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

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid: Production underway

The world’s first production plug-in diesel hybrid – the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – has gone in to production ahead of customer deliveries. Volvo are producing just 1,000 2013 V60 plug-ins, but are aiming to up production to between 4-6,000 a year from the 2014 model year and, despite the problems of integrating the V60′s complicated electric stuff in to a production car, the V60 plug-in is rolling down the same production line as the regular V60, V70, S80 and XC90. That complicated stuff includes two different powertrains and a battery pack – enough for up to 32 miles as an EV only – and a total of 300 additional parts compared to a regular ICE V60.

Suzuki Crosshiker concept stars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013

Back in 2011, Suzuki unveiled an ultra-efficient small car concept called the Regina –　though this name was quickly changed to G70 for Europe (can’t imagine why). Now in 2013, Suzuki has unveiled the Crosshiker – a taller, chunkier take on the same theme. This is a very modern crossover, in other words.

Nissan Denki Cube concept

By Liz Turner Motor Shows 20 March 2008 16:24 Nissan's cute Cube will go on sale in the US in 2009 and a production version will be unveiled at the next LA Auto Show, Nissan announced in New York. This will be a petrol Cube: an electric Cube, based on the Denki concept unveiled in NY will follow. 'Denki' is Japanese for electric and the concept is the current Cube with a new EV powertrain, with various trim tweaks to remind you of the battery power.