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

Merc to revive straight six, plus 4cyl and smaller V8s

Mercedes has just signed off a new engine family which will see most full-sized Mercs in future run four-cylinders, downsized V8s and… straight sixes. A friendly Mercedes engineer recently met CAR to disclose the engine plans for future models, including the surprise disclosure that Merc plans to switch to straight sixes, like its rivals over in Munich.  It's fair to say I almost choked on my breakfast croissant when I found out the details of the next MB engine generation which has just been signed off for release in 2015. Mercedes' future four-cylinder engines Again, there will be a family of new low-cost fours, and the big-bore V8s will be replaced by a series of downsized turbocharged 4.0-litre units.

BMW X4 Leaks

We have the first official photos of the BMW X4 SUV – the ‘Lifestyle’ version of the X3 – which we expect to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this month. We have the first leaked images of the X4 that show a BMW X3 with the same sort of treatment as the X5 got to turn it in to the X6, and create what BMW like to call an SAC – a Sports Activity Coupe. Apart from the changes to the body – and less room in the back – you can expect the X4 to offer much the same under the skin as the X3 – albeit at a premium price – which will mean – for the UK at least – will mean everything from an X4 xDrive 18d SE through to an X4 xDrive 35d M Sport.

New Citroen C1 Spec and prices revealed – costs from £8,245

The new Citroen C1 (pictured) costs from £8,245 The new Citroen C1 City Car debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last week as Citroen’s take on the Peugeot/Citroen/Toyota City Car and will go on sale in the UK in July with prices starting at £8,245. There is a choice of three trim levels - Touch, Feel & Flair – but if you want the convertible Airscape model you’ll have to have either the Feel or Flair spec. The C1 Touch (from £8,245) comes with remote central locking, electric front windows, MP3 audio, LED running lights, power steering and the usual ABS, EBA and ESP.