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

2012 Mercedes S Class to spawn a convertible

The n2012 Mercedes S Class will lose its top It’s probably a sign of increasing decrepitude as it seems only five minutes since Mercedes launched the current S Class, but already we’re talking about the 2012 Mercedes S Class – and it’s only a year away. As has always been the case with a new S-Class we can look forward to a raft of new innovations when the new S Class launches late next year; clever stuff that will eventually filter down to the cars of lesser mortals as the technology matures and the cost falls. And that clever stuff will be packaged up in a big saloon car – the normal S-Class – an even bigger car – the LWB S-Class – and a huge two door coupe – the Mercedes CL, which is expected to be renamed the S-Class Coupe when the new S-Class launches.

VW Up Taxi Concept (2010): first official pictures

Volkswagen has shown off its Up Taxi Concept at a special unveiling in London today. The Up Taxi is VW's vision of a quirky and environmental rival to the classic London black cab, the Hackney carriage, and offers a very good idea of what the Up will eventually look like. The concept has luxurious leather seats and big touchscreens in the front and rear.

Maserati GranTurismo

Maserati has released photos of their new coupe, the GranTurismo, in advance of its unveiling at Geneva next week. Designed by Pininfarina, the sketches also circulating were by Jason Castriota who penned the Maserati Birdcage concept shown in Geneva in 2005, before it turned heads at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that year. There is affinity between the two designs, and a more aggressive look than the current car designed by ItalDesign.