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

Lexus IS (2013) more details of new 3-series rival

Lexus has pulled the cloth back on the all-new Lexus IS at the 2013 Detroit motor show, and announced more details of its new hybrid 3-series rival. This will be the first hybrid Lexus IS, and UK sales will start in summer 2013.  What do we know about the new hybrid Lexus IS?  The IS300h combines an electric motor with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The torque output is yet to be confirmed, but there's 217bhp and Lexus is aiming for a sub-100g/km CO2 output and fuel consumption of at least 65mpg. Figures like that are likely to grab the attention of fleet managers, as Lexus hopes to close the gap on rivals like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class and Audi A4.  There's a non-hybrid model too, but this IS250 will be powered by a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine. It won't be a fleet favourite.  The IS250h has a six-speed automatic transmission, the IS300h has a CVT gearbox, and both cars are rear-wheel drive.

2014 Chevy Corvette appears in Gran Turismo 5

Information on the seventh-generation Chevy Corvette has been popping up in different places for months. First we saw the front end leaked by a supplier. Then we saw mules testing with C6 bodies.

Cabbies test new British-built hybrid Black Cab

LONDON cabbies have seized the chance to test the first in a new wave of low-emissions taxis. At Metrocab's testing facility in Surrey, representatives from the Capital's taxi world met London Mayor Boris Johnson, who after driving the car threatened to turn into Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson. The Mayor joined Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) General Secretary Steve McNamara, and London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) Chairman Grant Davis to put the Metrocab’s zero emissions capability to the test.