Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

McLaren has unveiled this official new tuning kit for the discontinued SLR supercar.

Available for retro-fitting to existing standard SLRs, the kit – dubbed McLaren Edition SLR and revealed at the Essen motor show – includes an all-new aerodynamic body kit for added downforce as well as modified steering and suspension set-ups and interior touches for added exclusivity.

See a pic of the McLaren Edition SLR

Just 25 examples of the kit will be created, although no pricing details have been revealed by the company.

The Mercedes SLR McLaren went out of production last year after a production run of 2000 units. Mercedes launched its own supercar earlier this year, the SLS AMG, while McLaren Automotive's first bespoke supercar since the F1 – the MP4-12C – will be launched next year.

Hot petrol Honda CR-Z planned

Honda’s patented VTEC-i fully variable camshaft timing system, it is aimed at providing the performance of a typical 2.0-litre engine from a capacity of just 1.6 litres.

Autocar sources in Japan say the new engine is likely to come in two guises: a standard 160bhp model and a highly tuned 200bhp version aimed at matching the now defunct 2.0-litre VTEC engine in the Civic Type R. This more potent spec is likely to form the basis of a CR-Z Type R, tentatively due out late next year.

See pics of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid R concept

The new engine, which is also planned for the Jazz, Civic and Accord, forms an integral part of a downsizing program instigated at Honda. With forced induction and

Read Autocar's full road test of the Honda CR-Z

Plans for more than a hybrid engine for the Japanese Car of the Year come as sales of the two-door coupé have started to sag in the firm’s all-important home market.

Honda first hinted that it was planning to add another petrol engine when it unveiled the CR-Z Hybrid R concept at the recent SEMA tuning show in Las Vegas. Unlike the proposed production version, though, that car ran a turbocharged version of the CR-Z’s existing 1.5-litre engine rather than the new 1.6.

Proton makes a Mitsubishi Evo

Proton has revealed this Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X-inspired sports saloon concept at the Kuala Lumpur motor show in Malaysia.

The recently launched Proton Inspira is a re-badged version of the Mitsubishi Lancer four-door saloon with lightly modified front-end styling, and this Jebat concept version by Proton Design borrows its styling from the Evo X.

See pics of the Evo-inspired Proton Inspira Jebat

Powering the Jebat concept is a 237bhp, 253lb ft 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine petrol engine, although Proton hasn't said whether the car uses the Evo's all-wheel drive system. It can get from 0-62mph in 5.6sec and reach a top speed of 144mph.

Evo-inspired styling changes over the standard Inspira include a matte black finish at the front and rear, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys, flared wheel arches, a new rear spoiler, bonnet louvres and a narrow rear diffuser. Inside, the concept gets Recaro sports seats with red stitching and a new in-car entertainment system.

Proton hasn't said whether it intends to put the sports saloon concept into production.