Cars

I was reminded of this a few days ago when a simple trip into the woods on a log retrieval mission turned to disaster: my faithful Land Rover Series IIA was defeated by nothing more dramatic than a wet, grassy slope. Then the Jeep Cherokee with which I tried to tow it out got stuck, as did the Defender pick-up with chunky mud tyres that was sent in after that... all rather embarrassing.

This is Tesla, so it comes as no surprise that Model X is powered by what the manufacturer rather long-windedly calls ‘Dual Electric Motor All Wheel Drive’, with a flat battery positioned along the floor to give maximum luggage space both at the rear, and under the bonnet. Tesla claims its AWD system – which redirects torque when it senses slippage – not only offers improved traction but, “unlike in a combustion engine vehicle”, does so without sacrificing efficiency or acceleration.

Those expecting Porsche Classic to be housed in a magnificent historic building might be surprised. Instead, you’ll find a modern multi-purpose building in the farthest corners of the Freiberg industrial area – at first glance it could contain building materials or lawnmowers, rather than a home for the great classics of automobile history. But understated excellence is in Porsche’s DNA, and in this case ‘excellence’ is applied to the repair, maintenance, and restoration of all Porsche models out of production for 10 years or more.

The car will make its public debut at the forthcoming Kuwait Concours d’Elegance (15-18 February) and will be on centre-stage at the company’s Geneva Motor Show stand in March.

The combination of Aston Martin’s styling department under Marek Reichman, and Zagato, has produced a typically aggressive design, debuted at Villa d’Este in May 2011 and tested on the race track a few weeks later.

Not only does the new car carry the iconic ‘Z’ on its flank, the same motif is maintained in the grille, where vertical lines of ‘Zs’ link to form a visual key.

The Heritage fleet will be evicted from its current Browns Lane residence in September, which has led some publications to question the likely fate of the gem-studded collection. However, a statement from Jaguar has confirmed that the 120-strong fleet will be temporarily relocated, with a permanent new home being the intended long-term solution.

The first is over the weekend of 2/3 June at the ‘Temple of Speed’ in Northern Italy, Monza. Reprising the great 1000km races of the 60s and 70s, Jason Wright (who organises the annual Coppa Intereuropa retrospective) is behind the by-invitation two-day event.

In the 1950s, racing was a large part of Maserati’s business. While the 250F was reaping success at the hands of two of history’s most legendary drivers – Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio – the smaller-capacity A6GCS was being outclassed in the 2.0-litre category and needed to be replaced. Enter the 200S, powered by a light-alloy, inline-four engine producing 187bhp.

Stylistically, the new car differs from the ‘classic Plus 8’ by having a larger grille and revised front-end. Elsewhere, the sills have been made wider and new fabric and upholstery combinations are used inside (including leather seats and door cards). Contemporary touches added to the classic favourite include a modern alloy wheel design and optional LED daytime running lights.