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

People's Car Project concepts showcased

Volkswagen is currently showcasing three of its vehicle and technology concepts created under the ‘People's Car Project' at this year's Beijing auto show. The Hover Car, the Music Car and the Smart Key concepts – created by users of the website, which has seen 33 million visitors – are just three of more than 119,00 ideas submitted, leading the project to be indefinitely extended as Volkswagen uses the findings to influence its future design strategy. The ‘Hover Car' is an environmentally friendly two-seater city car that, unsurprisingly, hovers above the ground.

Brief 1 – Buick: CDN–GM Interactive Design Competition

This year's Car Design News and General Motors Interactive Design Competition is now up and running. Simply choose one of the five briefs set by GM's designers and submit your entry on the competition website, http://www.cardesigncontest.com/ If you think you could design a 6-8-seat vehicle that promotes togetherness, then the brief set by Buick could be the one for you. It asks you to come up with a cutting edge, unique and innovative vehicle that embodies your vision of a modern Buick.

High-five for Mini's new, larger hatchback

THE LONG-RUMOURED five-door Mini hatchback has finally been unveiled, featuring an extra seat, more legroom and a larger boot than the three-door. By using a longer and wider body, the five-door is able to offer 72mm more legroom for rear passengers, who can also now access the new row of three seats via small but useful rear doors. Boot space is up to 278 litres, which although still comparatively low is 67 more than the three-door hatch can boast.