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

New Mercedes CLA helps Daimler to 16% profit jump

The new Mercedes CLA (pictured) help Mercedes to a 16% profit jump. There’s an argument that the move in to more compact car sales by premium car makers will see their turnover rise and their profits fall as more compact cars tend to work on smaller margins than high-end luxury cars. But Mercedes has defied that logic by posting a 16 per cent increase in profits for the third quarter of 2013, boosted by sales of the new compact coupé – the Mercedes CLA.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2013) first official pictures

Here’s the second-generation Flying Spur limousine, a refreshingly modernised Bentley that will take the fight to the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes’ new S-class. The exterior is transformed by crisply pressed surfaces, the interior is packed with cutting-edge multi-media features and the W12 drivetrain promises lashings of extra power and better economy. In fact the Flying Spur, which starts deliveries in June for £140,900, is the fastest and most powerful Bentley four-door in history.

Opel rolls out new cars at Frankfurt motor show

While some automakers had just one or two new cars to show off at the Frankfurt motor show, GM's Opel division flooded the show with seven new offerings that'll be revealed as the show progresses. While there were plenty of new production models to be seen, including the revised Opel Insignia lineup, it was perhaps the Opel Monza concept that was designed to grab the attention of showgoers. We got a sneak peek at the Opel Monza concept a couple months ago, and even though a production version is not planned, the Monza is meant to showcase Opel's recent resurgence.