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

Northumbria University degree show 2009

Newcastle and cars: for many, that phrase brings to mind the 1971 British cult gangster movie ‘Get Carter', starring Michael Caine. The city isn't obviously associated with cars and the Trinity Centre car park famously used in the movie is about to be demolished as part of major regeneration work that the city has seen over the last 15 years. Northumbria University's magnificent new School of Design, which opened just two years ago, is a typical example of the exciting architecture now emerging in this city and CDN decided to pay a visit to catch up with this fast-developing UK design school.

Frankfurt 2011: VW Nils EV Go-Kart Video

VW Nils revealed at Frankfurt There have been quite a few of these very small, go-kart-style urban commuter cars cropping up of late, but perhaps the Volkswagen Nils is the most promising. The most promising because if – and it’s a very big if – commuters take to the idea of a grown-up version of a soap-box Kart with an engine for getting to work, the VW Nils will possibly offer the best combination of practicality, refinement and cost. Yes, there’s the Audi Urban Concept to consider, but that will be more expensive (there’s a reason Audi makes VW 40% of its profits), so if commuters do actually find appeal in this route then the Nils is probably the front-runner.

Meet the Kia Soul EV and Niro hybrid concept

Kia revealed three electrified cars at the Chicago Auto Show on Thursday, one concept and two that are headed for production. The Niro hybrid is Kia’s future take on a city car, while the Soul EV and new Optima hybrid will be out later this year. The Soul EV is the company’s main focus at the show, judging by our seven pages of press releases on it.