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

Honda CR-Z Hybrid – the promo video

Honda has released a promo video (below) for the Honda CR-Z Last month we got the specs and prices for the UK Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Honda’s modern hybrid take on the CR-X – they want us to believe. So having given us the buy price – it starts at £17k – and the specification – the basic gets Climate ,  CD player, heated door mirrors, rear dimming mirror, electric windows, daytime running lights and Shift Indicator Light (SIL) – it’s now time to get the marketing underway. Despite feeling that Honda are barking up the wrong tree by trying to make an underpowered hybrid powertrain seem an appealingly sporty prospect, we have to admire their wish to do so.

CONFIRMED: McLaren P13 will arrive in 2015 to take on Porsche 911 & Audi R8

McLaren has confirmed the McLaren P13 will arrive in 2015. The original plan for McLaren’s new range of supercars was that the 458-bashing 12C would arrive first (which it did) followed by a more affordable mid-engined car – think nearer £100k than £200k – to mop up sales from the Porsche 911 and Audi R8. But McLaren decided they should get the P1 out before the P13 so they could give their dealer network a nice halo model, and go head-to-head with LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

Maeda named new Mazda design boss, replacing van den Acker

Ikuo Maeda is the new head of design at Mazda Motor Corp. The man who is credited with styling the Mazda's flagship sports car takes over for Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, 43, who has decided to leave the company "to pursue other interests," the automaker said in a statement today. Van den Acker, who joined Mazda in 2006, will remain at the automaker until April 10 to ensure a smooth transition for Maeda, Mazda said.