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    Priced between the   Caterham Seven HPC   and   TVR V8S , the gorgeous   Ginetta   G33 had huge failings but charmed us with its thunderous intensity. With a front-mounted, all-aluminium 198bhp Rover V8 powering the rear wheels via the SDl’s five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential, the glassfibre-bodied G33’s 874kg kerb weight gave a higher power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Turbo. Acceleration was supercar grade, such as 3O-7Omph in 5.1sec, while ample low-end torque meant stunning in-gear progress. The Sierra Cosworth-sourced, unassisted brakes called for a firm boot but worked well. All-round double-wishbone suspension performed well on twisty, undulating roads, but a series of bumps could set the rear wheels hopping and potholes jarred. Grip was very strong, although tail-out slides were still readily available. The fiddly, leaky, ingress-hampering hood was best left stowed. Cabin quality was decent but luxury and k...

  The next-generation   Mercedes-AMG C63   – which will make the landmark switch from V8 to four-cylinder hybrid power – has been revealed in concept form ahead of a full production-spec reveal in the coming months. On show at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring over the weekend, the upcoming  BMW M3  rival is emphatically marked out from the standard  Mercedes C-Class  by way of an aggressive body kit, chunky AMG sports alloy wheels (covering the requisite drilled and ventilated brake discs) and a beefy quad-exit exhaust.  The C63 will be the first AMG model to feature an advanced four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain instead of its long-standing V8 power when it goes on sale later this year. The car will be one in a line of future new AMG models earmarked to receive an electrified version of Mercedes’ new turbocharged 2.0-litre M139 engine.  The potent four-cylinder engine kicks out a maximum of 416bhp and 369lb ft of torque in non-electrif...