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

Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde gets a tweak and a tickle

2011 Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde - cosmetic tweaks & new toys The Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde already sits at the top of the very appealing MiTo range, but that hasn’t stopped Alfa spreading more Alfa goodness across its bows for the new 2011 model year cars. Don’t get too excited that the tickles include power upgrades – they don’t. But when the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde already boasts one of the best Alfa engines for a long time – the 1.4-litre TB Multiair – that’s not too much of a disappointment.

Audi RS6 Avant Plus outed by Audi UK

Audi RS6 Avant Plus outed by Audi UK The Audi RS6 Avant is, in many way, the pick of the ‘Uber’ estate cars from Germany. True, it’s eschewed its monster V10 for a 4.0 litre V8 turbo in its latest iteration, but in the process it’s become a more complete car which offers great dynamics as well as a mountain of power and torque, judiciously employed through Audi’s quattro 4WD. But as Stephan Reil, Audi Quattro Division boss, said back in January, Audi are planning an even more powerful ‘Plus’ version of the RS6 Avant with around 600bhp to take on cars like the Mercedes E63 AMG S which also offers 4WD (at least in LHD markets) and 577bhp.

Fisker battles problems as the Karma finally lurches toward launch

All Henrik Fisker wants is to build his plug-in hybrid cars and deliver them to customers--some of whom have been waiting three years since plunking down $5,000 deposits. Instead, he has been fending off criticisms aimed at his green-car company as shipments of his $103,000 Karma plug-in hybrid sedan have been delayed by cash flow troubles, regulatory snarls and a recall. But when a startup such as Fisker Automotive accepts a Department of Energy loan in a down economy, having the company tossed around like a political football comes with the territory.