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

2013 Mazda MX-5 Facelift on sale next week

The mildly revised 2013 Mazda MX-5 – with a new nose and some minor tweaks – goes on sale in the UK on 1st December. Perhaps the only really noticeable bit of the ‘upgrade’ for the MX-5 is a tweaked nose with a slightly bolder front bumper, but there are other changes too. The seven model MX-5 lineup for 2013 sees the arrival of the 2.0-litre MX-5 Sport Tech Nav models – yes, you guessed it, they get SatNav – and the bonnet gets an active bonnet system to pop up if you happen to scoop up a passing pedestrian, mitigating injuries.

Volvo makes breakthrough in battery tech

Volvo has developed a new way of ‘storing’ energy for its future electric vehicles. The Swedish firm is exploring the concept of lightweight structural energy storage components made from carbonfibre, containing “nano structured batteries and super capacitors.” This technology is said to offer a lighter, more compact solution to the problem of energy storage, potentially removing the need for the heavy, bulky batteries used in current electric vehicles. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo S80 Find out how much a used Volvo S80 costs on Auto Trader The investigation into the new technology is part of an EU-funded research project, undertaken by Volvo – the only major car manufacturer involved – and nine other organisations.

Citroen Technospace concept car (2013) first pictures

Don't be fooled by the concept car ruse: this is the new Citroen C4 Picasso in almost showroom-ready spec. Citroen hasn't even gone to the trouble of fitting massive wheels and cameras for mirrors to play up the concept car claim. This is Citroen's next compact MPV, due on sale in the second half of 2013. Citroen Technospace concept: the need-to-know The next Citroen C4 Picasso will use the company's lighter 'EMP2' underpinnings.