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The first trailer for Top Gear's 24th season shows a hands-free drag race

In the excitement over Amazon's new motoring show, it's important to remember that there's a certain series from the BBC that's attempting to get its mojo back for a 24th season. Yes, we're talking about Top Gear. Since Chris Evans' departure earlier this year, Top Gear news has been relatively sparse, particularly as The Grand Tour and its hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond seized headlines. But on Christmas, watchers of the series' YouTube channel caught a glimpse of the first scene from the next season. Featuring hosts Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris, and Rory Reid in what looks like a trio of old, dilapidated cars. We're thinking TG is running a taxi comparison. There's a London black cab and a Mercedes-Benz W210 – a favorite of European cabbies – but we aren't sure where Harris' boxy wagon fits in. Did the Volvo 850 Estate ever serve as a livery vehicle? But it's the basis for this comparison that's weird, because the hosts appear to be having a no-hands drag race. The cars veer off in different directions, traveling across what looks like a snow-covered dirt lot. We're assuming hilarity ensues. And while we don't quite know what they're hoping to accomplish, we are looking forward to watching it go down. Top Gear's 24th season doesn't have an official air date, and the video ends only with a cryptic "Coming Soon." Expect to hear more in the next few months.

Mercedes AMG GT3 racecar due in 2016

Our life with the Mercedes-AMG GT has only just begun, and a full life it looks like it will be. The latest in preposterous two-doors from AMG is launching in GT and GT S flavors, but a few more branches of the family tree are already planned: a racing entry for the FIA GT3 championship is scheduled to appear in 2016, giving the current SLS AMG GT3 another year to gobble up victories before it takes a drive across the Styx. More exciting for those who only suit up on Sunday for church, whispers are that a we'll also get a streetable version of the race car - not called "GT3" because that alphanumeric is owned by Porsche, but definitely aimed at its Stuttgart rival. AMG boss Tobias Moers told Autocar the objective for that car is "more power, less weight, better aerodynamics and different suspension but the targets should be the power to weight ratio, drivability, lap time and tremendous feel." Those targets will be aided by a carbon fiber weight-loss regime of up to 220 pounds and more power - perhaps 550 horsepower - from the currently "very understressed" engine. Supposing that still isn't enough for you, then the Black Series version should curl your toes, if you can wait until 2018 for it.

Daimler CEO Zetsche answers 'Most likely' to question of a Maybach SUV

When Dieter Zetsche was asked about the possibility of getting Maybach, the reimagined Mercedes-Benz ultra-luxury sub-brand, into the premium SUV game, the Daimler CEO reportedly told Auto Express, "Most likely." Those two little words aren't a firm answer – let alone an indication of timing – but we wouldn't be shocked to find out Mercedes is already working on one. Range Rover has gone even more upscale, the Bentley Bentayga is coming this year, as will the Maserati Levante. Rolls-Royce is deciding on an SUV this year (we think it's only a matter of time before they say "yes"), the Lamborghini Urus is still expected in 2018, Aston Martin is raising funds to build a crossover, and there have been rumors of a BMW X7 and Audi Q9 for years. Point being, everyone is busy writing their own invite to this ultra posh party. The latest comments would appear to put to rest any will-they/won't-they questions around a high-riding Maybach offering. There were rumors last summer that a GL-Class SUV (a model range shortly to be known as GLS-Class) with revamped styling and lots of luxury touches would join the top-tier sub-brand, but then in November, Mercedes' global head of sales and marketing told Automotive News, "I don't want to categorically rule anything out, but at this stage we have no plans for it [a Maybach SUV]." If and when a Maybach utility does become official, we'll only be picking up where we left off with the brand's previous incarnation: a GL-based Maybach was rumored way back in 2007. News Source: Auto ExpressImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Steven Ewing / AOL Maybach Mercedes-Benz SUV Luxury mercedes gl-class