The British firm CPP are going to be building an all-new Jensen Inceptor due in 2014. This Inteceptor is not to be confused with the ‘new’ old Interceptor still available to purchase. CPP has been contracted by Healey Sports Cars of Switzerland, who own the rights to Jensen, to engineer and manufacture the new model at its West Midlands plant.

For those who need reminding, the original Interceptor was a two-door GT Coupe, convertible or hatchback, built by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976 in the UK, powered by a Chrysler V8 ranging from 383 to 440 cubic inches.

The new Interceptor will take inspiration from the original ‘echoing its four-seat grand tourer layout’ with the wraparound rear screen and elongated flanks while updating it with advanced technologies.

Founder and co-owner of CPP, Brendan O’Toole has said: “I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports cars, so for CPP to take the lead role in reviving this iconic brand is very exciting for the business, and for me personally.”

The price of the new Jensen is yet to be confirmed.

According to rumours, Lexus will be launching a special super LFA Tokyo edition which will be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota, who manufacture the vehicle are also expected to manufacture additional Lexus/Toyota performance cars in the next few years.

This Lexus LFA Tokyo edition, which follows the Nurburgring special, will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and a hydraulically adjustable carbon rear spoiler.

The car is set to cost an additional $54,500 (about R418, 000) of the regular Lexus LFA.

While the Lexus LFA Tokyo edition is on its way, Toyota have decided to cancel the open-top version of the Lexus LFA due to the current uncertain economic climate. Instead, the Japanese auto manufacturer have been rumoured to be creating two additional vehicles: a successor to the Supra coupe as well as a front-wheel drive performance car.

The new Audi RS4 Avant 2012 was spied in full camouflage at the Nurburgring. The new model, which Audi is currently putting the finishing touches on, is set to be launched in May 2012.

There is no change in the RS4′s engine in comparison to the RS5 and so the 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 will enable the RS4 with 331 kW and 430 N.m. of torque to reach a speed of 100 km/h in under 5 seconds with a a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission

The front bumper will be more aggressive with large air intakes and wider fenders.

Dayne Ferris was revealed as the winner of a one-of-a-kind modified VW GTI valued at R500 000 at a star studded event at Johannesburg’s Montecasino. The 26 year-old won the car by entering BP’s popular online Ultimate Ride competition. The event was attended by a number of local celebrities as well as well known names in the motorsport industry, including local rally ace Gugu Zulu, who came together to celebrate South Africa’s growing passion and excitement for cars.

Ferris was one of more than 45 000 fans who competed for the exclusive prize over a six month period that included gamers customizing virtual rides, racing against others online and judging others’ cars.

BP’s Ultimate Ride creation was modified by the best customizing crews in the country with features that include the special Viper ultimate exhaust conversion for maximum gains in power, torque and reduction in turbo lag, an unmatched hot hatch sporty tone, a full JL Audio system with 2 x 12”WO- 4ohm on a G1700 mono-block and specially installed brake calipers with a signature BP themed coating which has heat transfer properties that cool down the calipers. Other modifications include custom-made silicone hoses for the engine, one-of-a-kind 19 inch wheels with a custom-made green strip and Pro Kit suspension with sway bars for better handling and lower seating.

After winning, Ferris said: “I have always had a passion for cars and can’t wait to hit the tar with my new wheels, and it’s certainly not just going to be driven on Sundays”. Ferris’s biggest problem will be keeping the keys away from his friends who already have their eyes on his brand new ride.

The brand new Land Rover DC100 Sport was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. The DC100 Sport was a surprise reveal alongside the much anticipated DC100 and is one of two concepts that the Land Rover team have confirmed will be put into production for 2015.  Both were revealed to gauge public interest and gather feedback to give Land Rover an idea of which direction to go in for 2015 to avoid rushing into a replacement.

In comparison to the silver three door 4X4 DC100 demonstrating ‘capability and versatility’, the DC100 Sport is an open-air pick-up version in bright yellow-orange and is described as ‘an active expression of freedom and leisure’.

Under the hood, both concepts use 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines driving all four wheels through a stop/start-equipped eight-speed automatic. However, while the DC100 has a diesel engine, the DC100 Sport has a petrol engine.

Both concepts have a new automatic terrain response system that automatically sets all the driver assist systems sensing the wheel travel, wheelslip, the texture of the ground and a sonar depth-sounder for driving through rivers.

Just a day away from the official launch of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011, here are some of the new vehicles and concepts that are expected to be on display on the showroom floor tomorrow. It’s shaping up to be an exciting show.

Images source: Autoblog.com

Subaru South Africa has decided to drop the Impreza from its lineup. The new Subaru XV, that will be uveilied at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show will be replacing the Impreza range in South Africa from February 2012.

Designed by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and described as an “Urban Adventurer”, the XV is a high-riding crossover model that will likely  slot in between the Impreza and the larger Legacy Outback. The XV will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre example of Subaru’s new FB-generation flat-four petrol engines. In addition,  A choice of either 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT transmissions will be offered.

Among all the automakers that have supplied engines to Formula One teams over the years, Renault is likely considered the most successful. While the French car manufacturer has seen world champion status with its own team in 2005 and 2006, a significant amount of its achievements have come from its success supplying independent teams.

Renault’s most powerful partnership to date has come from its collaboration with Red Bull Racing. The team is the current world champion in both the drivers’ and constructors’ categories and this is expected to continue with the recent renewed partnership agreement for five more years.

Renault Sport F1 will continue to supply Red Bull Racing with V8 engines and KERS Motor Generator Units for 2012 and 2013 and will then develop innovative technical solutions for the V6-based power unit that will be introduced from 2014.

Bernard Rey, President of Renault Sport F1, stated that “Red Bull Racing and Renault share the views that stability is a fundamental condition to perform at the top levels of competition. As well as being a unique opportunity to showcase the performance of the Renault engines at the highest possible level, it is also a fantastic arena to develop the technology and expertise within the Renault-Nissan Alliance.”