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

Nanny Dearest: Active safety measures help to curb accidents

We complain a lot about electronic nannies here at Autoweek. They seem to step in to protect us just when things are getting interesting. Instead, we'd like to increase the skill quotient of drivers on the road.

Renault Captur Crossover revealed

The production version of the Renault Captur Crossover has been revealed ahead of a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Instead of a funky urban crossover that managed to out-Juke the Nissan Juke (which is the same car under the skin) we instead get a Renault Clio with some butch bits added and a raised ride height. Which is rather disappointing.

Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.