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

Chevrolet Sonic at the 2011 Detroit auto show

One of GM's numerous debuts at the 2011 Detroit auto show was this: the Chevrolet Sonic. Shown as a hatchback and four-door notchback, it's one of The General's weapons to tackle the now-globalised Ford Fiesta and its ilk. Good spot. That's because this is the US-spec Aveo - albeit shown in US-only notchback form as well as the more Euro-flavoured hatchback.

Nissan developing the self-cleaning car

Motorists may never need to wash their cars again, as Nissan is helping to develop paint that repels mud, rain and dirt. The technology, which Nissan tells us is “super-hyrophobic and oleophobic”, creates a protective layer of air between the paint and the environment, preventing dirt sticking to the car. Nissan Nissan Note already uses self-cleaning technology Called Ultra-Ever Dry, the tech is currently being tested on the Nissan Note, which already features a ‘wash and blow dry’ function on its rear view camera.

New Audi A1 Black Edition and Contrast Edition & 143PS 2.0-litre TDI engine

New Audi A1 Black Edition (left) & A1 Contrast Edition It was always obvious from the start when Audi launched the A1 that they intended to go the MINI route and offer as many options and limited editions as they could muster. So the launch of the Audi A1 Black Edition and A1 Contrast Edition is not exactly a shock. And nor is a new 143PS 2.0-litre TDI engine option.