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

Ford Ka (2009): more photos and details

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 08 September 2008 17:40 Ford has issued more details and photographs of its Ka city car, the Blue Oval's twin of the cutesy Fiat 500. The new Ka will – for the first time – be available as a diesel in the shape of the 74bhp 1.3-litre TDCI model, which can muster a very sensible 67.2mpg on the combined cycle. But don't forget that few 'mini buyers pick diesel in the UK; an oil-burning city car's price premium appears larger and economy gains smaller when compared with bigger cars, making diesel babies like hens' teeth.

Mercedes E 63 AMG S: UK price from £83,740

The E63 AMG S is the extreme version of what is already an extreme car in the E63, with a power boost that takes it from 549bhp to 577bhp – and throws in an extra 60lb/ft of torque for good measure too – and promises real extreme performance. The problem is, getting that power down to the road. In left hand drive markets that’s solved by simply offering the Mercedes 4WD option – 4MATIC – which does a much better job of transferring power to the road than the regular RWD layout.

Saab gets latest lifeline via $5 million infusion from Chinese company

Saab has been on the edge of collapse since a cash shortage early this year forced it to halt production. Now Automotive News reports that a last-minute payment from China's Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile has given the Swedish carmaker yet another shot. Youngman wants to get a stake in Saab and has taken the first step by giving the company $5 million to cover tax expenses, with another $26.43 million forthcoming for unpaid salaries and $13.18 million more before the end of December.