Car talk
Aston Martin ushers in an even faster supercar
Aston Martin has introduced a faster, more agile four-door Rapide supercar. The Rapide S luxury GT has a more powerful, though more efficient, 6.0-litre V12 engine. Power is up by a massive 80bhp to 550bhp shaving 0.3 seconds off its 0-62 mph time; down to just 4.9 seconds. The new model also has a striking front grille and more pronounced boot lid flip.
Kia zooms into the hot hatch space
Kia is launching its first hot hatch at the Geneva motor show in March. The three-door Procee’d GT and five-door Cee’d GT hatchbacks will be powered by a new turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine. The 201bhp unit allows the cars to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. Each has distinctive LED running lights, dual-exhaust pipes, 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers.
Mini unveils (yet another) London model
Mini has been doing very well selling special London editions of its cars. Its latest limited edition Clubman Bond Street goes on sale in March. Finished in black metallic and champagne paint, the car gets special 17-inch wheels and an interior in champagne and black. It’s available with the usual four engine choices 122hp Cooper, 184hp Cooper S, 112hp Cooper D and 143hp Cooper SD.