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

Caterham Seven 165 prototype stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

2013 marks 40 years of Caterham Cars since what was originally a Lotus dealership took over production of the Series 4 Lotus Seven in 1973. Now, at Frankfurt 2013, the British manufacturer is debuting its newest model – the Seven 165 prototype – set to become the entry-level version and the lightest, most efficient Caterham ever when it goes on sale in the UK in 2014. We like the fact that you will be able to buy a Caterham for less than £17,000 and still be able to embarrass much more expensive machinery when the going gets twisty.

New Mercedes A Class: Production increased to meet demand

With over 70,000 orders already in the pipeline for the new Mercedes A Class, Mercedes are increasing production to meet demand. The increase in production at Mercedes plant in Rastatt, Germany, means adding a third shift to effectively increase production by almost 50 per cent and make a dent in the 70k plus orders Mercedes already has for the new A Class. That’s in stark contrast to the recent news that Mercedes is having to slash production of the S Class as sales falter, partly due to a new S Class in the pipeline for 2013 but also because buyers are falling in love with more compact offerings.

Show Review: Design LA

Design LA, the automotive design conference that incorporates the Design Challenge competition, has announced its winners, during this year's LA Motor Show. Chuck Pelly, who set up Design LA last year, introduced the event and the judges for the Design Challenge: Tom Matano , Director, Academy of Art University; Imre Molner, Dean, College of Creative Studies; Steward Reed, Chair, Transportation Design, Art Centre College of Design; and Bill Van Amburg, Senior Vice President, Calsart. This year's nine competition entries had a brief to deliver a 100 percent recyclable, five-year lifespan vehicle with 'accoutrements that add fun or function to represent California's unique green lifestyle.' The Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans is a Le Mans-style race car concept notable for its enclosed wheels and motorbike style forward-inclined driving position between the front wheels (which can just be made out in the translucent illustration shown here).