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

Second new London taxi of 2014 unveiled

LONDONERS had better prepare themselves for another new generation of taxi, just days after Nissan confirmed its own assault on the Black Cab market. The plug-in hybrid Fraser-Nash Range Extended Electric Metrocab is capable of more than 75mpg and less than 50g/km of CO2, and is expected to cost no more than a current Hackney carriage. The company says the vehicle could save cabbies £30 to £40 per day in running costs and can go longer between fill-ups.

Pininfarina to close manufacturing operations

Italian design and manufacturing house Pininfarina S.p.A announced it will be cutting back its operations, with the closure of its manufacturing facilities. The decision will see the brand now focusing solely on design and engineering aspects for the automotive industry. The move follows the recent completion of a partnership with Volvo, which saw the production of the C70 convertible at Pininfarina's Sverige AB plant in Uddevalla.

Rinspeed to debut autonomous XchangE concept at Geneva motor show

Dutch coachbuilder Rinspeed has built a reputation for imagining and creating cars from 10 years in the future and making them a reality, either for well-heeled customers or for auto show crowds. So it came as no surprise when it revealed its newest project slated for the 2014 Geneva motor show, meant to preview the interiors of the self-driving cars of tomorrow. Yes, that's a Tesla Model S underneath with a (mostly) muted restyling of the front fascia, though it is really the interior that's meant to be the showpiece.