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

CAR tech: who's to blame for your car's terrible fuel economy?

In early 2013 Audi lost a case brought by the Advertising Standard Agency (ASA) because of ‘misleading’ fuel economy figures used in an advert, after a customer complained they couldn’t get anywhere near the 68mpg quoted. The court case once more exposes the yawning gap between officially sanctioned mpg figures and those experienced by owners. A recent study by the Independent Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) looked at cars sold in the UK and Europe, and discovered the difference between official mpg figures and real-world driving had grown from 8% in 2001 to a barely believable 21% in 2011.

Toyota FT-86 II (2011) first official picture

Toyota will show a second-gen FT-86 II at the 2011 Geneva motor show. It's unusual to 'facelift' a concept car, but Toyota has form with the much-revised Lexus LF-A concept car which donned more clothes than a model sashaying down the catwalk during its long gestation. The FT-86 II is essentially be a much closer to production look at Toyota's new sports car.

Porsche opens new Weissach design studio

Porsche has officially opened its new design center. Located at its Weissach development center, the facility includes interior and exterior design departments, plus a dedicated area for concept car construction. According to Porsche chairman, Matthias Müller, the architecture of the new studio has been designed to allow the firm's "creative developers to work hand-in-hand even more methodically than before." The new design center is one of three new buildings opened at the site, which have been built as part of a $200million investment at Weissach.