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

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid: Production underway

The world’s first production plug-in diesel hybrid – the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – has gone in to production ahead of customer deliveries. Volvo are producing just 1,000 2013 V60 plug-ins, but are aiming to up production to between 4-6,000 a year from the 2014 model year and, despite the problems of integrating the V60′s complicated electric stuff in to a production car, the V60 plug-in is rolling down the same production line as the regular V60, V70, S80 and XC90. That complicated stuff includes two different powertrains and a battery pack – enough for up to 32 miles as an EV only – and a total of 300 additional parts compared to a regular ICE V60.

Top Gear: Clarkson, Hammond & May sign for another 3 years

It’s been revealed that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed up for another 3 years of Top Gear. There may not be a new series of Top Gear on its way until 2013, but we now know that Top Gear as we know it – with Jeremy, Richard and James – is safe for another three years after the trio signed a new deal with the BBC, tying them in to Top Gear until 2016. So, despite the naysayers claiming Top Gear has had its day and will end soon, we can guarantee another three years of the nation’s (and the world’s) favourite car entertainment programme.

Next-generation Ford Transit dubbed taxi of the future

Ford introduced its redesigned 2014 Transit Taxi, which features increased passenger and cargo space, claimed “livery-duty durability,” and lower operating costs. The 2014 Transit comes with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is expected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy.