Nissan GT-R

This is a picture of the glorious new super/sports car from Nissan. It is of course the Nissan GT-R. Over at Top Gear they've got a nice little special on it. It is stated that this is one of the fastest production cars ever made (I doubt this will be in terms of flat-out top speed, but it will certainly be with regard to how it corners and accelerates).

It features a twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox which apparently functions better than almost any other on the market. To my mind, it's unsurprising that the Japanese would come up with something a little special for that.

I don't want to say too much about the car given that I hope to be seeing one on the 12th at the Birmingham Motor Show, but I will say that it looks like two cars I already enjoy looking at (and driving). The first is a Nissan 350Z and the second is the Impreza (not the new hatchback though). Combine the two and in my mind you have something that almost resembles a battle tank. Powerful, mighty and definitely macho.

Stop Staring - Yes It's an Astra

Yeah yeah. So what you're driving an Audi A4 estate. You have the following:

• Four wheel drive
• Better brakes
• A newer engine
• More than likely more horsepower

But you've just been smoked. Why is that? Well, it's because mysteriously, you're tootling along at approximately 50mph in a 70 zone, in what turned out to be very reasonable conditions - albeit it was dark. You have an accelerator. Use it.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - A Car For Christmas

As it's coming up to Christmas, I thought I'd do a little special on what I'd like to own for Christmas. Yes, it's this, the wonderfully beautiful Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. It's up there with Eva Longoria isn't it?

So what are the stats like? It is powered by a 450bhp 4.7 litre V8, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and 20 inch wheels. It should be good for 0-62 in 4.5 seconds and around 190 mph if you should be lucky enough to take it on a thrash to an old, disused airfield.

What is really surprising is that there's only going to be 500 of this car made. I'm not sure if I'm disappointed with that or not. Given that it costs about £100,000 even if I won the lottery I'd be unlikely to buy one. It joins the pantheon therefore of cars that are truly extraordinary both in terms of performance and looks.

Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition

Here's the rather wonderful looking Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition. I would love one of these. But wait, how does this VXR special edition differ from the original? Well, it's got white paint, white alloys and more carbon fibre about. However the engine and power (237BHP) remains the same. The true mechanical difference is the Remus Sports Exhaust. VROOM VROOM!

Aston Martin Concept - V12 Vantage RS

Here's the rather lovely looking Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS. It's great isn't it! You could, potentially, name the colour of it as well. Here's what Aston Martin's PR people had to say:

'During the opening of the new Aston Martin Design Studio, Aston Martin Life on 11th December 2007, Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin, unveiled the new concept V12 Vantage RS to more than 500 VIP guests.

The Aston Martin team invites you to come up with a name for the new colour. If you have a great idea for the new blue, drop us an email with your suggestion to: ampr@astonmartin.com'

So go on, what are you waiting for?

The Haunter of the Dark

Yes, I know it's an H.P. Lovecraft story, but in this particular case, I'm writing about cyclists. Strange title, no? Well actually, it's not. You see, I have a tale of horror of my own to recount. It goes something like this.

Whilst I'm sitting here in the warm, drinking a nice cup of hot chocolate, I can recall when it was approximately 3.30pm - just the other day. Apart from it being a Wednesday, it was pretty average. Not that Wednesdays are unusual you understand. However, it was exceptionally dark indeed.

What does that tell you? That British weather has set in and in earnest. So what can we do? Well nothing beyond making sure your windscreen washers are ready for the rain, sleet et al, and ensure you wrap up rather warm for work. Anyway, back to the tale.

So, five PM came and we left for work, the Blackbird (my car) and I. We drove for a while until we were almost home. Then out of the darkness came the 'haunter'. A bloody cyclist wearing a black top and going unhurriedly down a dual carriageway. WHAT IN GODS' NAME IS GOING ON HERE?!?!

I was, well to put it lightly, unamused. My poor love, recently fitted with new tyres, had to weather the yanking of the wheel as a strove to not hit this idiot. I was torn from my musings of Descartes - and for what? To ensure I didn't mow down some buffoon on his cycle?

Now, I have nothing against bikes or indeed those who use them. However, those who misuse them by doing all manner of jiggery-pokery such as riding in the dark without lights on a poorly lit dual carriageway really should know better. Else they might end up deciding they'd like an extended hospital stay when some doddery old bloke fails to see them in their new Burberry.