2010 Birel 125cc Tag Kart on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes’ AMG division unveils new twin-turbo V8

Those obsessed with torque bemoaned Mercedes’ high-revving 6.2-litre V8 when it was launched in 2005, but just as the world has come to accept the naturally aspirated engine, the company has now unveiled a new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. Up to 563bhp – which is the same as the SLS AMG – and 663lb ft, which is much more than the 479lb ft the modern-day Gullwing supercar manages. The engine is an all-new 5.5-litre V8 (5461cc to be exact) with direct-injection technology, an aluminium crankcase and two turbochargers.

Jaguar F-Type DOES mean next Jaguar XK heading upmarket

Ian Callum has said that the new Jaguar F-Type will give Jaguar the opportunity to push the next generation Jaguar XK upmarket. Autocar has been chatting with Jaguar’s design guru, Ian Callum, who has said pretty much what we said in September, namely that the F-Type’s arrival will allow the next XK to be ‘More special than a GT’. Ian also speculates that the next XK could grow in size too to be a bit more than a 2+2, but it seems pretty clear that Jaguar will be looking to take the next XK firmly in to territory currently held by cars like the Aston Martin DB9 and Vanquish.

Mercedes B-Class gets a facelift for 2015 – debuts at Paris Motor Show

The Mercedes B-Class facelift goes on sale today (12 Sep 2014) from £22,575 It seems only five minutes since the second generation Mercedes B-Class arrived, but it’s getting a bit of a facelift – with the emphasis on the ‘bit’ – for 2015, with the main focus being the arrival for the UK of the B-Class Electric Drive which, for many considering an EV from a premium maker, is perhaps a better option than the ‘statement’ BMW i3. Tesla had a big input on the B-Class ED’s electric gubbins, and the result is an electric B-Class that develops 177bhp (and 251lb/ft of torque), enough for a scoot to 62mph in 7.9 seconds (top speed is limited to 100mph). Range, in an ideal world, is 124 miles from the 16.6kWh lithium ion batteries – enough for most commutes.