Filmed in part by Steve Berra (pro skateboarder, director, and part owner of the Berrics), Ken chose to dub this clip “car porn”, because it shows off all the ‘naughty bits’ of the cars that fans would not normally be able to see.

Classic Block. As entertaining as always and with music by the Sleigh Bells, this has to be one of the best motorsport launch videos I’ve seen.

Last week Ferarri’s Chairman Luca di Montezemolo described the new model as, “..A revolutionary new car that delivers extreme performance and unprecedented power output” and the video yet again reinforces this in the most simple and direct manner.. “The most powerful Ferrari ever is about to take its bow.”

The F620 will feature a more powerful version of the 6.3-litre V12 engine fitted in the FF, with a power output rumoured to be 720 bhp – 20 bhp more than its Modena neighbour provides in the Aventador.

With just over a week until we find out, Ferrari remain tight-lipped and has so far managed to contain any major press leaks, but whatever is revealed in the fine details we’re pretty certain the F620 will be pretty awesome.

Alex competed in F1 for 10 seasons until 2007, thereafter he performed a testing role with Brawn GP in 2009 and has been a Formula 1 consultant and TV expert, whilst competing for Peugeot in the International Le Mans Cup Series before the marque pulled out at the beginning of this year. In 2012 he will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota.

Alex will start his duties with Willams F1 at this week’s Barcelona test, before accompanying the team to races this season.

Complementing Williams F1’s recent engagement with olympic athlete Michael Johnson to improve pitstop performance, Alex’s appointment will see the team draw upon his 18 years’ experience as a race driver, 11 of which he competed in Formula One, to support its efforts in returning to the front of the grid.

On his new role, Alex said, “This is a great initiative by Williams and highlights just how hard the team is pushing to optimise its performance. Throughout my career as a sportsman, which started at the age of 12 in BMX racing, includes over a decade in Formula One and is still ongoing (racing in the World Endurance Championship), I am lucky to have gained so much experience. I grew up in a family business of driver training and naturally I enjoy helping fellow athletes to operate at their best. I’m really looking forward to using my expertise to help Williams at this important stage in its history.”

Mark Gillan, Chief Operations Engineer at Williams F1, commented, “I am delighted to be working once more with Alex and look forward to his valuable input with the drivers as the whole team strives to continuously improve in all aspects of its operation.”

The revised 4.7-litre 420 bhp entry-level V8 Vantage features a raft of improvements first seen in the Vantage S. The standard six-speed manual transmission remains, but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has now been replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift II, with an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality.

This new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a more sporting driving experience.

The Vantage S remains the most generously equipped, highest performing and most driver-focussed V8-engined model in the range. Developing 430 bhp at 7300 rpm and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque at 5000rpm the Vantage S’s more potent state of engine tune complements the Sportshift II close-ratio seven speed automated manual transmission, which is fitted as standard. A sports exhaust system unique to the ‘S’ further emphasises its sporting credentials, delivering a rousing soundtrack, in keeping with the intensity of the driving experience.

Production of the V12 Vantage continues unchanged, powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, the V12 Vantage has a top speed of 190 mph and 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds.

Chassis and Braking

Further dynamic enhancements centre on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which also features developments from the Vantage S. Quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres have all been fitted to further enhance the V8 Vantage’s poise and make it more responsive and exciting to drive. A new steering column installation, re-valved power-steering pump and a quicker ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1, ensure the new V8 Vantage steers with greater precision, whilst providing the driver with better feedback.

New 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs combined with six piston callipers, improve stopping power and brake feel and this new braking system also includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more precise control on steep inclines.

The V8 Vantage comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model, which not only increases grip, but also allows the more responsive steering and stronger brakes to be fully exploited.

Styling

To reflect its enhanced performance the V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. At the front a lower bumper – complete with aerodynamic splitter – houses a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes, whilst at the rear a diffuser creates added drama and function, while sculpted race-derived side sills complete the V8 Vantage’s more muscular look.

Carbon fibre detailing of the Vantage S’s motorsport-derived aerodynamic package makes a discreet visual distinction from the V8 Vantage, while inside the ‘S’ variant features a sumptuously trimmed interior combining traditional hand-stitched leather upholstery with striking modern design. The company’s fully integrated satellite navigation system developed in conjunction with Garmin is now fitted as standard along with Bluetooth and cruise control.

These technical and styling changes have been applied to both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, with prices now starting from £84,995 for the V8 Vantage Coupe and £99,995 for the Coupe S.

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At the time, BMW’s M3 packed 414 bhp in a much lighter and therefore faster chassis.

Just over a year later in 2008, the GranTurismo received Maserati’s 434 bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine, fettled slightly further last year with the 444 bhp GranTurismo MC Stradale. Maserati was getting there, slowly, but even so BMW’s M6 carried 500 bhp – now raised to 552 bhp in the new M6.

Maserati were right to avoid joining the (mainly) German power war, but nevertheless the GranTurismo still needed more power if only to justify its £100,000+ price.

So, with the Geneva motorshow almost upon us, Maserati has found another 9 bhp for the ‘GranTurismo Sport’, such that its 4.7-litre V8 engine now delivers 453 bhp.

To accompany the slight increase in performance, the GranTurismo Sport gains a restyle to accentuate its sporting nature.

A new redesigned front bumper optimises the air flow for both engine and brake cooling. The headlights come with DRL Led technology and new taillights are fitted at the rear of the GranTurismo Sport in an elegant, yet aggressively darker tone.

The interior also receives a makeover, with completely redesigned front and rear seats and a new steering wheel with a more sporty and muscular look.

There’s no word yet on the effect these changes will have on the GranTurismo’s price, but we expect further details to emerge during the next few days.

Confirmed at this morning’s Board Meeting in Maranello, Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said, “Ferrari’s range will be joined in a few days time at the Geneva Show by a new 12-cylinder. A revolutionary new car that delivers extreme performance and unprecedented power output.”

Something so radical that Ferrari describe it as marking “A new era of extreme V12 sports cars.”

The F620 is expected to reach these shores during the latter part of 2012, and as implied by its name will be powered by a 6.2-litre V12 engine with an output rumoured to eclipse the 700 bhp offered by Lamborghini’s Aventador.

Despite similarities with the FF, the F620 is expected to retain the 599′s front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, most likely matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch paddleshift gearbox as used in the 458 Italia.

For the time being that’s all we know, but we’ll have more details about the new F620 on 29th February.

Although he has been the lead commentator for Eurosport’s coverage of MotoGP for the past 15 years, Moody is first and foremost a ‘car nut’ and has followed the BTCC for more than two decades. He is also a keen competitor in hill climbing and until recently held a class record on the daunting, world-famous Shelsley Walsh course.

The 39-year-old from Worcester said: “I’ve got big boots to fill – Ben was a class act – but when the opportunity came up I had to go for it. The chance to commentate on a major sport with the BTCC’s following and for ITV Sport was too good to miss and I’m over the moon to have been offered the job.

“I loved watching the Ford RS500s in the late Eighties and one of my first work experiences was actually with Prodrive when they ran the factory BMW M3s in the BTCC in 1990. I also had an involvement with the Nissan team in 1993. My father, though, was the commentator at Shelsley and I fancied a go – the next thing I’d been handed the microphone and had never been so nervous in my life!

“Then along came the bike work for Eurosport in 1996 – I’ve loved every minute of it and I’ll still fit in every MotoGP round that doesn’t clash with the BTCC this year. It’s going to be a hectic but very enjoyable schedule…

“The BTCC really fascinates me. The action for the public is out of this world, plus the drivers are not wrapped up in cotton wool – they are free to speak their mind and that leads to some really interesting characters, incidents and storylines. It makes the BTCC an addictive soap opera for viewers and it’s going to be a real honour conveying what is happening to the huge numbers of people tuning in.”

Tony Pastor, Head of Production for ITV Sport, commented: “We were really sorry to see Ben Edwards leave our team but in Toby we feel we have a terrific replacement. The BTCC is a fabulous competition and we’re delighted to be its broadcast partner. We believe that Toby has the passion and knowledge to take the viewers inside the sport and at the same time give them a real sense of just how exciting these races are. We’re delighted to welcome him on board and I expect him to become a great asset to our sports commentating team.”

And added Harvey: “I’m also delighted to be working with Toby. He’s a motor racing fan through and through and will bring enthusiasm, professionalism and humour to the commentary box.”

I remember whiling away many an hour ‘running in’ a 205 GTi at Goodwood circuit, having previously borrowed it from an unsuspecting performance hire company. Ah, the ignorance of youth..

So, do we think it likely that Peugeot has cracked it this time around? That the new 208 GTi is the 205 GTi reincarnate?

On the face of it. No.

Peugeot begins its introduction to the 208 GTi Concept not with words of reassurance about a chassis finely honed at the Nurburgring, or a steering so direct that it feels hard-wired to the driver’s wrists – instead it talks about the “chequered-flag motifs on the front grille..”

Oh dear. Do they not realise there are bridges to be rebuilt in restoring Peugeot’s sporting credentials?

Peugeot describe the first sensations when approaching the 208 GTi Concept as being completely visual, and in addition to those chequered-flag motifs the lower bar proudly affirms its origin by displaying either the French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag or the Union Jack when in the UK.

Other distinctive exterior features include: double chromed exhaust tailpipes, aero lower bodywork spoilers and lower sill skirt extensions that all capture the signature badging. A brushed aluminium GTi Concept logo on the front grille and rear quarter panels is intended as a salute to legendary 205 GTi.

On the inside, the passenger compartment features a sports leather stitched steering wheel and gear lever, double stitching in the seats and enhanced LED backlighting of instrument surrounds. Sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather on the outer section, and cloth in the centre with an embossed tartan motif, and a leather head restraint.

The red perforated leather steering wheel continues the check motif, and has a pronounced lower flat section, which carries the GTi Concept logo set in an aluminium ring. To complete the interior, the fascia capping is dressed in Alcantara with grey stitching, the roof lining is entirely black and the pedals are aluminium. The centre console architecture and ventilation vents all feature a graduated red to black effect, and the chequered-flag theme is also present on the aluminium door crossbars.

And finally some reference to its performance capabilities..

In the closing few paragraphs we find reference to the GTi Concept’s powerplant, which uses the same engine 1.6-litre THP 200 engine as the Peugeot RCZ sports coupe, combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Then the press release returns to the aesthetics – small steering wheel, raised instrument panel, dials with brushed al aluminium background and precise graduations… before mentioning a few words about the chassis.

Compared to the regular Peugeot 208, the GTi Concept has a 36mm wider track, at the front and at the rear, and a rear roof spoiler to generate down force at speed. It is also equipped with four (brake) discs; 302mm diameter at the front and 249mm at the rear, set off by red-painted brake callipers.

If like me you remember the 205 GTi, then you’ll know that it was a business-like hot hatchback and apart from the mandatory chequered seats of the era and plenty of red highlights, it was completely focused around its gutsy 130 bhp 1.9-litre engine, incisive, super-grippy chassis and scalpel-like steering.

That’s what defines a Peugeot GTi and until I see something with those self same values, I very much doubt it’s back.

You can judge for yourself at Geneva next month, where Peugeot will be showcasing both the GTi Concept and 115bhp 1.6-litre e-HDi powered XY Concept.

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The Russian was at the Anglo-Malaysian team’s factory in Hingham on Friday 17th February for a seat fitting ahead of his first run with the team at the second pre-season test in Barcelona, 21st to 24th February.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes: “We are all delighted to welcome Vitaly into our team and are very excited about the role he will play in helping us take the next steps forward in 2012 and for many years to come. When we first met it was immediately clear that Vitaly understands and shares our vision for how we want our team to grow..

“As the first Russian to race in F1 he carries the hopes of a huge nation with ease and his talents, experience with one of our current competitors and insights on and off track will play a huge role in our development as we fight to join the established teams ahead..

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Jarno for the absolutely pivotal role he played in the formation and progression of our team since he joined us in December 2009. Jarno knew that when he joined us it would be a very different environment to where he had been before, and when we gave him the package he wanted he absolutely shone..

“With that in mind it was not an easy decision to bring Vitaly in to replace Jarno, but it was one we made to ensure that we give fresh impetus across the whole team and with a realistic eye on the global economic market..

Jarno has an incredible natural talent behind the wheel, and his winning record and longevity in the sport will bear testament to that talent in the Formula 1 annals forever, but now it is time to open a new chapter in our team’s story..

“Jarno has an incredible natural talent behind the wheel, and his winning record and longevity in the sport will bear testament to that talent in the Formula 1 annals forever, but now it is time to open a new chapter in our team’s story, and Vitaly is the right person to help us do that.

“We have reached agreement with Jarno to bring an end to our partnership with him, but he will always be part of our family. Now we want to integrate Vitaly as quickly as possible into the team, and we will do everything we can to welcome him in, give him a car he can use to showcase his skills, and keep up the rate of development that has seen us go from an empty factory with just four employees to a fully established Formula 1 team in just over two years.”

Vitaly Petrov: “This is a very exciting day for me. I would like to thank Tony, Kamarudin Meranun and SM Nasarudin for giving me the chance to join a team that made its F1 debut at the same time as me, and has grown from one of the new teams to a serious force for future honours..

“The passion and spirit that Tony and the whole team have to keep moving forwards is infectious, and I am honoured to be able to join them and play my part in helping the team mount a serious challenge to the teams ahead in 2012 and for many seasons to come..

“I have been training hard all winter and am ready to get back into the cockpit and go to work. From what I have seen already, our new car is another good step forward from 2011 and now I cannot wait to see how it feels when we get to Barcelona. I would also like to take this chance to thank all my fans and partners for their support and their patience.”

Jarno Trulli: “I want to take this chance to thank Tony, Kamarudin, SM Nasarudin, Riad, Mike and everyone in the team for the two seasons we had together. From zero we built up and established a solid F1 team. I’m really proud to have been part of it. I understand the decision the team has made and I want to wish to the whole team the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

He’s also inclined towards making the odd spoof of himself, this time with the help of actor and comedian Nick Swardson.

The purpose of the video is to reveal Ken’s brand-new livery for 2012 and schedule of appearances – this is Part 1, whilst Part 2 will appear next Monday (20th Feb.).

Block’s 2012 program brings forth not only a new look for the Master Hoonigan, but also a new focus and more varied direction moving into the 2012 race season, which includes campaigning a full season in the highly-anticipated Global RallyCross Championship, while continuing to compete in the World Rally Championship.

“I’m super stoked to be able to run such a diverse schedule this year,” said Block. “Global RallyCross is shaping up to be a very exciting and new championship here in the United States and I’m looking forward to the new challenges that will bring. I’m also thrilled that despite committing to the full GRC season, I’m still going to be able to fit three WRC events into my schedule, as well as a handful of Rally America and Canadian Rally races.

“I don’t think there’s another driver out there that gets to compete in so many different series, as well as gets to do awesome side projects like Gymkhana FIVE and my Gymkhana World Tour. I’m truly a lucky bastard because this is going to be an amazing year!”

Three different Ford Fiestas will aid Block in his 19-event attack this year. Each cloaked in a fresh, new graphic scheme, which also carries over to an entirely new line of team gear available from DC.

The Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle (H.F.H.V.) will take on the lion’s share of events, competing in all the GRC rounds and X Games, plus select Rally America and Canadian rallies. It will also return to star in Gymkhana FIVE, which will debut mid 2012.

While the M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta RS WRC will be used at Rally Mexico, Rally New Zealand and Rally Finland. Leaving the Olsberg MSE-built four-door Fiesta on the road for the 5 stops of the Gymkhana World Tour.

“We really went all-out for our launch this year,” said Block. “I phoned in favors to two great friends to assist in our launch videos. My buddy, actor and comedian Nick Swardson, came out in a huge way and took my place to give some ridiculous answers to questions during the first part of our season launch program in our 2012 Q&A video.

“Also, my long-time friend and fellow DC athlete, skateboarder, Steve Berra came out to lend his video skills on the second part of our season launch program, our schedule and livery reveal video. They both absolutely killed it and I’m beyond stoked with the results.”