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

We sample Honda's car technology of the future

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show 2013 we’ve been to Honda’s research and development facility in Tochigi to see and experience some of the Japanese firm’s new and upcoming products and technology. We’ve covered the new Honda Civic Type R in some detail separately, but among the other cars driven here is the next generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in Japan), no less than three different types of Honda hybrid system, including one similar to that fitted in the forthcoming NSX supercar, and an all-carbonfibre CR-Z prototype. On top of which, we’ve also experienced a self-driving car, watched a crazy automatic-parking demonstration and sampled the latest version of the all-electric Micro-Commuter, Honda’s equivalent of the Renault Twizy.

Mercedes SLC Gullwing caught testing

McLaren is well on the way with development of the P11 as we saw recently, and Mercedes is definitely getting close with its replacement, the Mercedes SLC AMG Gullwing. Mercedes SLC AMG Gullwing - Caught testing and due in showrooms in 2010 Our snappers caught the Gullwing out  testing, ready for the concept’s launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The SLC’s most striking feature (at least on the coupe) is the Gullwing doors, reminiscent of the original 300SL.

Raging Artists gives its take on the minivan

What would a minivan commercial look like if it was made by minivan drivers instead of agency suits? A lot less boring than you'd think, as it turns out. The Raging Artists public-relations firm created a strangely comedic video called “A Family Man is Still a Man” with a group of RA employees that owns four minivans among them.