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

Renault turn central London in to a full-size Scalextric for the Zoe EV (video)

The Renault Zoe Scalextric cars turn on to the Embankment Even those who have never driven an electric car probably have if we count childhood exploits with Scalextric; hand-grip controllers clenched in hand seeing how fast you can go before your car tips off in a bend. So Renault decided it would be a good idea to create a full-size Scalextric track in central London, modify a pair of Renault Zoe EVs to slot in to the newly fabricated track and blat the cars round the 1.9 mile track in London controlled by competition winners from a helicopter hovering overhead. The race sees the two Zoes go head-to-head on the Scalextric track, starting out on the South Bank by the London Eye, over Westminster Bridge, past the Houses of Parliament, down the Embankment, up The Strand, over Waterloo Bridge, round the IMAX and finishing alongside the Thames at the finish line.

VW L1 diesel-hybrid concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 15 September 2009 10:30 This slender concept car is VW’s new L1, a diesel-electric hybrid unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Made from aluminium and carbonfibre it weighs just 380kg, and is capable of 189mpg while emitting just 39g/km CO2. Let’s start with the aerodynamics.

BMW i3 grabs new award

THE REVOLUTIONARY BMW i3 electric car has been awarded the top prize in the first UK Car of the Year Awards. After grabbing the prize for Best Supermini the i3 won the overall title in the new awards, as voted for by a group of 27 respected UK-based motoring journalists. In the overall vote, which featured the likes of the Porsche Cayman, Range Rover Sport, BMW 5 Series, Citroen C4 Grand Picasso and Audi A3, almost half of the 27-strong judging panel chose the i3.