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

Honda designers talk about Tokyo concepts

With the Tokyo motor show now firmly in our rear view mirrors, Honda has made us aware of a new addition to its website that highlights the numerous concepts the Japanese company had on show at the exhibition. Answering the question: ‘ What makes people feel good?' Honda designers take us through each of the seven concepts showcased at the Tokyo show, including the RC-E electric motorcycle; E-Canopy three-wheeled scooter; MotorCompo folding scooter; TownWalker mobility vehicle; AC-X show car; Micro Commuter Concept and the EV-Ster electric roadster. The background story on these mobility concepts and vehicles - all told by some of the designers responsible for the projects - can be viewed by clicking on a tab available on the page.

Audi S1 at Paris

The Audi S1 will have a Paris Launch (A1 Wörthersee Concept pictured) It’s getting on for a year since we reported that – despite some saying it wouldn’t happen – Audi were planning at least a warm version of the A1 and had on the drawing board the Audi S1 to take on the MINI Cooper. So it’s not a shock that we hear Audi are planning on bring the S1 along to Paris for a reveal before getting the S1 on the roads by the second quarter of 2011. Expect the usual Audi S bits in the mix  - bigger wheels, fettled suspension, beefed-up brakes, body kit – and power in the S1 to come from the S/C turbo 1.4 TSI found in the VW Polo GTI, although the S1 may just get a tweaked version of the engine as befits its higher standing in the VW hierarchy with a bit more than the 178 horses the Polo GTI manages.

Economic downturn might hit plans for Porsche small roadster

Porsche's decision on whether to build an entry-level roadster will depend on the global economy, CEO Matthias Mueller said. Mueller said that if the automaker decides to go ahead with the car, sales would begin at the earliest in the third quarter of 2014, but probably later. A decision on production will depend on how the global economic situation pans out, particularly in relation to the auto industry, Mueller said.