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

Toyota Auris Hybrid emissions cut to 84g/km

We’ve long believed that car makers better serve their customers by offering ‘Green’ options as add-ons to regular car models, and adding the hybrid option from the Prius to the Auris has seen Auris sales climb steeply whilst Prius sales drop off. There’s only so many buyers who want to shout their green halo from the rooftops, so incorporating green technologies in the regular range opens up far more possibilities for a sale. Now, with the Auris Hybrid sales growing by 69 per cent year on year in the UK, Toyota has had a play to make the Auris Hybrid even more efficient.

Audi launches showrooms without cars in London

Audi has opened its first digital showroom in London – Audi City – a fully digital showroom for Audi’s entire range near Piccadilly Circus. It’s something of a dilemma for car makers; how to sell their cars in a world that now revolves around the internet and digital access? Traditional car showrooms seem very last century, but choosing a car from a screen at home is still something many are reluctant to do.

Aston Martin Rapide Shooting Brake heading for production?

Is the Bertone Jet 2+2 (pictured) heading for production as the Rapide Shooting Brake? At the Geneva Motor Show in March, we saw the Bertone Jet 2+2 – essentially an Aston Martin Rapide Shooting Brake – designed by Bertone as a one-off customer car. But it looks like the Rapide Estate may be heading for production.