News round-up: Mercedes SL400 on sale, plus Bentley reveals its first hybrid concept

Mercedes
Mercedes has announced a new 328bhp V6 petrol SL400, which replaces the SL350. It’s around £2500 more expensive, but is quicker (0-62mph in 5.2 seconds) and only slightly less efficient (178g/km CO2 and 36.7mpg). The SL63 AMG version has been upgraded - it now has 577bhp and 664lb ft of torque, and gets a limited-slip differential as standard. The SL400 costs £72,500, and the SL63 is now £112,510. Deliveries for both will start in July.

Bentley
Bentley will show its first plug-in hybrid concept car at the Beijing motor show on April 20. The drivetrain will be unveiled in the Mulsanne model, but will make its production debut in the forthcoming SUV in 2017. The hybrid system will offer a power increase of up to 25% compared to equivalent petrol engines, but will reduce CO2 emissions by 70%. Bentley says its hybrid cars will be able to drive for at least 31 miles on electric power alone.

Ferrari
Ferrari has announced that it is extending its factory-backed warranty cover to protect cars up to 12 years old. The New Power Warranty is renewable annually, and is also available for cars that were not previously covered by Ferrari’s extended warranty. In addition to this announcement, Ferrari will also offer UK buyers the opportunity to extend the comprehensive standard cover from four years up to five.

Bugatti
The fifth model in Bugatti’s line of ‘Legend’ cars will be unveiled at the Beijing motor show. The ‘Black Bess’ model is based on a Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, which means it has 1184bhp and will do 0-62mph in 2.6 seconds. Just three will be produced, each with a price of €2.15m (£1.78m). The car is named after the 1913 Bugatti Type 18 ‘Black Bess’ that will be displayed alongside the Veyron at the show.