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

Mercedes proves E-Class hybrid tech with unusual test

IN AN impressive display of performance and economy, Mercedes-Benz has completed a lengthy test of its new E300 Bluetech Hybrid saloon by driving it almost the length of the country on a single tank of fuel with a flat-out speed test at either end. With ex-rally driver Mick Linford at the wheel the standard production E300 Bluetech Hybrid began with a full tank of fuel at Newquay Cornwall Airport, the most southerly airport in mainland Britain. Down the main runway it completed an acceleration test to past 62mph from rest in a little over seven seconds and reached 136mph before braking for the end of the runway.

Nissan's London taxi to be assembled in Coventry

NISSAN has announced that final assembly of its new NV200-based London taxi will take place in Coventry, contributing to a £6 million investment in a brand new facility. ADV Manufacturing will undertake the final production stage before each unit then heads for the streets of the English capital. Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer and Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Corporation, revealed the news as part of his address to students at Coventry University, where he was delivering the prestigious Bugatti Lecture on the future of motoring.

Kia Pro_Cee’d GT Turbo first photo leaks out

We have the first of the 2013 Kia Pro_Cee’d GT – Kia’s Pro_Cee’d with the Veloster Turbo engine – ahead of its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. We reported back in October that Kia were definitely going to stick the 1.6 litre petrol turbo from the Hyundai Velsoter in to the 3-door Pro_Cee’d to create a quite warm hatch to start chasing the hot hatch market, and Kia themselves teased the Pro_Cee’d GT in November. And now, ahead of the reveal of the Pro_Cee’d GT in March at Geneva, we get the first photo of the Pr0_Cee’d GT complete with the added butchness we expected to differentiate the GT from its more prosaic siblings.