Motoring news round-up

Powered by a 1.6 litre engine, the horsepower is likely to be more than 600, but Nissan is keeping the figure to itself until the launch.

Nissan President Andy Palmer said: “As motor racing rulebooks have become tighter over time, racing cars look more and more similar. We aim to change that.”

Goodwood Festival of Speed Launches - Goodwood has launched the 2012 Festival of Speed, so far confirming that as well as the usual appearances by Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Ken Block, that the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ vehicle concours d’elegance will celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and that F1’s youngest double world champion Sebastian Vettel will be coming along with his 2012 car ‘Abbey’.

The 2012 show celebrates the Lotus name, as well as Lotus’ Formula One history.

BRZ Production Begins - Production of the rear wheel drive Subaru BRZ sports car began on Friday, as well as production of the Toyota GT 86.

Though the cars are ‘different’, they are both the product of a joint project between Toyota and Subaru.

Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa Launched - Seat announced its newest and now fastest model in the current production line up: the Leon FR+ Supercopa.

211 bhp comes from the 2.0 litre turbo, and with prices starting at £22,000, the Supercopa seems like a very reasonable alternative to the VW Golf GTI.

More Ford Fiesta ST Pictures - Ford has released more pictures of its eagerly anticipated 2013 Fiesta ST.

Unlike the old Fiesta ST, the new car has a 1.6 litre turbo rather than a naturally aspirated 2.0 litre, giving a 20% power increase to 190 bhp. The top speed will be around 140 mph.

And Finally... NewMotoring.com launches Top Gear Track Competition - newmotoring.com has launched a competition whereby the winners will have a trip to the Top Gear Track and a ride in a Ferrari Enzo, Pagani Zonda, or Lamborghini Aventador (as well as a few others) paid for.

Entrants simply need to like the site on facebook.com/newmotoring.

Seán Ward

Editor,

newmotoring.com