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

BMW releases power kits for the 135i and 335i models

BMW 135i and 335i models can now be retrofitted with two new performance power kits for more muscle and speed. The Version 1 kit has new engine software to optimize performance, while Version 2 tacks on an auxiliary water cooler and radiator fan to keep the engine from getting feverish during extreme driving. With either kit, horsepower increases by 20 hp, to 320 hp, on both models, and torque jumps to 332 lb-ft for models equipped with automatic transmission.

VW Golf GTD (2013) first pictures of diesel hot hatch

VW's Golf GTD - a performance diesel brother to the GTI hot hatch - is here. Rated at 182bhp and 280lb ft, it boasts more punch than the old GTD (an extra 12bhp and 14lb ft), and scores better fuel economy too: up 14mpg to 67.3mpg, if you opt for the six-speed manual gearbox. Could this be the Holy Grail of hot hatches, with punch and economy? Here's the lowdown.

Who's Where: Mamoru Aoki and Koji Nagano promoted to Nissan executive design directors

Mamoru Aoki and Koji Nagano have been promoted to Nissan executive design directors, reporting to head of design Shiro Nakamura. Mamoru Aoki is now responsible for the design and development of all Nissan brand passenger and electric vehicles as well as design strategy and is based at the carmaker's Design Center in Atsugi, Japan. Koji Nagano – previously design director at Infiniti – now manages the design development of the new Datsun brand and Nissan brand light commercial vehicles.