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

VW plotting 'XR1' lightweight supercar

Volkswagen plans to create an ultralight, mid-engined sports car, with the pace of a base Porsche 911 but the fuel economy of a Golf TDI. It's codenamed 'XR1': read on for the full CAR scoop. What's the inspiration for the VW XR1?

Aston Martin Zagato, Alfa Romeo take honors at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

A 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale won the Trofeo BMW Group, given by the judges for the best in show at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, over the weekend. The Coppa d’Oro, for best in show as voted by the public, went to a 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS. The Aston Martin V12 Zagato, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous DB4 GT Zagato, won a design award for Best Concept Car or Prototype.

2012 Mercedes S Class to spawn a convertible

The n2012 Mercedes S Class will lose its top It’s probably a sign of increasing decrepitude as it seems only five minutes since Mercedes launched the current S Class, but already we’re talking about the 2012 Mercedes S Class – and it’s only a year away. As has always been the case with a new S-Class we can look forward to a raft of new innovations when the new S Class launches late next year; clever stuff that will eventually filter down to the cars of lesser mortals as the technology matures and the cost falls. And that clever stuff will be packaged up in a big saloon car – the normal S-Class – an even bigger car – the LWB S-Class – and a huge two door coupe – the Mercedes CL, which is expected to be renamed the S-Class Coupe when the new S-Class launches.