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

Citroen Cactus concept car (2013): the first bubble-wrap, bump-free car

French car firm Citroen has enjoyed some success with its range of upmarket DS models – but now it’s turning its attention to the bread-and-butter C-line cars. And the new 2013 Citroen Cactus concept car is the first look at what’s in store for the mainstream Citroen car range. The Citroen Cactus immediately stands out from the crowd of same-again European crossovers because of its novel Airbump system: think of protective bubble-wrap on the doors and bumpers to protect them from scrapes and dings in car parks and you’re not far from the truth.

McLaren MP4-12C named

The McLaren P11 has now been named - it will be the McLaren MP4-12C Update 9/9/09: McLaren has now released full details and pictures of the McLaren MP4-12C Update 10/0/09: Ron Dennis talks about the MP4-12c and McLaren Automotive’s future plans. But of course it’s about McLaren history, and more than a passing nod to its F1 heritage. The McLaren F1 cars are all dubbed MP4, but I think we’d prefer to have seen something like McLaren F2.

Renault and Caterham to co-build Alpine sports cars

Renault and Caterham are to join forces and build a new range of sports car models together from early 2013, under the classic Alpine badge, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn confirmed today. At a press conference in Paris, he announced a new Anglo-French partnership which will spawn a new breed of sports cars for both brands. 'This innovative partnership with Caterham embodies a longstanding ambition: the creation of a sports car with the Alpine DNA,' said Ghosn.