166 Polaris Track on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes’ AMG division unveils new twin-turbo V8

Those obsessed with torque bemoaned Mercedes’ high-revving 6.2-litre V8 when it was launched in 2005, but just as the world has come to accept the naturally aspirated engine, the company has now unveiled a new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. Up to 563bhp – which is the same as the SLS AMG – and 663lb ft, which is much more than the 479lb ft the modern-day Gullwing supercar manages. The engine is an all-new 5.5-litre V8 (5461cc to be exact) with direct-injection technology, an aluminium crankcase and two turbochargers.

Ford to open Silicon Valley lab

Ford Motor Co., aiming to keep ahead of technology trends, will establish a research lab in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. The automaker said Friday the lab will open near Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., in the first few months of this year. Ford wants the lab to take on a start-up feel and expand beyond the traditional automaker mindset to encourage innovation and improve mobility and safety.

Peugeot designers bring kids' car designs to life

Peugeot designers have brought six childrens' car sketches to life by rendering them as a prize for the 'Draw Me The Car of 2020' design competition, launched in collaboration with children's magazine Okapi. The six 10-15 year old winners – Clement, Thomas, Lena, Tom, Leo and Gaspard – were able to see their dream cars realized by Peugeot designer Olivier Gamiette, who worked on the EX1 concept car. Peugeot presented the first placed winner, Thomas, with a 270mm by 140mm model of his design at an awards ceremony held at the carmaker's design center in Velizy, France.