Five things this week in motoring: Mercedes, Ferrari and more

There are still plenty of surprises on the run-up to 2017, including the announcement of Ferrari's limited-edition J50 supercar and the potentially Tesla-beating Faraday Future SUV.

Here are this week's top stories and reviews.

1 - Faraday Future teases all-electric SUV

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Faraday Future has released another teaser ahead of the unveiling of its first production car at next year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In the video, a heavily camouflaged SUV is pitted against a Ferrari 488 GTB, Bentley Bentayga and Tesla Model X. While the footage cuts before any racing takes place, it's clear the company is confident its new car will be able to compete with its rivals for acceleration.

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2 - Ferrari announces limited-edition J50

Ferrari surprised many during the week by announcing its limited-edition J50 Spider. The supercar is based on a 488GTB Spider and features the same 3.9-litre turbocharge V8 engine, but with an extra 20bhp more or less. However, a dramatic design overhaul that takes inspiration from the firm's supercars of the 1970s and 80s sets it apart from the rest of the range and only ten examples will be produced.

3 - Mercedes AMG GT R a hit with the critics

First reviews for Mercedes's Porsche 911 GT3 RS-rivalling AMG GT R are out and critics seem to be impressed. Top Gear says the 577bhp GT R is "way better" to drive than the mid-range AMG GT S, thanks to the stiffer chassis and softer springs, which have reduced any "pogoing" effect on bumpy roads.

You can read all the details here.

4 - Aston Martin resurrects historic DB4 GT

Aston Martin is to continue production of its historic DB4 GT lightweight next year, although limited to 25 units. The £1.5m "Continuation cars" will remain true to the original of the 1950s, with only minor adjustments to improve braking performance and build quality. Buyers will be invited to partake in a two-year driving programme that will include lessons from seasoned GT racer Darren Turner.

5 - Mercedes unveils new E-Class Coupe

Having released the saloon variant this year, Mercedes announced its new mid-range E-Class coupe this week. The coupe boasts a raft of new features, including a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that will be available at launch. Autocar reports that a "mild-hybrid" E50 AMG may be in development too.

Five things this week in cars: Ford, McLaren and more

9 December

There's still plenty going on in the car industry in the run-up to the New Year, including teaser shots of Rolls-Royce's new SUV and a record-breaking LaFerrari. Here's a rundown of this week's top stories.

Apple confirms self-driving car in development

In a letter to the US transport regulators, Apple has finally revealed it is interested in the development of various areas of technology, "including transportation". The BBC reports that the five-page letter expressed the tech giant's plans to share crash information between autonomous car manufacturers to boost the development of safety features.

Rolls-Royce teases new SUV

Rolls-Royce has released images of the development vehicle for its upcoming SUV - Project Cullinan. While details are scarce about the Bentley Bentayga rival, the company has confirmed it will feature an all-aluminium chassis that will also be used on the new Phantom saloon, as well as its first all-wheel drive system.

Final LaFerrari sells for a record $7m

The last LaFerrari to be produced has been auctioned for a record $7m (£5.5m) to raise funds for the victims of August's earthquake in Italy. The limited-edition hypercar, which features bespoke exterior detailing, became the highest-selling car at auction to be produced in the 21st century when it went under the hammer at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

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VW announces Moia on-demand platform

Volkswagen launched its new Moia start-up company, which will allow users to hail a car using a dedicated mobile app. Auto Express reports that VW plans to develop its own "purpose built" vehicles, which could look similar to the Budd-e SUV concept that debuted this year. The firm also expects Moia to generate "a substantial share of its sales revenue" by 2021.

Vauxhall unveils new Insignia Grand Sport

Vauxhall has taken the wraps off the latest generation of its Insignia executive saloon, which is expected to make its public appearance at next year's Geneva Motor Show. The Insignia Grand Sport features a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs and a new all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring.

Find all the details here.

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Five things this week in cars: Ford, McLaren and more

2 December

The Los Angeles motor show has come and gone, but there's still plenty going on in the motor industry. Here's a rundown of this week's top stories and reviews.

Ford Fiesta

Ford announced its new Fiesta this week, bringing with it styling tweaks and a bunch of new tech features. It's the company's first car to be equipped with its pedestrian detection system, which spots when there are people on the road and safely avoids them. The range also expands with the addition of Vignale and Active models.

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First drives for Mercedes-AMG E63

Critics shared their views on the 605bhp Mercedes-AMG E63 this week, with Auto Express giving a full five-star rating and calling it "the most advanced saloon car in the world". It's also comfortable thanks to its "great seats" and has lots of room in the cabin, the mag says.

You can find all the details here.

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Last LaFerrari goes under the hammer for charity

The last LaFerrari to be produced will be auctioned at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, this weekend to raise funds for the victims of August's earthquake in Italy. The limited-edition hypercar, featuring a bespoke, Italian themed livery, extends the production count from 499 to 500 units. Expect it to go for more than the original's £1m-plus price tag.

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First drives for BMW 5-Series

Reviewers have had their first taste of BMW's new 5-Series and reception for the saloon appears to be positive. Top Gear says the chassis is a "very well developed piece of engineering" that makes the 5-Series feel like a more agile version of the 7-Series executive saloon.

Find out more here.

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McLaren 570S Track Pack

McLaren has announced a racing-inspired Track Pack for the 570S supercar. The pack - a £16,500 optional extra - swaps out the leather upholstery for Alcantara and installs carbon fibre-backed bucket seats. It also features a slightly larger rear wing and the same track telemetry system used in the McLaren P1 and 675LT.

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