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

Trio of Mitsubishi concepts bound for Tokyo

Mitsubishi is bringing three new concepts to next month's Tokyo motor show, the first to be developed with the automaker's ‘@earth' design philosophy. The carmaker says the three will emphasize Mitsubishi's engineering and advanced technologies that embody environmental responsibility, driving pleasure, toughness and safety. Concept GC-PHEV is a full-size SUV that uses a high output PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) system and is billed as a ‘connected car' offering preventive safety technology, wireless connectivity and driver support.

Skoda Fabia vRS to be dropped due to poor sales. Is that a good idea?

The Skoda Fabia vRS (pictured) is being axed The current version of the Skoda Fabia vRS has been with us since the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, and it’s a cracking little car. It’s the Skoda version of the VW Polo GTI and comes with the same 1.4 litre TSI supercharged with a healthy 178bhp, 7-speed DSG gearbox and performance and economy that satisfies – 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and 44mpg. But it seems buyers aren’t queueing round the block to drive off in Skoda’s hot little Fabia so it’s going to be dropped.

Cars, Culture and the City

When you think of American cities associated with the car it is Los Angeles of course that leaps first to mind, thanks mostly to Hollywood, and Detroit second. But New York turns out to have been vital in the history of car design, as I found researching an exhibition Cars, Culture and the City at the Museum of the City of New York as guest curator over the last few months, working with the museums curator architecture and design, Donald Albrecht. The show has just opened, on March 25.