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

Off the line: Fun cars and social responsibility Autoweek op-ed stands the test of time

It's been almost 21 years to the day that Autoweek printed Matt DeLorenzo's column “Off the Line: There's room for fast, fun cars in diet of social responsibility.” And in those two decades plus, not much has changed except the vehicles themselves. For example, sports cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Huayra have astronomically high performance and safety levels; similarly, sport-utility vehicles that haul entire families (and most of their earthly possessions) achieve fuel economy similar to that of 1970s midsize sedans. To read all of DeLorenzo's thoughts and his case for automobiles, click the links to download the article.

Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen chose the Qatar motor show to debut its new XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle. The latest evolution of the SEV niche – that stretches back to the 1-liter concept of 2002 – makes extensive use of lightweight materials and hybrid technologies to offer a reported 313mpg. The car's exterior is a clear evolution of the tandem seat L1 from 2009.

Rolls Royce Wraith Convertible planned & the Wraith hits Harrods

That means the Wraith gets a stiffened suspension setup to stop it rolling too much and more weight to the steering so you have a chance of knowing where the front wheels are at any given moment. It’s a promising offering from Rolls Royce, but it looks as though the Wraith won’t be a stand-alone model but will be joined, in due course, by a convertible version for those who find the Wraith Coupe not quite ostentatious enough. Who’d have guessed?