The past seven days have had a distinctly speedy flavour. It all started on Sunday, when Briton Jenson Button finally won his first grand prix.
Button came from 14th on the grid of the Hungarian GP to win by over half a minute, making him the first British GP winner since David Coulthard in 2003.
Monday continued in a similarly speedy vein, with news of the world’s fastest MPV, the ever-so-slightly mad Mercedes R63 AMG, which with 503bhp and 465lb ft from its 6.2-litre V8 will rocket six people from 0-62mph in 5.0sec. Read our first drive here.
A very different kind of speeding story gained momentum on Tuesday, with the Department for Transport calling for a review of speed limits nationwide. While transport minister Stephen Ladyman did say that “traffic authorities should consider increasing limits if it can be done safely,” inevitably more limits will be lowered than raised.
Still, more 20mph limits in towns will give you a better chance of spotting the all-new BMW X5, which was revealed on Tuesday. It might not look that different from the old car, but with a seven-seat option, a hybrid version on the way and what BM claims is even better handling, expect the new X5 to be every bit as successful as its predecessor. Come back next week to see it on video.
On Wednesday we brought you Peter Robinson’s first drive of the all-new Holden Commodore, which he reckons is “worth emigrating for”. If you can wait until next year, Vauxhall should be brining the V8-powered HSV Commodore to the UK. Alternatively, you can now get Chrysler’s 6.1-litre V8-powered 300C SRT-8 in Britain.
American V8s made the headlines again on Thursday, with news that GM is to build a new Camaro based on the retro concept revealed in Detroit this year. Watch the video online next week. But however much we’re looking forward to that car, it just doesn’t have the same allure as the fabulous one-off Ferrari P4/5. This one-off Pininfarina-made special is based on the last ever Enzo and was created for a multi-millionaire American collector.
Peugeot revealed a car with a very different sort of V12 on Friday – the 908 RC concept, which is powered by a 700bhp V12 diesel engine that will be used in the French firm’s 2007 Le Mans car. The odd-looking 908 saloon hints at the future direction for big Peugeots, and will be appearing at the Paris motor show next month.
And the week ahead? The star attraction is the new Mini, which is officially revealed on Monday. We’re expecting big things from it - make sure you log on to find out more.
Add your comment