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

For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

Wraps come off revised Touareg

VOLKSWAGEN has announced prices and specifications for its revised Touareg, ahead of the SUV hitting the showrooms in November. Priced from £43,000, two versions of VW’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine will be offered, while the inclusion of an eight-speed auto gearbox has resulted in the entry level 204 horsepower variant emitting just 173g/km CO2 – 11g/km less than before. On the outside, the new Touareg features revised bumpers and grilles, new alloy wheel designs, new colours and bi-xenon headlights as standard.

Dany Bahar’s restored V8 Lotus Esprit for sale

With Dany Bahar now ousted as Lotus boss, his fully restored 2002 V8 Lotus Esprit is up for sale. When Dany Bahar joined Lotus from Ferrari, he brought with him some grandiose plans – and an ability to spend money – that were ultimately his undoing. And it appears Bahar was a bit too grand to run around in any of Lotus’s current models as ambassador for the brand, instead deciding the way to go was a fully restored version of the last Lotus supercar – the Lotus Esprit.