Aston’s engineers have upped power from the 4.3-litre V8 to 400bhp

But what does 2008 hold in store?

Vijay Pattni takes a look at the hottest cars arriving in the next twelve months.

Ford Focus

The humble Focus has been the UK’s biggest selling car every year since its launch in 1998, and is lauded for its practicality, pricing and performance.

And now, for the 2008 model, Ford has once again created a winner - with a five star EuroNCAP rating and a range of trim levels and engines, including the hot ST and RS variants. The new Ford Focus goes on sale on 1 January 2008.

Lexus IS-F

BMW launched the hotly anticipated M3 this year to great acclaim. But on the other side of the world, Toyota-owned Lexus has been working on its rival – the IS-F.

The storming 5-litre V8-engined Lexus IS-F produces an M3-rivalling 417bhp - but its larger capacity V8 means 372lbs/ft of pulling power next to the Beemer’s 295lbs/ft. The fight for the ultimate small super-saloon just got a lot more exciting.

Vauxhall Insignia

The new Vauxhall Vectra - dubbed ‘Insignia’ - will premiere at the 2008 British motor show.

The Vauxhall Insignia will take its design cues from the stunning GTC concept car first shown at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, and is likely to feature a raft of engine and trim levels to compete with the new Ford Mondeo.

But GM whet petrolheads’ appetites with the GTC concept, which featured a turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine mated to a four-wheel-drive system – and which many took to be a sign of Vauxhall’s intention to produce a range-topper to rival the Audi RS4.

Aston Martin N400

The baby Aston gets a power boost with this – the race-derived N400.

Aston’s engineers have increased the power from the 4.3-litre V8 to 400bhp and uprated the suspension components to bring it more in line with the hardcore N24 racer.

And the colours offered on this harder V8 Vantage? Black, silver - and bright orange.

Nissan GT-R

One of the most anticipated sportscars of the moment, the new Nissan GT-R has already been released in Japan.

UK buyers will have to wait until next year to get their hands on the GT-R - Nissan still has to finalise the Euro-spec model.

But with 473bhp, a 0-62mph time of just 3.6s and a top speed near 200mph, the car nicknamed ‘Godzilla’ is finally back.