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

Merc to revive straight six, plus 4cyl and smaller V8s

Mercedes has just signed off a new engine family which will see most full-sized Mercs in future run four-cylinders, downsized V8s and… straight sixes. A friendly Mercedes engineer recently met CAR to disclose the engine plans for future models, including the surprise disclosure that Merc plans to switch to straight sixes, like its rivals over in Munich.  It's fair to say I almost choked on my breakfast croissant when I found out the details of the next MB engine generation which has just been signed off for release in 2015. Mercedes' future four-cylinder engines Again, there will be a family of new low-cost fours, and the big-bore V8s will be replaced by a series of downsized turbocharged 4.0-litre units.

2013 Jaguar XJ gets 3.0 Litre V6 S/C

Jaguar has announced the 2013 XJ with the new 3.0 litre V6 Supercharged engine replacing the old 5.0 litre V8. Starts at £65,365. Hot on the heels of the news of prices for the XF Sportbrake and the tweaks to the 2013MY XF range, Jaguar has revealed a few tweaks for the 2013 Jaguar XJ.

Call for bus commuter tax break

A NEW TAX allowance should be introduced so that firms can help staff pay for the cost of commuting to work by bus, a campaign group has urged. Greener Journeys said people on lower incomes were more reliant on buses as they were less likely to have a car. The group, which promotes sustainable travel, said a "bus bonus" scheme should be launched, arguing it would boost the economy and improve access to jobs.