2018 Mclaren 720s Performance Coupe 2d on 2040-cars

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Formula 1 seeking independent engine supplier

Formula 1 could get a new engine supplier in the near future, if Bernie Ecclestone and the independent teams gets their way. According to Autosport, the FIA is soon to open the contract up for bids, and there are already several manufacturers that have expressed interest. Currently Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda supply engines – both to their own premier teams (Red Bull and McLaren for the latter two) but also to other teams like Williams, Sauber, and Toro Rosso. Because the new turbocharged V6 hybrid power units cost those four suppliers so much to develop, they're charging their customer teams big bucks – around $20-30 million per season – to provide the engines. These costs are much higher than the $10 million or so it used to cost to purchase a V8 engine under the previous regulations. Ecclestone figures it's time to bring in another supplier who will not run their own team and not play favorites, but will supply engines to private teams at a lower cost. There are already a number of potential suppliers under consideration. One of them is said to be Cosworth, which has a long history in the series stretching back to 1963. The British firm stepped back between 2007 and 2009, returned in 2010, and dropped out again after 2013. The development could be of particular benefit to Red Bull, which has been unable to find an engine supplier and could be forced out of the series as a result. The team has long been powered by Renault, but that relationship has grown sour. And the other three engine manufacturers have not been forthcoming in offering an alternative arrangement for the team. Related Video: News Source: AutosportImage Credit: Cosworth Motorsports Ferrari Honda Infiniti McLaren Mercedes-Benz Renault F1 engine contract

McLaren 650S leaks out ahead of Geneva reveal [w/video]

Late last week, McLaren announced it will be bringing a new model to the Geneva Motor Show. Called the 650S, it's set to slot in between the 12C and P1 in Woking's supercar range. But before McLaren gets to unveil the new model, the first batch of photos – as well as a video walkaround – have leaked online. What we seem to be looking at is an MP4-12C with revised styling to more closely resemble the P1. Which is a good thing, because to most eyes, the P1 is a far better-looking car than the 12C, whose appearance – finalized before design director Frank Stephenson arrived on the scene – has oft been derided as derivative. The 650S also features an updated interior, but best of all, it's said to pack more power: the name hints at a 650 metric horsepower (641 hp) output from what we can assume to be the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that powers the 12C (which currently offers 616 hp) and the P1 (727 hp before the 176 hp electric motor comes into play). What remains to be seen at this point is whether the 650S you see here will eventually replace the 12C or continue alongside it indefinitely. The prevailing wisdom seems to be that McLaren will offer both and see how sales pan out. Scope it out in the (unfortunately grainy and low-res) leaked image gallery above and the walkaround video below, and watch this space for the official reveal. Featured Gallery McLaren 650S leaked images News Source: Driving.co.uk Geneva Motor Show McLaren Coupe Performance 2014 Geneva Motor Show mclaren mp4-12c mclaren 650s

Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+

Buyers looking for a hot hatch could do worse than a Volkswagen GTI. But European buyers also have the option of going with its Spanish version, the Seat Leon, which offers a touch of Latin flavor along with a little bit more power than its German sibling often at a more attractive price. Now, the Iberian auto marque is expanding the range of its Leon FR with a choice of new engines.
Where the Leon FR was previously available with either a 208-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI or a 168 hp turbo-diesel, these have now moved up a notch to the new FR+. Underneath them, Seat is offering the more accessible 123 hp 1.4-liter TSI and 138 hp 2.0-liter TDI, giving buyers the sportier treatment but with smaller engines.
Overseas buyers can also opt for either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG, but those looking for the more hardcore hot-hatch experience can still go for the Leon Cupra R, which also gets a subtle refresh to keep it current. Check out the whole family in the press release after the jump and the images in the high-res gallery for more.