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

Civic hybrid tests Honda's new strategy

Despite being the first to sell an electric-gasoline car in the United States and making hybrid technology a centerpiece of its fuel economy push, Honda Motor Co. has yet to have a hybrid hit. But the redesigned Civic Hybrid, launched April 20, is the first test of whether Honda's new strategy of tapping lithium ion batteries and, later, two-motor systems can break the streak.

Nissan Qashqai+2 (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 07 April 2008 08:54 We’ve heard of 2+2s before, but Nissan is taking this numbers game to a whole new level with the Qashqai+2. As its name suggests, this is a slightly bigger version of the crossover with seven seats, up from the regular car’s five.CAR Online scooped the super-sized Qashqai last year, so it comes as no surprise. Nissan has stretched the wheelbase by 135mm to free up the extra space for a third row of seats, which fold flat when not needed.

Mazda MX-5 Superlight concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 11 September 2009 09:30 To celebrate 20 years of the MX-5, Mazda has produced this special Superlight concept which be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show next week. Mazda started with the facelifted version of its third-gen sports car and pared it back to basics to create an uncompromising sub-1000kg two-seater sports car. According to project lead designer Hasip Girgin, the challenge was 'to evolve the MX-5, developed to perfection during the last 20 years, to a higher and extreme level.' As such, Mazda seems to be treating the MX-5 Superlight like a portly Caterham, claiming the lack of a windscreen and roof makes the driver and passenger feel more connected with the environment.