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

New Mercedes CLA helps Daimler to 16% profit jump

The new Mercedes CLA (pictured) help Mercedes to a 16% profit jump. There’s an argument that the move in to more compact car sales by premium car makers will see their turnover rise and their profits fall as more compact cars tend to work on smaller margins than high-end luxury cars. But Mercedes has defied that logic by posting a 16 per cent increase in profits for the third quarter of 2013, boosted by sales of the new compact coupé – the Mercedes CLA.

Project Kahn’s Wills & Kate Maybach 57

Kahn creates a Royal Maybach The last time we invited the world to a Royal Wedding involving an heir to the throne, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. But that was in 1981, when the world was a simpler, less commercially exploitative place than it is now. In 1981 we got Charles & Di mugs and plates (actually, there was a definite crockery theme going on) and maybe the odd flag to flutter with the Union Flag and a couple of mug shots.

Concept Car of the Week: Autobianchi Runabout (1969)

The 850 was a very popular car for Fiat in the ‘60s, especially in its spider version with its cute design and compact proportions. When the time came to replace it, Fiat went back to Bertone, where chief designer Marcello Gandini was charged with designing its replacement. Not happy to simply recreate the 850, he began with a whole new layout by placing the engine directly in front of the rear axle for a mid-engined layout.