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

How VW's XL1 will make your next Golf lighter, faster and more frugal

VW will only build 250 examples of the XL1, its super-streamlined two-seater than scores a combined 314mpg thanks to its plug-in hybrid diesel engine, lightweight construction and low-drag design. Each punter will have to put up around €100,000 for the privilege of saving money on fuel – but don’t worry, because every car across the VW Group will benefit from the lessons learned, all by 2020. Is my next VW likely to be a hybrid?

Lambrecht Chevrolet auction update: More detail on the cars

In about seven weeks, roughly 500 cars from Lambrecht Chevrolet in Pierce, Neb., will go across the auction block. And pre-bidding has already started on this massive time-capsule collection, accumulated over the course of many decades by Ray and Mildred Lambrecht, a husband and wife team who ran the dealership for more than 50 years. Autoweek will be in Pierce, Neb., to cover the sale in late September and to preserve a sample of the dust on the dealership floor for scientific study.

Design Contest: Renault UK launches Twizy student design competition

We all know how expensive higher education is, so the chance to win up to £9,000 towards UK tuition fees in return for submitting graphic designs for the Renault Twizy sounds very appealing. All you have to do is visit designatwizy.co.uk to download a layout of the front, side and rear and submit as many entries as you like. The closing date is 20 February, when a panel including Senior Vice President, Corporate Design, Laurens van den Acker will choose a top 10 to enter a public vote.