This week's gossip from the automotive industry has news of the Renault Clio's record sales, comparing Honda's NSX with the Ferrari 458, a bespoke Nismo division car and Aston Martin's production cap.
Renault's record sales
Renault Clio sales continue to rise, with the car hitting record production numbers in its fourth year, according to Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker.
The Clio is built in two factories that can’t keep pace with demand, he said. The next-generation model will be built at three plants.
Read more: 2016 Renault Clio RS16 review, 2016 Renault Clio dCi 110 Dynamique S Nav review
NSX comparisons
When creating the new Honda NSX, Honda bought a Ferrari 458 as a comparator. After the NSX programme was finished, the 458 was cut up in order to analyse its aluminium construction.
An insider reports that they were “quite impressed” with the Ferrari’s body, adding that its remnants now lie in several bins at Honda’s R&D facility.
Read more: Honda NSX review, Ferrari 458 review
Possible bespoked Nissan Nismo
Nissan's Nismo division could one day build its own, bespoke car, along the same lines as Mercedes-AMG’s GT.
Speaking at Le Mans, Nismo programme director Bob Laishley said it would be something for the brand to “aspire to” in the future.
Read more: Nissan GT-R Nismo gets stiffer body and new aero, Mercedes-AMG GT review
Aston's production cap
Aston Martin's new factory in St Athan will have a capacity of around 7000 cars per year – the same as Gaydon.
Aston expects to cap production at that level, with sports cars built at Gaydon and other models built in Wales.
Boss Andy Palmer has ruled out making more than 14,000 cars a year. “We don’t want to come down from luxury to premium,” he said.
Read more: 2016 Aston Martin DB11 review, Aston Martin V8 supercar expected in 2022
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