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

The Frankfurt motor show 2009 review, by Ben Oliver

By Ben Oliver Motor Shows 16 September 2009 00:01 Taking the metro to the Frankfurt motor show, I was surrounded by men whose grey suits, lapel badges and reading matter made it obvious they were car company execs heading the same way. In previous years they probably had access to the fleets of chauffeur-driven cars that used to clog the town as they shuttled from airport to exhibition hall to hotel. But Frankfurt, like every other motor show, finds itself in reduced circumstances this year.  The Paris and Frankurt shows alternate, and the comparison with Paris this time last year is instructive.

Renault Twin-Z concept (2013) first official pictures

This is the Renault Twin-Z concept (say it 'Twin-Zee'). Although it packs the usual concept car madness of suicide doors, a pared-back cabin and LEDs everywhere, it actually previews the look – and drivetrain – of the next Renault Twingo. The big news is that it'll be rear-engined, rear-drive, and offer an electric option for less money than the £13k Renault Zoe EV.

Peter Horbury replaces Steve Mattin as Vice President of Design at Volvo Cars

Ford Motor Company announced key changes to both Volvo Cars and Ford's Americas design operations today. Effective May 1, Peter Horbury, currently Executive Director of Ford Americas Design, will return to Volvo as Vice President of Design, replacing Steve Mattin who, according to Volvo, "elected to leave the company". Insider sources tell us he was forced out.