Ten must-sees 

Ford Focus RS

The world debut of the 2009 Ford Focus hailed the return of the legendary RS badge after a five year hiatus. Last used on the previous generation Focus, the RS badge has also adorned the likes of the Capri, Sierra and Escort.

 View images of the Ford Focus RS and Ford Fiesta at the 2008 British motor show

Taking pride of place on the Ford stand, the bright green Focus RS features a beefed-up bodykit, while the engine chucks out a tasty 294bhp – giving the RS a top speed expected to touch 160mph.

Lotus Evora

Shrouded in secrecy with a group of disturbing, faceless models surrounding it, the Lotus Evora also made its world debut at ExCeL. Initially known as ‘Lotus Project Eagle’, the Evora is the Norfolk-based company’s first all-new car in 13 years and features an interior with a level of luxury not normally accustomed to a Lotus.

View images of the all new Lotus Evora

The final result is quite a feat considering the car’s research, development and production took just 21 months.

Corvette ZR1

The Corvette ZR1 is the fastest ever production ‘Vette and features a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 which will rocket the American car to a top speed of 205mph. Apart from the speed, why is it so special? It will cost around £100,000 and it’s expected just ten will be coming to the UK. So it’s a super-quick, super-cheap and super-rare supercar.

Watch General Motors’ Jonathon Nash talk about the ZR1 and Cadillac CTS at the British Motor Show.

Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R

The Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R is arguably the biggest surprise of the 2008 British Motor Show. Based on the Megane hot hatch (it uses the same gearbox and 230bhp engine) but stripped of more than 120kg in weight, the R26.R is one of the most hardcore hatchbacks ever.

View images of the Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R

With uprated suspension, brakes and a few cosmetic adjustments, the R26.R set a record for a front-wheel drive car on the Nürbürgring lapping the track in just eight minutes 17 seconds – faster than a BMW M5. And it will only cost £22,990 when it goes on sale in October.

Slide show - Alfa Romeo MiTo makes world debut

Nissan GT-R

The last car to receive as much hype was the 253mph Bugatti Veyron – and now it’s the turn for another supercar superstar. Except this one is built by Nissan. With incredible levels of technological and engineering precision, the 192mph Nissan GT-R is annihilating most things which come near it on the race track and the road. And at £54,000 it’s a bargain.

Read Stuart Milne's verdict on the show's star cars

The Ultimate Collection Public Gallery

For those who like to dream, the Ultimate Collection is the place to visit. On display are a host of the world’s most exotic supercars from the Ferrari F430 Scuderia to the radical-looking Spyker C12 Zagato. Check out the Pagani Zonda and Koenigsegg CCR on display. Ultra rare, you only normally see cars like this on TV and it’s worth looking at the sheer size of the car’s tyres – and then comparing them to your car’s to see just how amazing these vehicles really are.

Read our feature on the Ultimate Collection on our British Motor Show microsite

Mazda Zoom-Zoom challenge

If you’re 21-years-old or over and have a full driving license, you can try your hands on the Mazda Zoom-Zoom challenge where you get the chance to drive a Mazda 2 and Mazda MX-5 round a purpose-built track. you might also get the chance to see one of the test drivers thrash an RX-8 drift car round the track. The person with the best score at the end of the show will drive away with a Mazda 2 for the year. It’s great – just for fun, or to rub it in a mate’s face when you beat them. Just don’t rub it in your bosses face like one of us did…

Vauxhall VXR Racing Village

If you’re not old enough for the Zoom-Zoom challenge you can still get a chance to beat your mum and dad round a racetrack with the Vauxhall VXR Racing Village. They might be radio-controlled cars but they’re still great fun.

Land Rover Experience

For many, the only time you see a Land Rover or Range Rover is in town or on the motorway. At the British Motor Show you can see them do what they’re initially designed to – drive to places they shouldn’t physically be able to drive to. Expert drivers will take you up a ten metre, ultra-steep incline and then drive down it, just using the off-roader’s hill descent function.

Read our feature on the Land Rover Experience on our British Motor Show microsite

Auto Trader’s stand
Are you the next Jeremy Clarkson? Come over to the Auto Trader stand (stand N116) and record your own personal video car review and be in with a chance of winning a laptop.

View more images of the IMPRINT RLS

You can also check out the amazing IMPRINT RLS – a modified Mercedes R500 which rolls on a set of enormous 30-inch alloy wheels. 

Review your car on the Auto Trader stand at the 2008 British International Motor Show and you could be in with a chance of winning a laptop. Are you one of our featured reviewers?