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

Lexus targets BMW X3 with new crossover

LEXUS is set to join the mid-size crossover fray when it launches the NX at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. The move could be a massive one for Lexus as it tests the water in what has become one of the fastest-growing and fiercest-fought market sectors of them all. This teaser shot is all that Lexus is willing to show of the new car before then, but the headlight shape is clearly inspired by the formidable LFA hypercar.

2014 Subaru Outback Facelift gets new engine and gearbox combo

2014 Subaru Outback Facelift gets new engine and gearbox combo But with the world getting used to crossovers, Subaru think now’s the time to make the Outback look a little more glossy, so they’ve decided to paint what was plastic cladding for the 2014 model year. Other exterior titivations include some new colour choices - Deep Sea Blue Pearl and Dark Grey Metallic – with bigger fog lights and gloss black finish to the headlamps and a gunmetal finish for the alloys. Inside, the Outback gets new, more modern, instruments with an LCD cluster and some new material choices for the dashboard elements with black metallic panels making things seem a bit more modern.

Bosch, Aston Martin team up on DB9 hybrid

German engineering firm Bosch has teamed with Aston Martin on a plug-in hybrid version of the venerable DB9. It keeps the 6.0-liter V12, thankfully, and is boosted by electric motors, for a total of more than 740 hp, according to Auto Express. Two motors sit at the front wheels, providing power, making this technically the first all-wheel drive Aston.