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

Audi R18 TDI (2011): first pictures of the new Le Mans racer

This is the new Audi R18, Ingolstadt’s latest LMP1 endurance racer which will compete in the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours. Compared to its R15 predecessor, the new Audi R18 has gained a roof and the mandatory-for-2011 ‘shark fin’ engine cover, but it’s lost four cylinders – the R18 is powered by a turbocharged V6. It is – like the R10 and R15, the R18 is an oil-burner.

Subaru XV gets a price cut – down by £1300 on 1.6 litre versions

It wasn’t a bad starting point for an able mid-sized crossover – a high-riding Impreza, in all but name –  but it wasn’t the cheapest offering in the class. But now, with the Yen being a bit kinder to Japanese car makers, Subaru has decided to nudge the price a bit lower to start the XV range off below £20k for the first time. The price drop for the XV only applies to the 1.6 litre petrol versions, but you can now get the entry-level XV 1.6i S for a more affordable £19,995 rising to £23,415 for the XV 1.6i SE with the Lineartronic gearbox, reductions across the range of £1300.

Lotus appoints Mansory as official car customiser

Lotus appoints Mansory to customise their cars Lotus has teamed up with car customiser Mansory to create custom versions of its Exige, Elise and Evora. Car makers in the upper echelons have customers who want to make their car more individual than a regular options list can manage. So they either have their own in-house bespoke service – like Ferrari’s Tailor Made – or they appoint an official customiser.