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

2014 Mercedes C-Class: OFFICIAL – and it looks like a proper baby S-Class

The 2014 Mercedes C-Class (pictured) looks like a proper baby S-Class The 2014 (or 2015 if you’re in the US) Mercedes C-Class has finally been officially revealed ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, and it looks to be a convincing take on a proper scaled-down S-Class. With Mercedes launching a more credible range of compact cars beneath the C-Class – with the new A-Class and CLA – targeting younger, funkier buyers, Mercedes has taken the C-Class from the ‘entry-’level’ real Mercedes to become a properly grwon up luxury saloon, just smaller than its E-Class and S-Class siblings. The new C-Class is wider, longer and has a longer wheelbase – with most of the extra 3 inches in the wheelbase benefiting the rear passengers – yet it’s lighter and more dynamic than the model it replaces, thanks in no small part to an aluminium hybrid body that now has up to 50 per cent aluminium in its panels.

Exclusive: Laurens van den Acker to replace Patrick le Quément at Renault

The wheels of change are continuing to turn within the automotive design industry, with yet another new appointment being made at the director level. According to industry insiders, Laurens van den Acker is set become the new Design Director at Renault when Patrick le Quément retires later this year. One of the most pre-eminent car designers in the world, Patrick le Quément began his design career at Simca, worked at Ford for 17 years and did a brief stint at Volkswagen before taking the top design job at Renault.

New entry-level Caterham Seven to cost under £17k

The new entry-level, sub-£17k Caterham Seven If there’s one thing you know about the Caterham Seven – Caterham’s recreation of Colin Chapman’s iconic Lotus Seven – it’s that it’s not b exactly laden with fripperies and heavy technology. So when Caterham tell us that they’re soon going to launch a new, entry-level, Seven that takes the Seven “…back to its simple design roots” we do wonder how much simpler the Seven can be than it already is. But Caterham say the new Seven will be probably the most fuel efficient car they produce with a new EU-6 compliant engine providing accessible fun for ‘under £17k’.