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

Lightning at the London motor show 2008

By Guy Bird and CAR reader reporter asp Motor Shows 24 July 2008 09:03 The previous GT revealed by the Lightning Car Company two years ago was a conventional 4.8 V8 petrol sports car but then the firm decided to start again from scratch and become a pure electric car brand. The result – claimed to be Britain's first all-electric sports car – was shown at London… What’s new on Lightning’s London motor show stand?The completely redesigned 2008 GT – only the windscreens are common – is a pure electric vehicle with a claimed 700bhp equivalent of power on tap. It’s a dream machine in every sense: 100 percent electric with four in-wheel motors, slick sports car styling, 0-60mph in under four seconds, a 180-mile range and claimed 10-minute recharge.

Toyota Yaris Trend & Yaris Edition launched

Toyota has launched a pair of special editions for summer – the Yaris Trend and Yaris Edition – with cosmetic tweaks. Not content with flogging 100 units of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid to Europcar, Toyota are intent on mopping up more sales with the launch of a couple of special editions – the Toyota Yaris Edition and Toyota Yaris Trend. Both special editions get a blacked-out C-Pillar and privacy glass to give the illusion of a floating roof, a choice of Tyrol Silver or Cirrus White paint and a three or five-door body.

RCA Citroen/Exa Double Challenge project

Second year students at the Royal College of Art in London revealed a series of projects at their interim degree show last week. Developed in collaboration with French automaker Citroen and the Exa Corporation, a leading supplier of aerodynamic software, the Double Challenge project asked students to design an ultra-compact model that could establish a unique Citroën e-vehicle aesthetic for the future, all while adhering to certain aerodynamic criteria that would not only reduce energy consumption and ensure stability at speed, but also visually communicate efficiency through its design. The project, which kicked off in October last year, was closely followed by representatives from Citroen and Exa, who examined each of the projects and chose a winner, Heikki Juvonen, at the event last week.