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

2013 Nissan LEAF updated

Nissan has updated the LEAF EV in Japan for 2013 with better range, less weight and a new LEAF S entry-level model. Revealed in Japan – but likely to come to the UK from 2013 when the LEAF starts rolling out of Nissan’s Sunderland factory – there are significant upgrades to the powertrain which result in both less weight and better range. Nissan has had a play with the electric powertrain and made it both smaller and lighter with a new motor that uses 40 per cent less dysprosium (a rare earth metal) than before, and comes in 30 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, and a new streamline battery case and a few other tweaks drops the LEAF’s weight by 80kg.

New Land Rover Defender – Project Icon

Land Rover are planning a new Defender to launch in 2012 As always, the Defender is going to be the traditional Land Rover as – unlike the rest of the Land Rover Range which is moving over to aluminium platforms – the new Defender will be based on the existing – and very capable – current model Discovery platform. The use of the T5, twin rail steel chassis from the Discovery is vital if the Defender is to continue to offer the range of body styles currently available – including hard and soft tops – which make the Defender the versatile work horse it is. But the Defender will still be going on a diet and will be a lighter car than the current Model.

2015 Mercedes S-class Coupe: The flagship has landed

Mercedes-Benz's long history building dramatic flagship coupes started with the 1952 300 S, considered a “car for the world's elite.” The 220 S Coupe followed in 1956, and the elegant W111/W112 coupes ran from '61 to '71. Over the years, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, SEC coupe, S600 Coupe and CL class all added to Mercedes' reputation for building gorgeous, sought-after coupes. Now comes the new S-class Coupe, making its public debut at the Geneva motor show March 4 and arriving in U.S.