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

2013 Rolls Royce Ghost updates

Three years on from the launch of a Rolls Royce for owner drivers – the RR Ghost – Rolls Royce has made some updates for 2013. Believe it or not, it’s three years since the Rolls Royce Ghost arrived at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show as a more ‘Sporty’ take on the RR ethos and aimed at owner-drivers; the sort of chap who’s outgrown big Mercedes and BMW but still likes to drive. Three years on from launch, we’re still waiting for RR to deliver a Ghost Coupe (perhaps the Corniche?) and a Ghost DHC, so when we saw an email from Rolls Royce with 2013 updates we got quite excited.

BMW i3 Range Extender engine adds 10% to the price

BMW i3 Range Extender engine adds 10% to the price The BMW i3 – BMW’s first foray in to a world of electric cars – was officially revealed in July – and due on sale in 2014 – and seems, by electric car standards, to be almost affordable. At a starting price of £30,680 – £25,680 after the taxpayer bribe for EV buyers – it’s no more expensive than other electric cars and does come with some clever technology – and the BMW badge – that will help it move out of showrooms. But as we reported as far back as 2011, the BMW i3 is to get a range-extender option – a small petrol engine that kicks in to recharge the batteries when they get low – which will make the i3 a much more practical proposition.

Vehicle emissions are down and fuel economy is up, EPA reports

The Environmental Protection Agency released its emissions and fuel-economy report for 2010. Adjusted emissions are down across the board, at 395 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. That's a record low for the post-1975 database.