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

BASF MySetta concept showcases industry-leading automotive applications

Project type advanced materials demonstrator Donor vehicle 1958 BMW Isetta 250 Project idea/co-ordinator Heidrun Goth Project co-ordinator Guido Gabriel BASF coatings/color designer Mark Gutjahr Project launched April 2013 Website www.basf.steron.com In January 2013, German chemicals giant BASF came up with the idea of building a bespoke vehicle to help demonstrate its industry-leading automotive applications – the MySetta. Starting with the iconic 1958 BMW Isetta 250 ‘bubble car', a team led by project co-ordinator Guido Gabriel modified the chassis, body and interior using BASF paints, fabrics and flexible foams. As well as showcasing BASF's automotive applications, the MySetta project demonstrates how they can be used to create striking fashion products such as shoes, coats and handbags; and accessories like a picnic hamper and portable stereo.

Jaguar cool in white at L.A. Auto Show with C-X16 & XKR-S Convertible

Jaguar at the LA Auto Show with a brace of white cats Jaguar may not be going to the Detroit Motor Show in January (forsaking it for Delhi) but it’s put on a show in Los Angeles with a new white version of the Jaguar C-X16 Concept (XE) and the new XKR-S Convertible. The Jaguar C-X16 – which looks set to be the Jaguar XE when it arrives – conspires to look even more production-ready at LA than it already did at Frankfurt despite, as far as we can tell, nothing more than a new coat of paint. Some of the elements that seem unlikely to make it in to production – such as the rear hatch which opens E-Type like and the ultra-modern interior – are still present, yet on the C-X16 they seem to fit; it would be a shame to see them go for the production XE.

Bentley Hybrid setup works across Bentley’s range of engines

You’ll be able to have a hybrid powertrain across Bentley’s range of engines With car makers increasingly hidebound by ever more stringent economy targets, even makers of the world’s most expensive, luxury cars are having to play ball. Which explains why Bentley has decided to go the hybrid route for their cars, with the debut of the Bentley Hybrid, a Mulsanne with the 6¾ litre V8 under the bonnet aided by an electric motor and a bank of batteries, at the Beijing Motor Show. It seems the Bentley hybrid solution – which is claimed to increase power by 25 per cent and improve emissions and economy by 70 per cent – is very similar to that used across the VW Group range, with an electric motor between the engine and transmission fed by a bank of batteries.