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

Suzuki CrossHiker, X-Lander & Hustler Concepts for Tokyo Motor Show

It’s the Tokyo Motor Show next month, and that’s a big deal for Japanese car makers, eager to make a statement at their home motor show, and Suzuki are quick out of the gate with three new concepts for the show. The Suzuki Crosshiker is a three-door crossover that comes complete with a big panoramic roof, weighs just a bit over 800kg, is about the size of a compact car – but higher riding, and is powered by a new, frugal three-cylinder engine. Concept number two is the Suzuki X-Lander which get built on the underpinnings of the Jimny and gets four wheel drive with power coming from a 1.3 litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor.

New Mercedes-Benz SUV coupe for Beijing

Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz has teased its answer to the BMW X6 ahead of its unveiling at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The coupe SUV – which is likely to be called the MLC – will be based on the ML and shown at Beijing in concept form, before a production vehicle is revealed next year. Like the X6, the Mercedes-Benz concept coupe SUV features a rakish rear roofline and is likely to divide opinion among buyers.

Ford and GM tie-in with Apple

Having established a relationship with Nike for recycling materials as demonstrated on the Ford Reflex concept, Ford has now joined GM in collaborating with Apple to ensure their cars are iPod compatible. Rather than the retrofitted wire many drivers have had to resort to, cars will offer a bespoke area in the glove compartment that also acts as a charging point, the iPod instead controlled through the car?s GUI. By the end of the year, 70% of all new models sold in America are expected to be iPod compatible, an arrangement that furthers Apple?s continuing domination of the MP3-player market and one that will introduce Apple to the car-computer market, anticipated to be worth $6billion by 2010.