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

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics (2009) teaser video

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 28 August 2009 12:49 BMW has launched a teaser video for the Vision EfficientDynamics sports car concept that it will unveil at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show – and we've today published a new (sadly teaser again) photo of the green coupé from our friends over at IAAblog.com Not a lot until the final few sequences when we get to see the rear of this eco-friendly concept car. It shows the back of the sports car with F1-inspired winglets and other body addendum, plus external rear lights. BMW announced the car at the same time it confirmed its withdrawal from F1, claiming the concept would ‘demonstrate how efficient a sports car can be’ and that it ‘will also prove that sustainability does not apply to the drive train alone, but to design and materials as well.’ There’s been no hint from Munich on the powertrain, but in line with the other cars BMW will reveal (the X6 and 7-series ActiveHybrids) the Vision EfficientDynamics concept will almost certainly feature hybrid drive.

Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.

Honda unveils supercharged CR-Z, 2014 Civic Coupe at SEMA

Hard to tell, but the supercharged tomato you see above represents a fundamental shift within Honda: it is the first car from Honda Performance Development with parts that actually make your car go faster. Honda Performance Development: "We're not just body kits and lowering springs anymore!" After two decades in actual racing development, perhaps it was time. HPD has built engines and chassis for IndyCar, American Le Mans Prototypes, Formula Atlantic, and the Continental Sports Car Challenge.