Top 5 news stories of the week

1. BMW M235i Racing and M Performance parts revealed

BMW has been busy with the new 2 Series, revealing new M Performance parts for the standard model, while also announcing a racing version will be offered to motorsport teams. The M Performance upgrades available include, a new bodykit, larger alloy wheels, uprated suspensions and bigger brakes, which do not impact on emissions or fuel economy. The M235i racing version is strictly for track use for motorsport teams and is available for 59,500 Euros. The six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine has also been tuned to produce 328bhp, up from 316bhp.

Read more: BMW M235i Racing revealed

2. Four-star Euro NCAP safety rating for BMW i3

The BMW i3 has been awarded a less-than-perfect four-stars in the latest Euro NCAP test results. Being the world’s first car to be based around a carbon fibre tub, which boost strength and rigidity, the result raised a few eyebrows. BMW claims stricter testing on pedestrian safety hampered the i3 from scoring top marks.

Read more: BMW i3 scores four stars in Euro NCAP test

3. Renault plug-in hybrid for 2014

Renault has revealed it is working on a plug-in hybrid car that will be able to return 141mpg. The news was announced by Renault head of research, advanced studies and materials Remi Bastien, with a concept scheduled for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. Bastien also announced the car would be ‘Clio-sized’ and ‘affordable’.

Read more: Renault plug-in hybrid for 2014

4. Ferrari 458 Niki Lauder revealed

An anonymous customer has commissioned a special edition of the Ferrari 458, which pays tribute to F1 legend Niki Lauda. Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme allows customers to personalise their cars with different colour schemes and materials. The 458 Niki Lauda is designed to mirror the design of the Ferrari F1 car he raced in the mid-seventies. There’s a white roof, gold alloys and a tricolour-racing stripe. Sadly, the car has no performance upgrades and will remain a one-off.

Read more: Ferrari 458 Niki Lauda revealed

5. Lamborghini production ends

Lamborghini has called time on Gallardo supercar after the final model rolled off the brands Sant’Agata production line. In it’s time, 35 variants of the Gallardo have been produced ranging from racing versions to special editions only available in certain markets. Next year the successor to the Gallardo will be unveiled, likely to be called the Cabrera.

Read more: Lamborghini Gallardo production ends