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

GM considers CVTs for small cars

General Motors Co., aiming to give its small cars a sales edge, may introduce continuously variable transmissions to deliver better fuel economy, executives say. GM doesn't use CVTs now. But they could be used on models such as the Chevrolet Spark, Aveo and Cruze in the next three years, said Mike Arcamone, CEO of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology.

Mercedes A45 AMG (2013) first pictures of new hot hatch

This is the Mercedes A45 AMG: the first time Merc’s in-house tuning arm has tried its hand at building a hot hatch. Packing 355bhp, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch paddleshift transmission, the A45 AMG will outpace a Porsche 911, but cost less than £40,000. It’s on UK sale from July 2013, but if you can’t wait that long, Merc’s baby barnstormer is appearing at the Geneva motor show from 5 March 2013.

New Audi A3 price from £19,205

Audi has revealed that the new 3 door Audi A3 will cost from £19,205 with first UK cars due in September 2012. The new Audi A3 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show back in March and, despite looking almost the same as the old A3, is actually an all new offering from Audi. The new A3 gets a longer wheelbase thanks to the new MBQ platform, which gives more cabin room despite the almost coupe-like looks and a drop in weight thanks to aluminium bumpers and bonnet and high-strength steel.