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

Policy, green cars take center stage at Washington auto show

Public policy and the ultimate impact it has on consumers' cars was the hot topic on Thursday at the Washington auto show, as companies vied to show off and explain their latest fuel-efficient technologies under the watchful eyes of regulators and government officials. Notably, Chevrolet announced plans to roll out an "Ecologic" environmental label on the 2012 Sonic, with other vehicles to follow. Sort of like nutrition labels for food, Chevy's version will explain the environmental impact of cars throughout their life cycles.

Ford Focus RS 500 teased +video

The Ford Focus RS 500 getting teased on Ford micro-site One of the best cars Ford has produced – ever – is the Focus RS. Yes, it’s OTT and designed for the Playstation generation rather than people past the first flush of youth, but it brings a huge grin to my face every time I drive one. The Focus RS review we did last year was a blast – especially the opportunity to compare the Focus RS to the Escort Mexico Mk I.

BMW i3 EV will cost from £30,680 – less than we expected

The new BMW i3 EV (teased above) will costs from £30k The new BMW i3 electric City Car is due to be revealed in production guise on 29th July, ahead of which BMW has revealed it will cost from £30,680 – meaning a showroom sticker price of £25,680 after the EV taxpayer ‘grant’. That price is for the pure EV i3 – not the range-extender – which comes with a rear mounted 168bhp electric motor, a top speed of 93mph and a range (in ideal conditions) of around 80 miles between charges. At a retail price of £25k, the i3 compares favourably with other EVs like the Nissan LEAF, which costs from £21k, and the Chevy Volt at £30k (although that is a range extender).