Autoesque

A first vote by sixty European Car of the Year jurors has determined the seven models that could win the 2018 title. Clearly some rather peculiar thought processes were followed, because a few seemingly strong contenders haven’t made the cut.

Privateer motorsport teams might already be tempted by the McLaren 720S GT3, but they're in for rather a long wait. That's because deliveries aren't due to begin until 2019.

From 2012 to 2015, Mini was victorious in the car category of every Dakar Rally. Then, ignoring the received wisdom that asserted all-wheel drive would be necessary for success, Peugeot won in 2016 and 2017 using the rear-wheel drive 2008 DKR and 3008 DKR .

With a growing number of cities threatening to penalise or even ban combustion-engine vehicles, more urban deliveries will have to be completed using zero-emissions alternatives.

Kymco is hoping that its latest offering will appeal to customers who want a scooter for both leisure use and daily commuting. Accordingly, the new Xciting S 400 is claimed to have decent high-speed stability and manoeuvrability, thanks to features such as a more rigid double-braced front fork and a stronger rear hanger axle.

Fiat has added the stylish S-Design trim grade to its 500X range. This new special edition, which has been on display at the Dubai Motor Show, has a “young, metropolitan public” target market.

Infiniti has given its QX80 full-size SUV another facelift. The most obvious changes are at the front, where a raised headlight position, a larger grille and a flatter bonnet profile form a more imposing presence.

Thanks to typical Vespa styling and a zero-emissions powertrain, the new Elettrica is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

As its name suggests, the new K 1600 Grand America should appeal mainly to riders in North America. This full-dress tourer, which is based on the existing K 1600 B , has been designed to cover long distances in relaxed comfort.

It's a replacement for the Exige Cup 380 (a limited edition) that uses the supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine from the Evora GT430 (another limited edition). However, Lotus says the Exige Cup 430 is a proper series-production model.

Two years after its introduction, Honda has updated the CRF1000L Africa Twin and added an Adventure Sports version to the range.

Following the launch of its next-generation Continental GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Bentley has announced the arrival of a racing version.

A mid-size scooter is joining BMW Motorrad's line-up. Called C 400 X, the new arrival slots in beneath the existing C 650 GT and C 650 Sport maxi scooters.

Mercedes-Benz has launched a trio of G-Class Limited Edition models in Germany. They might be the last special releases based on the current W463-generation Geländewagen, which is due to be replaced next year.

California-based tuner DG-Spec has created the one-off Toyota C-HR R-Tuned, which could be the world's fastest crossover.

Suzuki has introduced some accessories for the GSX-R125, its recently-launched baby sports bike that combines a 14.7 bhp (11.0 kW / 15.0 PS) single-cylinder engine with a kerb weight of just 134 kg (295 lbs).

Over time, the WRX STI has become a brand icon for Subaru, so the decision to drop it from the range is audacious. However, the moribund model will apparently “inform future developments” (whatever that actually means).

Kia's Stinger GT Federation – which is being exhibited at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas – offers a glimpse of how owners could easily modify their cars.

With deliveries of its 2018 M5 due to begin next March, BMW has announced that a range of M Performance Parts is going to be available for the car.

Acura and Arizona-based ScienceofSpeed have teamed up to produce a modified NSX for this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas.