Lamborghini, although some elements mark a definite contrast with the rest of the lineup.

For example, the powerful rear end stands out for its shape and remarkable taillights, including a grid covering two radiators, and a clear separation between body colour and black parts. The transparent engine cover, linking to the hybrid technology beneath, is comprised of three hexagonal glasses that turn according to the driving mode: pure electric, hybrid power, or pure thermal engine power.

Photo: Lamborghini

Internally, the two seats are positioned higher than those in Lamborghini super sports cars, ensuring comfortable everyday cruising. Extensive Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather immediately confirm the luxurious driving experience of the Asterion. Aluminum, forged carbon fibre, and titanium are also visible in the iconic three-spoke steering wheel design drawn from the Miura.

Source: Lamborghini

Photo: Lamborghini

One year ago, the Scuderia Toro Rosso was getting ready to give Russian Daniil Kvyat his first taste of Formula 1. This time, it's Max Verstappen's turn.

Friday, Verstappen, who as Sebastian Vettel mentioned in today's FIA conference, isn't old enough to drive himself to the circuit, will take over Jean-Eric Vergne's Renault-powered STR9 for the first free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso (Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull)

In an article posted on its official web site, Roro Rosso says there will be no pressure from the team for the 17-year-old to chase lap times, instead he will be expected to enjoy the experience.

Max Verstappen, son of former F1 driver Jos, has had a busy time preparing for his F1 weekend debut, including taking the FIA neurometric test, which all drivers have to provide, in order to establish a baseline of their brain activity that the medical team can refer to.

He also has to do the extraction test, where he will need to prove he can get himself out of the STR9 cockpit within five seconds, refitting the steering wheel within a total of 10.

Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso (Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull)

Max and his engineers walked the track on Wednesday and he will be doing it again later today, Thursday.

"It's a truly beautiful track," he said after seeing it at first hand for the first time. It looks interesting and it's certainly not the easiest track to begin at. However, I didn't travel to Suzuka to break lap records but to gain as much experience as I can. So I'm looking forward to Friday."

Max Verstappen is not planning to stick around much after his 90 minutes of driving: he is flying back to Europe on Saturday as he has to take part in a Formula 3 test at Imola early next week, followed by a race at the Italian track next weekend.

He will also fit in another F3 race at Hockenheim before flying out to Austin, for his second taste of the world of Formula 1 at the Circuit of the Americas.

As the 2014 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris continues to roll out, Volkswagen presented four world premieres to an eager crowd on Thursday, October 2nd. Included in those unveilings was, of course, the XL Sport concept car which has become the talk of the town with its twin-cylinder Ducati 1199 Superleggera engine.

Besides the sporty concept, Volks also unveiled a new plug-in hybrid Passat GTE. Making its debut, this fuel-efficient Vdub comes with a 1.4L TSI engine combined with an 85kW electric motor. Volkswagen claims the car provides a total range of over 1,000km, and has a top speed of 200km/hr.

Volkswagen also showed their Golf Alltrack. With its distinctive off-road appearance, the Alltrack features 4MOTION all-wheel drive, along with the all-new 1.8L TSI or an optional 1.6L TDI. However, the most interesting engine option has to be Volkswagen's most powerful Golf engine to date: the 2.0L TDI  with approximately 183 horsepower.

Last, but certainly not least, Volkswagen took the wraps off its brand new, fourth-generation Polo GTI. Also featuring VW's new 1.8L TSI engine that's good for approx.. 190 hp. Two gearboxes are available: a 6-speed manual and Volkswagen's fabulous 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. Truly sport, the new Polo GTI features red GTI insignias along with a GTI-specific rear spoiler. Inside, the sport steering wheel and sport seats follow in line with the look of the Golf GTI interior.

Source : Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo GTI (Photo: Volkswagen)

Although it made its grand entrance just a few short weeks ago in Monterey, CA -- under the watchful eyes of Duran Duran, no less -- the 2016 Mazda MX-5 left a bit to the imagination, namely the engine that would lurk beneath its decidedly Asian-looking front end.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Well, Mazda has taken the wraps off its mysterious engine choices at the 2014 Paris Auto Show. While global versions of the famous two-seat roadster will see a 1.5L 4-cylinder SKYACYIV-G engine, the US version of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 will be powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G unit.

Mazda is getting quite good at dangling pockets of information then keeping the good bits hidden, and they continue to do so by keeping the output numbers from the ever-eager public. Horsepower and torque numbers were not announced. However, considering the same 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine is found in the Mazda3 (which offers up 155 hp) it's safe to assume the MX-5 version of that engine will pump out at least a little bit more than that, perhaps in the 170 hp range (fingers crossed) -- slightly more than the current-generation MX-5.

Leave it to Bentley to steal the show at the 2014 Paris Auto Show (that is until the next high-end luxury brand brings out a W12-powered land yacht).

Officially the fastest ultra-luxury performance vehicle, the Bentley Mulsanne Speed has 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Yes, let that last number sink in for a moment. Of course, the sheer size and weight of the Mulsanne Speed demand such power to elicit performance-driven figures.

Photo: Bentley

Where does all that power come from? None other than Bentley's 6.75L twin-turbo V8. Said unit will rocket the luxurious Mulsanne Speed from 0-100km/hr in 4.9 seconds.

With the unveiling of the Mulsanne Speed variant, the revamped 2015 Bentley Mulsanne was also enhanced. New engine software ensures the same V8 twin-turbo unit is now 13% more efficient. The gearbox calibration was also enhanced to promote smoother, more relaxed gear changes when driving the Mulsanne.

There are also new paint, hide and veneer options available across the 2015 Mulsanne family lineup.

Source: Bentley

Photo: Bentley

Caterham Formula 1 team insists it is not in financial trouble despite the announcement from High Court Officers on an impeding sale of its equipment.

“By order of The Sheriffs Office, authorised High Court Enforcement Officers, we hereby announce the impending sale of goods seized and removed from a Formula One team”, said the bailiffs.

According to F1Technical.com, the removed items include a Caterham CT03, Caterham F1 car parts (due for Japan 2014), full size 6 DOF motion platform F1 simulator, Caterham F1 steering wheels, F1 wheels with tires, drilling and machining equipment and pit lane equipment.

In response to the post, Caterham F1 released a statement, insisting it will continue to race while claiming that all operations are still running as scheduled.

"There have been unfounded and unsubstantiated rumours concerning actions against 1MRT, the entrant and owner of CaterhamF1", the statement reads.

"An action was threatened yesterday against a supplier company to 1MRT. This company is not owned by 1MRT and it has no influence over the entry of CaterhamF1 or the entrant.

"Also contrary to uncontrolled rumours, all operations are currently in place at Leafield and the race team is doing its preparation in Japan.

Caterham driver Kamui Kobayashi said in Japan conditions are currently tough at the team as they head into the Grand Prix weekend.

Kamui Kobayashi says the Caterham race team are waiting for the arrival of team boss Manfredi Ravetto at Suzuka to learn more about the current situation at the embattled outfit.

“Our boss is flying over to here, so we are waiting [to find out] what happened really. Very difficult to say,” Kobayashi explained in Thursday's Drivers' Press Conference.

“At the moment we can still communicate with the UK so it looks as though the company is okay, but I don't know for the rest, unfortunately.”

The popular Fiat 500 and the not-so-popular 500L will soon welcome a new member in the family: the 500X crossover.

With an electric model (500E) and a convertible (500C) on top of that, Fiat will offer a very diversified lineup.

The Fiat 500X looks much more stylish than the 500L while retaining the classic look that made the modern 500 so famous. 

In Europe, several gasoline and diesel engines will be available along with 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, a 9-speed automatic, and a dual-clutch unit.

The 500X will come standard in front-wheel drive configuration, with all-wheel drive being optional. Similar to the existing 500 models, this one will also offer up to 12 body colours and eight wheel designs ranging from 16”-18” in size.

Photo: Fiat

The interior of the Fiat 500X will feature a plethora of cutting-edge solutions as well as seating for five adults.

Buyers will have a choice of two distinct trim levels: one for city dwellers, and another one aimed at outdoorsy people. 

While North American availability has yet to be confirmed, we believe there are pretty good chances of seeing the Fiat 500X on this side of the pond.

Source: Fiat

Photo: Fiat

British driver Will Stevens, who was previously involved with Caterham Formula 1 team, is poised to make his Friday free practice debut with Marussia tomorrow.

Sky Sports F1 writes that the 23-year-old, who is currently racing in the World Series by Renault FR 3.5 series, will be announced as a Marussia reserve driver and make his debut at Suzuka in free practice 1.

Stevens joined Caterham's Racing Academy in 2013 and tested their Formula 1 car twice.

The Briton will join Toro Rosso new hot shoe Max Verstappen in making his Formula 1 weekend debut tomorrow morning.

Will Stevens aboard the Caterham CT03 in 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

Drivers who made their F1 debut during a P1 session in 2014 (including Suzuka):

Felipe Nasr - Williams (Bahrain)
Robin Frijns - Caterham (Bahrain)
Daniel Juncadella - Sahara Force India (Great Britain)
Susie Wolff - Williams (Great Britain)
Andre Lotterer - Caterham (Belgium, completed the full meeting)
Roberto Merhi - Caterham (Italy)

Max Verstappen - Toro Rosso (Japan)
Will Stevens - Marussia (Japan)

If it were legal, I'd have stolen... I'd have stolen nothing -- at least not a car that someone would have missed...

Seriously, IMPA's (International Motor Press Association) Test Days, held at Monticello Motor Park (MMC) in New York, is an amazing opportunity to get some good wheel time with a number of cars.

Like, but unlike, AJAC's Test Fest, Test Days invites auto journalists to sample cars they may or may not have had the pleasure to test in the past. The difference is that there are no assigned categories or votes to be submitted. Some manufacturers bring all-new products for sampling while most make “regular” cars available to us.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Of the cars on hand, a few got my mojo flowing excessively. One such car was the new Alfa Romeo 4C. Sadly, the list of journos looking to drive the car reached from Brooklyn to Monticello, so it didn't happen.

Another such car was the devastatingly vicious Chevy Camaro Z/28. This one, I wasn't going to miss out on. In fact, I was 1st on the list to track it but was “screwed” by a miscommunicated message about where the car was to be staged. In the end, I tracked it down, and once I stepped out of the car, my exact words on Instagram were: “Mind splattered all over the inside of my skull (series of necessary #hashtags). Speechless. Need another hit!”

I did get another hit of the Z/28, and I also helped myself to an SS 1LE and a ZL1, many many times. In fact, I estimate my laps of MMC with a Camaro to hover around lucky number 13. The Camaro: I want one. And I'll settle for the SS 1LE 6-speed.

The other vehicle (because it's more than just a car) that flipped my top was the 1st car I jumped on at this year's Test Days: The BMW i8. In fact, I quite nearly licked the door handle in order to make clear that I was not going to be bumped out of my 1st position on the list of test drivers.

The BMW i8 is such a complex machine yet is so simple to operate that at times I was lost trying to assimilate what it was I was experiencing. Whisper quiet in EV mode, and inconceivably loud when in Sport mode this thing is fast, too! We all know EVs are torque-y but the i8 blasts off like no one's business.

Then, in order to properly shut down the event, I took a final car out on the track and you'll not guess which. Essentially, the good people at GM we're no longer smiling at my mug as I walked past the Camaros so I went for the next best thing: a Ford Fiesta ST.

A starker contrast to the Camaros, there is not. However, the FWD EcoBoosted lightweight punches way above its weight class. More fun flat-out (aka #neverlift) in a well sorted sporty car in this price range is tough to match.

From GMM

Mother nature is threatening to interfere with this weekend's running of the Japanese grand prix.

Already this week, reports had emerged that ash and smoke from the nearby Ontake volcano eruption was affecting air traffic as the formula one world jets into Japan.

Now, a typhoon alert has been issued.

According to German language reports, the weather service UBIMET warned that a typhoon by the name of Phanfone could reach the Japanese mainland by the weekend and pose a "potential threat to the grand prix of Japan".

Another weather organisation, MeteoGroup, confirmed that the typhoon is likely to bring adverse conditions to the Suzuka area.

"Weather conditions won't be too great for Saturday," a spokesperson told the Mirror.

"The closer we get to it, the weather will start to deteriorate."

From GMM

The signs are growing stronger that Caterham may not make it to the end of the 2014 season.

Already this week, rumours were doing the rounds that unpaid suppliers Pirelli and Renault are growing increasingly impatient with the situation in the wake of founder Tony Fernandes' shock mid-season exit.

Then, as the newly Colin Kolles-led team prepared at Suzuka for the Japanese grand prix on Wednesday, alarming news from Caterham's UK factory began to emerge.

High Court bailiffs confirmed they had seized team equipment including components and a 2013 car, and the Telegraph claims staff were told to go home as work on next year's car grinds "to a halt".

Leafield's factory. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

The bailiffs also revealed that F1 parts "due for Japan 2014" were among those seized on Wednesday.

Caterham swiftly hit back at what it described as "unfounded and unsubstantiated rumours".

"An action was threatened yesterday against a supplier company", it said in a statement. "This company is not owned by (the team) and it has no influence over the entry of Caterham or the entrant.

"Also contrary to uncontrolled rumours, all operations are currently in place at Leafield and the race team is doing its preparation in Japan," the team insisted.

Stand Caterham. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

Foxconn, which manufactures iPhone products for Apple, wants to expand its foray into the car industry by launching an electric vehicle that would sell for $15,000 or less.

The company is not joking around, having recently invested more than $800 million to build several plants in China, where it already produces smartphones.

Foxconn currently supplies battery systems for electric vehicles sold in China.

Source : caradisiac.com

From GMM

Toto Wolff has admitted tension between Mercedes' title-warring teammates is inevitable over the decisive final five races of 2014.

In the last hours, despite their obviously fractious relationship recently, Nico Rosberg declared that the atmosphere inside the silver camp is now "very good".

And Lewis Hamilton, who now holds a 3-point championship lead after Rosberg's problems in Singapore, declared that things are "back to normal" following the recent turmoil.

But Dr Helmut Marko, a boss at Red Bull whose Daniel Ricciardo is still a long-shot hope for the drivers' crown, declared this week that "This peace (at Mercedes) is not real".

"Eventually, Hamilton and Rosberg will be side by side again, and when they see it is the title in front of them, there are no more rules," he told Bild.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes boss Wolff has now hit back by admitting it is obvious tension still remains between Rosberg and Hamilton as the title battle intensifies.

"There is no need for a peace pact to show to the public," he said ahead of the Japanese grand prix at Suzuka, one of five remaining races this season including the double points finale in Abu Dhabi.

"If you've been programmed for 25 years to fight for and win the drivers' championship, no one can ask you to suddenly make your greatest enemy also your best buddy," Wolff admitted.

Former F1 driver turned German television pundit Marc Surer agrees: "Of course there is no peace.

"Either of them can be world champion," he told Speed Week. "Why should they make peace -- so the other one can win?"

Forks of the Credit Road in Caledon is arguably the best driving road in all of Southern Ontario. This 5km ribbon of tarmac offers dips, climbs, blind
off-camber turns, short straights, plus some truly stunning scenery. It is a true car guy's paradise, a road you will most enjoy in a car that has power, grunt, and grip to serve.

I took, perhaps, the most ideal car to this road: The 2015 McLaren 650S Spider. Since Forks of the Credit Road also has an intersecting street called McLaren Road, it made the trek out there all the more special.


What is this supercar, exactly?
The 2015 McLaren 650S Spider is a two-seat, hardtop convertible supercar, which is the latest iteration of the MP4-12C model that was launched about three years ago. For supercar fans, it has all the right ingredients: like a carbon-fibre monocell chassis that provides excellent stiffness and offers three adaptive modes that allow you to adjust the car based on the kind of driving you're doing.

Mechanically, a twin-turbo 3.8L V8 motor that produces 641 horsepower at 7,250 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm powers the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Apart from the increased power figures, all the above-mentioned features were available on the MP4-12C that I tested two years ago. Where the 2015 McLaren 650S differs is in some obvious, and some not-too-obvious, areas.

Is the McLaren 650S better?
An obvious difference is in its front-end styling. Inspired by the look of the McLaren P1 hypercar, the new nose on the 650S does give the car a much more menacing appearance. Aside from that, the 650S looks nearly identical to the MP4-12C.

Step inside, and you'll be hard pressed to find many changes, but there are a few. For instance, now there are some extra storage pockets, and customers can also finally opt for a backup camera -- although the image on the infotainment screen is tiny.

But, how does it drive?
OK, enough with the details, time to hit the road.

Being a bright, sunny day, the first thing I did was drop its top -- which disappears under a hard cover in just 17 seconds flat, and can be operated while on the move as long as your speed doesn't exceed 30km/hr.

On my way to my favourite road, cruising on the highway, I noticed how comfortable the McLaren 650S actually is, especially if you leave everything in Normal mode.
The ride characteristic changes noticeably when you switch to Sport mode, and really changes when you engage Track mode. Since this latter setting opens up the valves in the exhaust to make it louder, sharpens the throttle response, and turns the traction control off, I chose to drive it mostly in this setting -- just for fun.

At speed, with the roof down, there was a bit more wind buffeting than I would have liked, but still quite manageable.

It took some time to get to my favourite road, but I got there. Thankfully, it was largely empty that day, which gave me some opportunities to bury the throttle for a few short bursts. It was here that the 2015 McLaren 650S felt most at home. It relished being on a challenging tarmac; where I could enjoy the sound and power of its force-fed V8, test the grip of its now standard Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires (235/35R19 front, 305/30R20 rear), and its carbon-ceramic brakes. The brakes have excellent stopping power, but they do work a bit like an on-off switch -- not much bite on initial application, then they grab hard -- so a firm foot is needed.

Through the tightest bends, you notice that the car exhibits almost zero body roll. McLaren opted to not give this car any anti-roll bars; instead they use a complicated interlinked hydraulic suspension system, which reacts to the road, steering angle, and the vehicles speed. It all works seamlessly and just makes you feel like a hero.

A supercar and so much more
I could go on and on about what the McLaren 650s can do -- like tell you it can cover the 0 to 100km/hr sprint in 3.0 seconds flat, and that it has a top speed of 333km/hr, and how the noise it emits will make all your hair stand on end, but I have a word count limit for this article, and I've just about exhausted it.

If you have the means to buy a supercar, you really need to take a very close look at the 2015 McLaren 650S. Pricing for the coupe model starts at $287,000, while the Spider begins at $305,500 (my very well-equipped tester was worth $383,000).

Complaints? Yes, I had to give it back.

Lithia Motors said it completed the purchase of DCH Auto Group, one of the largest buy-sell deals between dealership groups in recent history.