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

Spy photos: BMW i8 hits Swedish test track

Spy photographers caught the new BMW i8 testing on a secret track wearing the company’s familiar psychedelic camouflage. The test car pictured is a preproduction model rather than a concept BMW i8, similar to what should appear in 2013. As reported earlier, we’re expecting BMW’s 2014 i8 hybrid coupe to get a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine--essentially the same unit earmarked to head into the next-generation Mini and the front-wheel-drive BMW 1-series due out in 2014.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster

Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster Expected to sport the same 650bhp engine as the Reventon, this LP650-4 looks like it’s going to be one of the quickest open-topped cars there is, with a 0-60 time just over 3 seconds. Just like the Reventon, the LP650-4 looks likely to come in just one colour choice, in this case a matt grey (Grigio Telesta) with orange accents, and dark painted alloys. With the expected launch of the LP670-4 SV happening at Geneva in a couple of weeks, it is unlikely that Lamborghini will show this car, more likely saving it for later in the year for maximum impact.

Mercedes removed Lieb over compliance issue, report says

Daimler AG dismissed Mercedes-Benz USA chief Ernst Lieb for violations of human resources and ethics policies relating to household expenses paid by the automaker, The Financial Times reported Wednesday, citing sources close to the company. Lieb was abruptly removed as head of the automaker's second-largest market on Oct. 17 after more than 30 years at Daimler.