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

It looks like Aston Martin could be getting AMG/Mercedes platforms too

Mercedes/AMG platforms would make the Lagonda SUV a reality We’d been expecting Aston Martin to get access to Mercedes platforms ever since the Lagonda SUV – based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes GL - arrived in all its ‘beauty’ in 2009. The Lagonda SUV was met with wails of anguish from lovers of Aston Martin’s timeless beauty but, despite the horror at the looks of the SUV, the prospect that Aston Martin could be heading down a collaboration route with Mercedes was welcome. It was welcome because without the support of a major car maker – and access to its technology – Aston Martin would have little chance of a bright future; there is no way a minnow like Aston Martin could afford the development cost of new engines and platforms.

Honda Civic Tourer (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

The new Honda Civic Tourer might just be a better looker than its hatchback brother. Binning the split rear window tailgate and forming a ‘floating roofline’ makes for a decent-looking estate – but we expected that after clapping eyes on the concept car. What we can tell you is the showroom-ready Civic Tourer has the biggest boot in the compact estate class, and employs similar suspension technology to that of a Golf GTI – or an Audi R8.

Icona reveals first render of Vulcano super sportscar

Icona will unveil a one-off super sports car dubbed Vulcano at next month's Shanghai auto show. The Vulcano was coachbuilt in Italy and was designed by the Shanghai-based Italian design house to show an evolution of its design language, first seen on the 2011 Icona Fuselage concept designed by Samuel Chuffart, Icona's design director. Icona says the design aims express the power within the hood while keeping the shapes harmonious.