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

Daimler, Renault are set to share vehicle platforms and engines

Following a year of intensive high-level talks and secretive, behind the scenes strategy meetings, Daimler AG and Renault SA have agreed on plans that will see their car-making divisions--Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault and Nissan--share resources on a wide range of products. The move signals more consolidation within the European automotive industry. Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche and Renault president Carlos Ghosn have set out three primary areas of cooperation that will see the carmakers share small-car and light-commercial-vehicle platforms, small gasoline and diesel engines, and electric drive systems.

Lexus IS-C Convertible gets F-Sport options.

Lexus has launched a range of F-Sport accessories for the new Lexus IS Convertible With the Lexus IS Convertible having launched in Japan this week, and the Lexus IS 250C arriving in the UK in July (and the Lexus IS 350C to arrive sometime next year), Lexus are looking for ways to ‘Up-sell’ the range, particularly as it looks like it will totally eclipse the woeful SC430. With prices starting from low £30k, there is no doubt a big push to get people to spec up their cars. And what better way than to offer some nice Lexus F-Sport bits and pieces to bolt on to your new pride and joy.

How Mercedes sees into the future

Mercedes' crystal ball is named Alexander Mankowsky. At 56, he's dressed for CES in khaki trousers and a leather vest, with thin glasses perched on a round face; his frizzy white hair resembles what Einstein's would if he were caught in a wind tunnel. He might be a long-distant uncle, or he might be Doc Brown, fresh from the DeLorean.