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

New Mercedes-Benz S-class spotted in SoCal

The new Mercedes-Benz S-class must be hustling toward the developmental-cycle finish line, because it's been spotted en masse in places such as Toronto (where it must be undergoing cold-weather testing) and Irvine, Calif. (where it must be gauging the interest of Benz-crazy vox populi). Because as devoid as it is of bodywork-breaking pillboxes, camera-obfuscating swirl paint, and surly engineers, the fact that it's seen here in little more than some sticky paper and a pair of cheap sunglasses on the driver means that the elder statesman of the automotive world is readying its next debut.

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI (2010) first picture

This new Audi A1 might have a long and convoluted name – it's the A1 1.4 TFSI (136 kW) – but it's not an Audi S1 by another name. While everyone has been expecting a hot version of the A1 to be unveiled at next week's Paris motor show (and this is it), it's not dubbed S1 because there's an even hotter version of the A1 still to come. Meanwhile, this first tuned and tweaked version of the A1 uses the same engine as the VW Polo GTI, Skoda Fabia vRS and Seat Ibiza Cupra.

Ed Balls faces driving ban

SHADOW CHANCELLOR Ed Balls could be banned from driving today as he answers a summons for failing to stop after bumping another car. The case, which arises from an incident in the Morley and Outwood MP's constituency on April 5, will be heard by magistrates in Leeds, although the Labour front-bencher is not expected to attend court. Mr Balls's office has said he will be responding in writing and will not contest the charge.