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

Architects design extravagant portable EVs solar-charging pavilion

Architects Synthetic Design + Architecture has designed a portable, solar-charging pavilion for electric vehicles using integrated photovoltaic cells. A beautiful, flowing form made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh fabric incorporating the photovoltaic panels, allowing the pavilion to act as a charger. Designed to combine structure, form and performance, carbon rods are twisted into curves by the digitally-designed mesh contours.

Audi RS6 Avant ‘Plus’ planned with 600bhp

Audi are planning a ‘Plus’ model of the new RS6 Avant which will come with around 600bhp and be a full production model. Just as they have with the launch of the TT RS Plus, Audi are planning to give the new RS6 Avant even more power than it already enjoys in an RS6 Avant Plus model, and it won’t be a limited edition model but a full production option. Talking to Car Magazine, Stephan Reil, Audi Quattri Division boss, said that Audi were planning a range of RS Plus models which could get not just a performance boost but less weight too.

Nissan NV200: Nissan’s take on the London Taxi

Nissan is taking on the Black Cab market with the Nissan NV200 London Taxi, expected to go on sale in 2014 from around £30k. It may not be the biggest market in the car world, but the profile of the London Taxi makes it a worthwhile target for car makers. Mercedes recently took on the traditional Black Cab with their Vito-based taxi and did a very good job – but at a price; the Mercedes Vito Cab costs around £42k, almost £10k more than the traditional London Taxi.