Shelby Tuatara

Move over Bugatti! Shelby Supercars has released new pictures and named its brand-new contender in the supercar class - the Tuatara.

The US firm is a former holder of the world's fastest production car title - that was with its 1,183HP SCC Ultimate Aero TT that recorded a top speed of 257 mph. The 258mph Bugatti Veyron Super Sport topped that, but now Shelby is back for revenge

Styled by Saab's current design boss, Jason Castriota, the Tuatara will use a 1,331bhp twin-turbo 7.0-litre V8, sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed robotised manual gearbox. Performance figures are yet to be released but the aim is clear - to surpass the Super Sport's 258mph top speed.

the name Tuatara actually refers to a type of reptile, native to New Zealand. It supposedly has the fastest evolving molecular structure in nature, something that the company's owner, Jarod Shelby, feels it shares with his carbon-fibre-bodied supercar.

"Most manufacturers essentially use the same basic model and body shape for up to 10 years, while only making small refinements to it each year. After only three years in production with the Ultimate Aero, SSC's Tuatara is about to monumentally evolve in the areas of sophistication, design, aerodynamics and shear all‐around performance. We felt that the fastest evolving DNA was a perfect definition of SSC's latest project.," he said.

There's no word on price, specification or release date yet for the Tuatara, but expect to see Shelby take a crack at the speed record before the end of the year.

BMW 3 Series GT

It's a more practical hatchback version, in much the same mould as the 5-series Gran Turismo.

At 4,284mm long, the Gran Turismo is 200mm longer than a 3-series Touring. It's also 81mm taller, and has a 110mm longer wheelbase.

None of the Gran Turismo's exterior panels are shared with 3-series saloon or Touring models - it has similar headlights and front grille, but there's a sloping tailgate, frameless side doors and a different interpretation of BMW's "Hoffmeister kink". An active rear spoiler - the first of its type on a BMW - raises automatically at high speed.

The rear of the car looks similar to the 5-series Gran Turismo's, and there are L-shaped vents in the front wings reminiscent of those on the recently unveiled 4-series coupe concept car.

Much of the Gran Turismo's interior is familiar from the 3-series saloon and Touring, with the same switchgear and a very similar look. Practicality is boosted, BMW says, by a 59mm higher seating position and 70mm more rear legroom. A 40/20/40 split/folding rear seat comes as standard; with a 520-litre capacity, the Gran Turismo provides 25 litres more boot space than the 3-series saloon.

The Gran Turismo will initially be offered with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, with power outputs of between 141 and 302bhp. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox are standard; an eight-speed automatic gearbox is an option. In autumn 2013 a four-wheel drive 320i xDrive model and range-topping diesel version - the 325d - will join the range.

Lamborghini Super Trofeo LP570-4

Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Lamborghini reveals ultra-light Super Trofeo Stradale at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Gallardo is going out with a bang. With a replacement on the horizon, Lamborghini has revealed the most extreme version of its ‘baby’ supercar: the LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.

It’s based on the Blancpain Super Trofeo racer, and features the same V10 powerplant, delivering 570bhp and 540Nm of torque. Thanks to lightweight carbon fibre construction, the Stradale weighs 70kg less than a standard LP 560-4, at 1,340kg.

As a result, it sprints from 0-62mph in only 3.4 seconds and goes on to hit a 198mph top speed.

The newcomer is finished in traditional Rosso Mars racing red, and set off by the same rear spoiler as the racing car, plus forged high-gloss black 19-inch wheels and a carbon fibre diffuser. Inside, the black and red theme continues with Alcantara on the dash and parts of the seats. Contrasting red stitching is used throughout the cabin, alongside a black suede steering wheel.

As with the competition car, the Stradale has the robotised e-gear six-speed transmission, complete with Thrust Mode to allow a racing start off the line. Permanent all-wheel drive and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres give maximum grip.

Only 150 Stradales will be built, and buyers will be able to personalise their example with a roll cage, four-point seatbelts and fire extinguisher. Prices are likely to start at more than £180,000.