Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Renault/Lovegrove Studio Twin'Z concept

The Renault Twin'Z concept is a collaborative project with British designer Ross Lovegrove, filling the fifth stage in Laurens van den Acker's 'lifecycle' – Play. It's currently on display at the Milan Salone. Essentially previewing the all-new, rear-engined Twingo co-developed with Daimler, the Twin'Z takes this relatively humble city car and, thanks to the input of Lovegrove, it appears to have taken on an organic nature, which shouldn't be unexpected to those familiar with his work.

British Honda engineers get green light from Japan

Honda UK’s small UK vehicle engineering centre is all set to grow in size and importance following approval from Japanese bosses. The British car development base supports Honda’s main European development centre in Frankfurt but has been taking on increasing responsibility in recent years. Honda Civic Tourer prototype review (2013 onwards) Honda Civic review (2012 onwards) Success here, said a Honda spokesman, has meant Japanese management feels it can hand over more responsibility to the small Swindon centre.

Le Mans champ: laser lights are the future

Three-time Le Mans 24 Hours race champion Allan McNish has told us that technology first trialled at the world famous endurance event often makes it on to road cars – and this year’s big thing will be laser lights. Speaking ahead of Le Mans 2014, McNish said that racing is more relevant to everyday cars than people think – with features from seat belts to windscreen wipers debuting at the race. Audi R8 V10 plus review (2013 onwards) Las Vegas debut for Audi Sport Quattro laserlight concept “The laser light’s on this year’s Audis will make it onto road cars straight away,” McNish told us.