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

Renault-Nissan and Mercedes get very cosy

The Mercedes Twingo? Almost, but not quite In yet another – highly expected – sign that the future for car makers is more and more co-operation, Renault-Nissan and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) have today announced a wide-ranging alliance which will see much of the output of each company utilised by the other. Top of the list for starters is the joint development of the platform for the next SmartForTwo which will be shared by the next generation Twingo.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante leaks

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4-Spyder Performante at LA Lamborghini has commited to bringing a new model to every motor show. Sadly, that means a new model in whatever minor variation on a theme Sant’Agata can muster rather than an all new model. Still, a real new model every motor show would be pushing it even for Audi, and a new variant each motor show is still impressive from a company with just one current model – the Gallardo.

Ssangyong e-XIV EV Concept at Paris 2012

Ssangyong are continuing their concept offensive with the e-XIV EV Concept, a range extender compact SUV. Mahindra seem intent on turning Ssangyong from the Lada of Korea in to another South Korean car maker to be taken seriously. We’ve recently seen a big push for the Korando SX, with Ssangyong pitching it hard against the competition as the cheapest way in to a compact SUV, and at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year we had a concept pointing to the next generation compact SUV from Ssangyong with the convertible Ssangyong XIV-2.