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

Audi A1 Quattro models ‘on the way’

Audi has confirmed it is testing four-wheel drive Quattro versions of the A1 – indicating an imminent expansion of Audi’s supermini range. Although showcased as this one-off at a Quattro publicity event in Montreal, Canada, to celebrate 30 years of the all-corner drive system, Ingolstadt acknowledged at last autumn’s 2010 Paris motor show that Quattro versions of the A1 were in the pipeline. The production A1 Quattro will use the Haldex differential to split drive to both axles; it’s a similar technology to that found in A3 and TT Quattros, as opposed to the mechanical Torsen diff found in larger Quattro models.

Dacia Duster (w/ Video)

Renault's Romanian subsidiary has unveiled the production Duster, a small all-terrain vehicle that the brand plans to launch in the European, Turkish and Maghreb markets. First seen in concept form at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the Dacia Duster is a response to the unmet need for an economical and affordable off-roader, a category of vehicle the company developed for emerging markets. The Duster is claimed to exude a sense of ruggedness through its high ground clearance, wide wheelarches, imposing grille and body protection.

BMW i3 (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

The new BMW i3 offers the potential dream ticket of carbonfibre construction and zero tailpipe emissions (not to mention a posh badge) for £25k. It’s an electrically driven city car designed from the ground up to be as eco-friendly as possible, but still a decent drive. The all-new city car's order books will open this summer, with the i3 range officially launching on 16 November.