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

Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive sets Nurburgring production EV record

The Mercedes SLS AMG ED (pictured) set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring Just as Audi decides that the R8 e-Tron isn’t a production viable option, Mercedes decides to prove there is potential for electric cars at the very high end. The Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive has been to the Nurburgring and set a new lap record for a production electric car of just 7 minutes 55 seconds. The SLS AMG ED, which goes on sale very soon at more than £300k, may weigh a chunk more than a regular SLS (550kg more), but it gets plenty of help from its four electric motors – one at each corner – to overcome the weight of its batteries with 751bhp and 737lb/ft of torque on hand.

Daimler, Renault are set to share vehicle platforms and engines

Following a year of intensive high-level talks and secretive, behind the scenes strategy meetings, Daimler AG and Renault SA have agreed on plans that will see their car-making divisions--Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault and Nissan--share resources on a wide range of products. The move signals more consolidation within the European automotive industry. Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche and Renault president Carlos Ghosn have set out three primary areas of cooperation that will see the carmakers share small-car and light-commercial-vehicle platforms, small gasoline and diesel engines, and electric drive systems.

McLaren MP4-12C High Sport – and then there were 10

McLaren MP4-12C High Sport - 10 cars made and just a white one left We’ve discovered that there have actually been 10 McLaren MP4-12C High Sport models created – and one is up for grabs. Last week we reported on a very special run of five special McLarens – the McLaren MP4-12C High Sport – commissioned by a dealer and created by McLaren Special Operations at Woking. The MP4-12C High Sport adopted cues from Mclaren’s MP4-12C GT3 for its cosmetic makeover with a new nose, new back bumper, bigger air vents, new diffuser and new rear wing, all set off by a new set of bespoke alloys.