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

New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

Skoda GreenLine – Now even more economical

The Skoda Fabia GreenLine Skoda has announced that they’re sticking a new generation of GreenLine engines in across their range and adding GreenLine versions of the Yeti and Superb Estate, so you can be frugal whatever Skoda model you opt for. Every single GreenLine model gets a tweak to squeeze more from every gallon. The newly ‘greened’ Yeti gets the all new 103bhp 1.6 litre diesel with stop/start and brake energy recuperation, as does the Octavia GreenLine and the Superb GreenLine.

Citroen DS Wild Rubis tease previews new DS SUV (video)

Citroen are teasing what appears to be a DS SUV ahead of the Shanghai Motor Show later in April – the Citroen Wild Rubis Concept. With French car makers suffering from a downturn in sales in recent years, one beacon of light has been the success of the resurrected DS badge to adorn a range of more upmarket Citroens. From initial scepticism when Citroen revealed their plans to re-badge and titivate mainstream Citroens with some DS history, we were won over by the brilliant DS3 which managed to turn the rather beige C3 in to a properly appealing – and properly fun – sporty hatch.