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

Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen chose the Qatar motor show to debut its new XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle. The latest evolution of the SEV niche – that stretches back to the 1-liter concept of 2002 – makes extensive use of lightweight materials and hybrid technologies to offer a reported 313mpg. The car's exterior is a clear evolution of the tandem seat L1 from 2009.

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition (2011) first pictures

Worried that Porsche's stripped-out Cayman R is a little too hardcore, but still want its power increase and don't want to pay extra for air-con? Then you want the latest special edition Porsche, the Cayman S Black Edition. Porsche Cayman S Black Edition: the performance mods Limited to 500 copies worldwide, the Black Edition features a range of minor tweaks beyond its dark paint, and top of the list is a tiny 9bhp increase to a Cayman R-matching 326bhp.

Problems with your McLaren MP4-12C? Have a ‘McLaren: The Wins’ coffee table book

Ron Dennis apologises to McLaren MP4-12C owners A couple of weeks ago we reported that McLaren was having some teething problems with their new MP4-12C but weren’t, despite reports to the contrary, halting production. The problems seemed to be mainly software related, with issues including warning lights flashing on and battery drainage issues, which seemed to be because the MP4-12C’s electronics didn’t turn off when the car was halted. But it seemed McLaren were working on the issues with the same sort of zeal we’ve come to recognise from their F1 programme, no doubt spurred on by the wrath of Ron Dennis.