It’s been 25 years since the McLaren F1 first redefined what was possible in a road car. To celebrate this momentous anniversary, McLaren produced this film of the story behind Andy Wallace and his incredible record-breaking 240.14mph top speed run.

Following in the footsteps of Jaguar, Aston Martin are to resurrect the iconic DB4 G.T. with a special series of 25 track-only continuation cars built to lightweight specification by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell.

Launched in 1959, the DB4 G.T. is one of the rarest and most revered of all Aston Martins. Evolved from the production DB4 and introduced in the same year Aston Martin scored its historic outright win in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the DB4 G.T. was a true supercar of its day. Shorter, lighter, sleeker and with a more powerful version of the legendary 3.7-litre straight-six engine, not only was the DB4 G.T. Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, it was a born winner, scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss. A total of 75 DB4 G.T.s were built between 1959 and 1963. Of these only eight were lightweight – models most of which survive today – and values now comfortably exceed £3m according to Aston Martin.

Remaining faithful to the design of those original eight factory lightweights, each DB4 G.T. continuation will be built by Aston Martin Works employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques. Continuation cars benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, with great care taken to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s exceptional qualities while retaining its feel and character.

Underlining that authenticity are the continuation car VIN numbers, which carry on from the last original DB4 G.T. ordered – Chassis 0202R.

At its heart is a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 340bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, just as in the original DB4 G.T. Thanks to its shortened wheelbase the DB4 G.T. is a strict two-seater blessed with greater agility than the regular four-seater DB4. Its body follows the original construction, with thin-gauge aluminum panels fitted over a tubular frame. To improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels, the continuation car’s bodywork uses state-of-the-art digital technology, before being hand-finished in time-honoured tradition.

The DB4 G.T. Continuation is built to be enjoyed on track. Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track driving programme held at a number of the world’s finest race tracks, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. Billed as the ultimate arrive-and-drive experience (although try telling that to Aston Martin’s Vulcan clients) customers may also take advantage of Aston Martin’s dedicated driver training team. Comprised of expert instructors, including Aston Martin Racing’s multiple Le Mans class winner (and Goodwood Revival regular) Darren Turner, they will help customers master driving techniques from an era when track driving was more art than science.

Le Mans winner outright for Jaguar in 1988, was on the podium again at the famous circuit as a record grid of 65 pre-1966 racing Jaguars took part in the Le Mans Classic round of the Jaguar Classic Challenge.

Wallace, whose '88-winning XJR-9 wowed the crowds during the 100-strong Jaguar parade lap which preceded the race, finished third overall in the Jaguar Classic Challenge and won his class racing a 1955 D-type. Julian Thomas won the race outright in his 1962 low-drag E-type.

Also part of the 100-strong parade before the race were Jaguar's one-off Le Mans prototype, XJ13, and a dozen examples of its latest and fastest production car, the 575PS, 200mph F-TYPE SVR created by Jaguar's Special Operations division.

The opening scene from The Italian Job, Lamborghini Miura through the Great St. Bernard Pass... Damn Mafia!

Join Chris Ward on a wild run in the 2015 Bernina Granturismo driving the ex-Fangio C-type as he slides his way to second place overall.

Jaguar is to build the stunning XKSS as an ultra-exclusive continuation model.

Nine new XKSS's - often referred to by experts as the world's first supercar - will be hand built by Jaguar Classic to the exact specification as they appeared in 1957, replacing the cars lost due to the famous Browns Lane factory fire.

Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: "The XKSS occupies a unique place in Jaguar's history and is a car coveted by collectors the world over for its exclusivity and unmistakable design.

"Jaguar Classic's highly skilled team of engineers and technicians will draw on decades of knowledge to ensure each of the nine cars is completely authentic and crafted to the highest quality.

"Our continuation XKSS reaffirms our commitment to nurture the passion and enthusiasm for Jaguar's illustrious past by offering exceptional cars, services, parts and experiences."

The original cars were earmarked for export to the USA, however, just 16 were completed before disaster struck. Now 59 years later, Jaguar is going to build the nine 'lost' XKSS sports cars for a select group of established collectors and customers.

The expertise gained during the construction of the Lightweight E-type project will be transferred to the construction of the nine ultra-exclusive continuations. Each one will be hand-built at Jaguar's new 'Experimental Shop' in Warwick.

Every car will be constructed to the same specifications as those first 16 made in 1957 - every aspect fully certified by Jaguar. The price will be in excess of £1 million.

The story of the XKSS began following Jaguar's three successive Le Mans victories in 1955, 1956 and 1957 with the all-conquering D-type.

After the hat-trick of wins, Sir Williams Lyons took the decision on 14 January 1957 to convert the remaining 25 D-types into road-going versions with several external modifications - creating the world's first super car.

These modifications included the addition of a new higher windscreen, an extra door on the passenger side, taking away the divider between driver and passenger and the removal of the famous fin behind the driver's seat.

The first deliveries of the new continuation Jaguar XKSS will commence in early 2017.

Watch Jack Brabham defeat Jackie Stewart to win his last ever F1 race, the date was March 7th 1970 and Sir Jack took his 14th Grand Prix win in South Africa. The triple World champion, who was just a few weeks from his 44th birthday qualified his Brabham BT33 third behind the March-Fords of Jackie Stewart and Chris Amon at Kyalami, eventually beating the McLaren of former team-mate Denny Hulme by 8.1s.

The new Jaguar F-TYPE SVR is the first Jaguar SVR, developed to exploit the lightweight aluminium sports car's full potential while retaining its inherent tractability and day-to-day usability. The Jaguar F-TYPE SVR is a 200mph, all-weather supercar.

More powerful, lighter, and benefiting from an enhanced chassis and driveline and active aerodynamics, the all-wheel drive F-TYPE SVR Coupé and Convertible deliver supercar performance - in all conditions - and unrivalled driver engagement and reward.

"The purity of the F-TYPE's form is something truly special, but in designing the new F-TYPE SVR we had the opportunity to create something even more dramatic. Every additional form, line or component is there for a reason, and contributes to the car's increased performance as well as its presence.

"Cutting-edge aerodynamics have always been fundamental to Jaguar design, and everything from the enlarged air intakes to the active rear wing is essential to the new F-TYPE SVR's dramatic looks and 200mph potential."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

Raising the output of Jaguar's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 to 575PS and 700Nm enables the F-TYPE SVR to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. Maximum speed of the Coupé model is 200mph, the Convertible 195mph.

The F-TYPE R is already a benchmark in the sports car segment but this model represented the starting point for development of the F-TYPE SVR. Everything which contributes to performance and vehicle dynamics has been meticulously re-evaluated, re-engineered and optimised still further.

By exploiting the fundamental capability engineered in to the F-TYPE from day one, Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division has developed Jaguar's fastest and most powerful series production road car.

"Our objective was to take everything that our customers love about F-TYPE - the performance, the handling, the sound, the design - and take it to a whole new level. This is what the new F-TYPE SVR delivers: it's a 200mph all-weather supercar.

"With 575PS, less weight, an uprated chassis and bespoke calibrations for the transmission and all-wheel drive system, performance is even more accessible and exploitable. This is a car that SVO has developed for true enthusiasts but it's one that can be enjoyed every day."

John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations

The 2017 model year F-TYPE Coupé range will consist of:

• F-TYPE (340PS 3.0-litre V6, Quickshift RWD, manual RWD)
• F-TYPE S (380PS 3.0-litre V6, Quickshift RWD and AWD, manual RWD)
• F-TYPE British Design Edition (380PS 3.0-litre V6, Quickshift RWD and AWD, manual RWD)
• F-TYPE R (550PS 5.0-litre V8, Quickshift RWD and AWD)
• F-TYPE SVR (575PS 5.0-litre V8, Quickshift AWD)

The 2017 model year F-TYPE Convertible range will consist of:

• F-TYPE (340PS 3.0-litre V6, Quickshift RWD, manual RWD)
• F-TYPE S (380PS 3.0-litre V6, Quickshift RWD and AWD, manual RWD)
• F-TYPE British Design Edition (380PS 3.0-litre V6, Quickshift RWD and AWD, manual RWD)
• F-TYPE R (550PS 5.0-litre V8, Quickshift RWD and AWD)
• F-TYPE SVR (575PS 5.0-litre V8, Quickshift AWD)

POWERTRAIN, DRIVELINE AND CHASSIS

The F-TYPE SVR is Jaguar's fastest and most powerful series production road car but optimising everything from the calibration of all-wheel drive system to the valving in the dampers and the width of the tyres ensures that it remains a tractable, useable day-to-day sports car

Ultimate performance: Supercharged V8 with 575PS

The F-TYPE SVR features the latest evolution of Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 to deliver the ultimate in performance and driver reward. Changes to the engine's calibration - adopted from the F-TYPE Project 7 - deliver power and torque ratings of 575PS and 700Nm.

Enlarged air intakes in the front bumper together with revised charge air coolers and redesigned bonnet vents deliver corresponding improvements in cooling system performance and powertrain efficiency.

The new lightweight titanium and Inconel exhaust system can withstand higher peak temperatures, reduces backpressure and saves 16kg - a weight reduction which exceeds the demanding target set during development. Compared to the F-TYPE R's stainless steel system, Inconel's increased thermal resistance meant that wall thickness could be halved to just 0.6mm.

The new system also delivers an even more distinctive, purposeful, harder-edged exhaust note, especially once the active valves in the rear silencers open - this happens at lower engine speeds to enhance the F-TYPE SVR's performance character still further. Even the valves themselves are made from titanium because this is the ultimate lightweight solution. The four round tailpipes are distinguished by discreet SVR branding.

To make the most of the increased engine output, the eight-speed Quickshift transmission gains a new calibration. Together with the extra grip delivered by the wider, 265- and 305-section front and rear tyres (10mm wider than the F-TYPE R), and optimising the torque on-demand all-wheel drive system's Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology, this delivers the F-TYPE SVR's outstanding launch behaviour and immediacy of response.

The changes to IDD and refinements to the rear electronic active differential (EAD) ensure optimum torque distribution between the front and rear axles and across the rear axle. Combined with a unique calibration for the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, this enhances traction and dynamics - on all surfaces and in all weathers - while preserving the F-TYPE SVR's rear-wheel drive character and handling balance.

Selecting Dynamic mode will enable the enthusiast driver to fully explore the F-TYPE SVR's capability, especially with the DSC system set to TracDSC or switched off completely. Under these conditions, IDD will use the most extreme calibrations for the AWD system and for the EAD to fully exploit the available grip.

The gains in performance and driveability do not come at the expense of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions: compared to the F-TYPE R, the figures on the European combined cycle remain unchanged at 25mpg and 269g/km respectively.

Light, stiff, precise

The enhancements made to the powertrain and driveline are matched by the modifications made to the chassis. Designed to take the SVR's dynamic capability to the next level, and deliver ultimate chassis agility, precision, control and response, the changes nevertheless preserve the F-TYPE's ride quality and inherent duality of character - day-to-day usability and comfort have not been compromised.

The F-TYPE's aluminium double wishbone front and rear suspension and state-of-the-art electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system gave the SVO team the best possible starting point for developing the SVR's vehicle dynamics.

That the vehicle is 25kg lighter as standard than the AWD F-TYPE R - and 50kg lighter with options including the Carbon Ceramic Matrix brake system and carbon fibre roof - brings immediate benefits in terms of handling. Optimised aerodynamics produce further gains: the rear wing delivers reductions in lift whether in the raised or lowered position.

These fundamental improvements are matched by a raft of other hardware and software changes designed to extract the full potential from every part of the chassis. The rear anti-roll bar is thicker. The valves inside the continuously-variable dampers have been revised and the control software - the heart of Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system - has been recalibrated. The overall effect is that both low speed comfort and high speed control are improved.

The rear knuckle is completely new. Now an intricate, weight-optimised aluminium die casting, the design of the part enables a 37 per cent increase in camber stiffness and a 41 per cent increase in toe stiffness, which translates into greater control of the tyre contact patch and an even more connected steering feel.

The front anti-roll bar diameter has been reduced slightly. Together with the revised damper control software, a unique tune for the Torque Vectoring system which enables even more precise control of the braking applied to the inner wheels, the changes mitigate understeer - even at high corner entry speeds.

Fitted as standard with Jaguar's Super Performance braking system featuring large, 380mm and 376mm front and rear brake discs, the F-TYPE SVR can be specified with Jaguar's Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system. Featuring even larger 398mm and 380mm discs and six- and four-piston monobloc calipers, this system delivers exceptional braking performance with outstanding fade resistance. The brake prefill system ensures consistent pedal feel, stop after stop.

The wider, specially-developed 265/35/ZR20 and 305/30/ZR20 tyres provide exceptional levels of grip with no detriment to ride quality or refinement. The range of 9J and 11J forged aluminium wheels deliver savings of up to 13.8kg per vehicle - another weight reduction which beat the development target - and the open spoke design also improves brake cooling. Exclusive to the F-TYPE SVR, the range comprises Coriolis wheels in Satin Technical Grey or Gloss Black, and - for models fitted with the CCM braking system - Maelstrom wheels with a Satin Black polished finish.

The F-TYPE's EPAS system already sets the benchmark for feel and response - especially off-centre. Further tuning of the control software delivers even better feedback and, combined with the stiffer rear knuckle assembly, the new wheels and tyres and the revised damper settings, means that the F-TYPE SVR steers with even greater immediacy and precision.

AERODYNAMICS

Reducing drag and lift contributes to the enhanced dynamics and performance and subtly enhances the F-TYPE's award-winning design

The effort made in developing the chassis was matched by the work done on the F-TYPE SVR's aerodynamics. Asked to solve the often conflicting requirements of reducing drag and reducing lift, the SVO team designed a full suite of features which work together to improve dynamics, stability, performance and efficiency.

To cut drag, the front bumper was extended outboard to mask as much of the wheels as possible. This also helps the airflow to remain attached to the sides of the car, reducing drag still further.

The front valance and front undertray also contribute to drag reduction but do much more to improve engine cooling. The louvre design of the new bonnet vents uses the flow of air over the bonnet to extract more hot air from the engine compartment.

Apertures in the wheelarch liners help the high pressure air to escape through the fender vents, helping to reduce front-end lift.

An under-floor tray beneath the rear suspension accelerates the airflow, reducing pressure and therefore reducing lift. Aerodynamics are further enhanced by the rear venturi. Integrating this feature was only possible because of the design of the lightweight titanium and Inconel exhaust system: using two individual rear silencers instead of a single transverse silencer enabled the venturi to be neatly packaged between them.

But the single most effective device developed for the F-TYPE SVR is its deployable rear wing: the highly optimised design is more effective and more aerodynamically-efficient in both raised and lowered and positions.

With the car in Normal mode, the wing deploys once vehicle speed reaches 60mph and 70mph for the Convertible and Coupé respectively. The wing will also deploy automatically whenever the driver selects Dynamic mode. In this raised position, the wing, together with the other aerodynamic enhancements, enables a reduction in the F-TYPE SVR's drag and lift coefficients of 2.5 per cent and 15 per cent respectively compared to the F-TYPE R with spoiler deployed. When the SVR's wing is in the lowered position, the corresponding improvements are 7.5 per cent and 45 per cent.

Exterior design options to complement the carbon fibre rear wing include a carbon fibre roof panel and a carbon fibre pack comprising the front chin section, bonnet louvres, fender vent ingots and door mirror caps.

INTERIOR

A bespoke interior characterised by exquisite detailing and infotainment systems which support the latest wearable technology make the F-TYPE SVR even more desirable

The F-TYPE SVR's performance does not come at the expense of comfort. The cabin gains cosseting 14-way SVR Performance seats finished in Jet black leather with a distinctive Lozenge Quilt pattern, contrast stitching and micro-piping and headrests embossed with the SVR logo. Customers also have the option of Siena Tan or Red leather.

The SVR Jet black leather and optional Jet black leather and suedecloth steering wheels feature black painted spoke outers and contrast stitching in a range of four colours. The unique anodised aluminium shift paddles are larger than those in other F-TYPE models to make changing gear even more instinctive.

The driver-focused theme of the 'one-plus-one' layout is enhanced with a suedecloth covering for the instrument cluster and centre console. Customers who select the optional Siena Tan or Red leather interiors benefit from full leather wrapping of the instrument panel.

The InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus infotainment systems feature eight-inch capacitive touchscreens, intuitive user interfaces and crisp, clear 3D map displays and offer 380W Meridian and 770W Meridian surround sound audio systems respectively.

As well as the familiar InControl Apps smartphone connectivity, InControl Secure vehicle monitoring and InControl Protect emergency call system, the F-TYPE SVR also offers the latest InControl Remote functionality, which - for the ultimate in convenience - now supports wearable technology.

Partnering the InControl Remote app for iOS smartphones is a companion app developed for the Apple Watch. Using this device, drivers can lock and unlock the doors, check key information such as fuel level or mileage, and locate the car on a map. InControl Remote even enables the driver to start the engine and set the climate control system temperature to pre-condition the cabin before the start of a journey. Nothing could be simpler.

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Jaguar has announced its return to global motorsport. In the autumn of 2016, Jaguar will enter the third season of the exciting FIA Formula E Championship as a manufacturer with its own team. FIA Formula E is the world's first global single-seater championship for electric powered cars.

FIA Formula E offers a unique opportunity for Jaguar Land Rover to further the development of future EV powertrain including motor and battery technology.

Nick Rogers, Group Engineering Director for Jaguar Land Rover, said: "I am proud to announce Jaguar's return to racing with an entry into the innovative FIA Formula E championship. Electric vehicles will absolutely play a role in Jaguar Land Rover's future product portfolio and Formula E will give us a unique opportunity to further our development of electrification technologies. The Championship will enable us to engineer and test our advanced technologies under extreme performance conditions.

It is my belief that over the next five years we will see more changes in the automotive world than in the last three decades. The future is about being more connected and more sustainable; electrification and lightweight technologies are becoming more important than ever as urbanisation continues to increase. Formula E has recognised and reacted to these trends and the championship's exciting and pioneering approach is the perfect fit for our brand."

Jaguar Land Rover employs over 8,000 engineers and is the UK's largest investor in research and development across any business sector. Jaguar's Formula E team will be able to draw upon this industry leading resource with Jaguar Land Rover engineers working closely with the race operations team.

Those engineers will not only be able to apply their knowledge within the race team environment but crucially use the experience to extract data and push the boundaries of electric technology in a performance environment.

Williams Advanced Engineering will be Technical Partner to the Jaguar Formula E Team and provide extensive motorsport knowledge, combined with high performance EV Systems experience and success. Jaguar Land Rover has a long term relationship with Williams, who partnered with Jaguar on the development of the Jaguar C-X75 plug-in hybrid concept car. The team entry has been granted by Formula E and approved by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Alejandro Agag, Chief Executive Officer for Formula E, said: "We are delighted to welcome Jaguar into Formula E. Jaguar is a brand with a rich sporting heritage and the fact that it is returning to global motorsport with Formula E is a huge endorsement of the championship and its ability to influence the development of electric cars. Jaguar brings with it a passionate fan base that will drive the popularity of the championship across the world and once again shows that Formula E is the future of motorsport."

Jean Todt, President of the FIA said: "The FIA is pleased to welcome Jaguar as a new manufacturer to enter the FIA Formula E Championship. We built this series to offer an alternative competition for manufacturers to step into the sport and develop road-relevant electric technologies. The choice of Jaguar to come back to motor racing with Formula E is a proof of success. As it forges a path forward for the future of the electric car, Formula E managed to attract one of the most prestigious and historical brand across the automotive industry. I wish them success ahead of their arrival in 2016/2017".

James Barclay, Jaguar Team Director, said: "We looked in detail at alternative ways of returning to motorsport. This was such an important decision for Jaguar and we wanted to get it right. With our future EV plans, Formula E was the obvious choice and we believe that the benefits are enormous. The FIA and the promoter have exciting plans for the future of the championship and we are proud to be one of the first vehicle manufacturers to commit to the series with our own team. We have a lot of work to do ahead of the first race but it is a challenge we relish. We hope that we can welcome a new generation of fans to Jaguar through this exciting programme."

More details on Jaguar's return to racing including team presentation, drivers and partners will be released in the run up to season three.