Crewe driver

PITSTOP

Live in an expensive neighbourhood? Jones' already got Bentleys and Rolls'? Well, here's a car that could be worth your money, and one that would put them right in their place. The men from Crewe have announced a new star in the already a-glitter Continental range.

The GTC will go on sale late next year and add ruffled hair to the sea of charms that the Continental already boasts. To recap in brief, you have a genuine 304 kph top speed, superb all-wheel drive, 48 kgm(!), 5998cc twin turbo V12 motor, 550 bhp and every luxury you can imagine (short of a jacuzzi) already standard equipment.

Following the announcement of the Azure, the Continental GTC will be Bentley's second convertible. In keeping with tradition, there's an automated soft roof with the rear window and the tonneau cover is draped in hide.

Bentley says the Azure will be for more leisurely, stylish drivers, while the Conti GTC will attract drivers who are willing to put baseball caps on and floor the pedal now and then.

Xtreme sport

We've not even finished drooling at the super-aggressive Mitsubishi Concept Sportback, and there's another Mitsu to ogle already! The manufacturer will be showing this, the Concept-X at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show. The car has obvious Sportback looks, and adds a neat little spoiler on the exterior.

This is because the -X is the style template for the evolution version of the Lancer that is to be based on the Sportback. The car is powered by a 2000cc four-cylinder motor which has an intercooled turbocharger bolted on. The -X will use a clutchless six-speed auto/manual transmission with paddles on the steering column.

Mitsubishi says the 'ring-structure' frame, along with the aluminium bonnet, boot lid, bumpers, roof and door panels make up a light, strong car. And they all contribute to better performance, in a straight line and around bends.

The -X also showcases Mitsubishi's new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology. S-AWC is supposed to be the next evolution of their full-time 4WD system which the Evos currently use.

The new tech integrates active brake control, active steering and new 'Roll Control Suspension' into the 4WD system. Whatever. Just let us know when the 400 bhp version of the -X is out.