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

Renault axes Fluence Z.E. electric saloon

Renault has ceased production of its all-electric Fluence Z.E. saloon car at its European factory in Turkey due to poor sales. Figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that only 75 Fluence Z.E.s were sold in the UK since the car went on the market in 2011.

VW Beetle Dune at the Detroit auto show

Of all the production-leaning concept vehicles at the Detroit auto show, the Volkswagen Beetle Dune's the sort of flight of fancy nobody was looking for. Nissan's Sport Sedan heralds the look of the next Maxima, which will likely trickle down in some way to future Altimas, Sentras and Versas. It looks as if Nissan will put one of its techno-retro RWD IDx concepts into production.

Mercedes color and trim manager on the new SL-Class interior [w/video]

Mercedes has released a video as part of the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, discussing interior design details of the new 2013 SL-Class. In the video Nicola Ehrenberg-Uhlig, manager of color and trim for Mercedes-Benz, explains the choices made when the vehicle was designed and how the design team wanted to convey the car's personality via special materials. Aviation is the theme for the new SL-Class, which in the designers' minds stood for clear design, functionality, speed and power.