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

What's different about electric cars this time? A column by Kevin A. Wilson

Thirteen years after the General Motors EV1 was rolled out to cheers from advocates of a revolution in the way we power automobiles, those same advocates are out front cheerleading yet another revival of an idea as old as the automobile itself: Run 'em on batteries. Batteries aren't a source of energy. They're just storage units, a convenient means of making power portable.

Lexus LF-NX Concept Compact SUV/Crossover makes a statement: Frankfurt 2013

The Lexus LF-NX SUV/Crossover Concept (pictured) arrives at Frankfurt We actually saw the first photos of the Lexus LF-NX – a more compact SUV/Crossover Concept – in the run-up to the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it certainly looked dramatic. In the flesh, the LF-NX actually looks even m0re dramatic; it’s almost cartoon-like in its styling and proportions. Looking a little like Lexus have taken their statement spindle grill, made it bigger and created a body design using origami, the LF-NX is certainly not a shy and retiring, understated Lexus.

Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive sets Nurburgring production EV record

The Mercedes SLS AMG ED (pictured) set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring Just as Audi decides that the R8 e-Tron isn’t a production viable option, Mercedes decides to prove there is potential for electric cars at the very high end. The Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive has been to the Nurburgring and set a new lap record for a production electric car of just 7 minutes 55 seconds. The SLS AMG ED, which goes on sale very soon at more than £300k, may weigh a chunk more than a regular SLS (550kg more), but it gets plenty of help from its four electric motors – one at each corner – to overcome the weight of its batteries with 751bhp and 737lb/ft of torque on hand.