Autocar Lunchbox: AMG's finest works, the attention-seeking Volkswagen and more
We round up our hottest stories, pictures and videos for you to devour in your lunch break
It’s everyone’s favourite part of the working day, lunchtime, and you’re no doubt craving a hefty dose of car-related content.
So we’ve revived our Autocar Lunchbox feature to bring you our favourite videos, stories, photos, quotes and more all in one place. Here are today’s picks:
*HOT NEWS*
There's a hot new V8-powered version of the Land Rover Defender inbound. We know because we've seen it.
It'll pack around 500bhp courtesy of a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 borrowed from BMW's M Division, and is likely to be priced from around £100,000. Don't expect it to make up a big portion of sales, however, as the V8 Defender is likely to be a low-volume special variant, rather than a full series-production offering.
*Exclusive: Land Rover V8 Defender revealed in spy shots*
*VIDEO OF THE DAY*
Here's a fast estate straight line speed test with a bit of a difference.
Two cars here are the obvious new ways of going really, really fast while having space for, I don't know, some luggage or a dog or something. They're a Mercedes-AMG E63 S estate, and a Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. Then there's the outsider: an Audi RS6, the V10 version, made between 2008 and 2011. As standard this would be somewhat down on power over the other two, but our used contender has had a power upgrade to also make considerably more than 600bhp.
So what's the fastest, and best value way, to absolutely terrify your dog?
*PHOTO OF THE DAY*
AMG, Mercedes' performance division, got off the groun when two talented Mercedes-Benz engine tuners set up their own workshop in the town of Burgstall. The brand produces some of today's most capable and revered sports cars, and has some seriously cool models in its back catalogue, too.
We take a high-speed blast through the firm's archives.
*The history of Mercedes-Benz AMG - picture special*
*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
*"*Very interesting car. Very precise. Very easy handling. The engine is revving nicely and the noise is very interesting as well. I’m looking forward to get this one to drive in the WRC.”
Well this is promising. Hyundai's i20 N hot supermini is still several months from dealerships, but already a World Rally Championship winner has given it the seal of approval. The Ford Fiesta ST rival has been winter testing with Thierry Neuville at the wheel, and the firm has finally given us a peak under the pre-production camouflage.
*2021 Hyundai i20 N hot supermini officially previewed*
*FROM THE ARCHIVE*
The best car for turning heads? You probably think it's a Lamborghini, but we certainly got some looks when we drove this bright red beach buggy around Central London back in 2018. We explain how sitting a new body atop a VW Beetle chassis could be the most cost-effective way of getting yourself a seriously fun car.
*Turning a VW Beetle into a beach buggy for £1250*
*POPULAR OPINION*
We've just driven the 302bhp Mini Cooper JCW, and it's got Steve Cropley thinking about what he most wants to drive after the lockdown lifts. Supercars are great fun, but the humble Mini Cooper S offers a nice balance of poise, predictability and pace, and that's what he's really craving.
*Steve Cropley: A Mini Cooper S does the trick for B road thrills*