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

Audi greenlights new Q1 entry-level SUV

Audi has confirmed long-running rumors it will add a new entry-level SUV to its lineup called the Q1. Previewed as a concept called Crosslane Coupe at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the new price-leading SUV is planned to slot into the German automaker's lineup beneath the existing Q3. The price is expected to rival that of the Mini Countryman.

Lotus appoints Mansory as official car customiser

Lotus appoints Mansory to customise their cars Lotus has teamed up with car customiser Mansory to create custom versions of its Exige, Elise and Evora. Car makers in the upper echelons have customers who want to make their car more individual than a regular options list can manage. So they either have their own in-house bespoke service – like Ferrari’s Tailor Made – or they appoint an official customiser.

Toyota to close Australian design studio

Toyota designers at its Technical Center Asia Pacific Australia (TTCAP-AU) are to lose their jobs as part of Toyota's decision to scale back the facility's activities as well as halting all manufacturing within the country by 2017. The TTCAP-AU, which carries out all its Australian design and evaluation operations, employs 150 designers and modelers and it's possible that its activities with the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion models could be scrapped, raising doubts over its future. Around 2,500 employees at Toyota's Altona manufacturing plant are expected to lose their jobs, although the effects are likely to be wider ranging.