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

Win a copy of Just My Type book

In the new September 2011 issue of CAR Magazine, we've set typography expert and author Simon Garfield a task to critique modern car badges. The typeface used on the rump of your car - and the script on the dials, brochures and adverts - speaks volumes about your choice of wheels. So we asked Garfield, author of Just My Type: A Book About Fonts, to lend an expert eye.

Porsche nearing 900 orders for its 918 Spyder hybrid concept

When Porsche AG showed the 918 Spyder at the Geneva show in March, we said it was a car to “make anyone a believer in hybrid supercar tech.” Well, maybe not anyone, but Porsche now says it has almost 900 potential buyers for the two-seater hybrid prototype as the German automaker gets closer to approving production. Porsche development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer said he is confident the company will soon reach the threshold of 1,000 orders, which is how many the company needs to “make a sound business case.” The 918 has 680 hp and, according to Porsche, will get 78 mpg and run from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Porsche said it wants to double its overall vehicle sales to 150,000 in the next five years or so.

VW debuts Twin Up! Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

Volkswagen introduced the newest member of the XL1 family at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Twin Up! Essentially the plug-in hybrid version of the Up!, this four-seater concept car shares some of its drive system with the Volkswagen XL1 including its dual-clutch automatic transmission, diesel engine and electric motor. The Twin Up!