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

Volkswagen XL1

This, remarkably, is the production version of the Volkswagen XL1, the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, a car we'll see in Geneva in a little over a week. Barely changed from the concept version shown at the Qatar motor show two years ago, the production XL1 is the first production result of VW's 1-liter project – to design a car that uses less than 1l/100km (282.5mpg imperial) – that started with the lozenge-shaped, tandem-seat 2003 1L and the later L1 of 2009. The XL1 actually beats that by sipping just 0.9 liters with CO2 emissions of 21g/km.

Top Gear in Lucca with Citroen DS3 Racing, Fiat 500C Abarth and Renault Clio RS

The TG boys in the Piazza in Lucca Lucca is considered by those who know it to be Tuscany’s best kept secret. With its 16th century walls all round the town, delightful piazzas and medieval centre it is all a picture-book Tuscan town should be. In fact, even though few know it well Henry James said of Lucca that it is “overflowing with everything that makes for ease, for plenty, for beauty, for interest and good example”.

Brabus tunes up the Mercedes-Benz CL and an S-class

Brabus, tuner of all things Mercedes-Benz, has set its engineers loose on the all-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz CL and S500 models for the winter. The tuners add power, remove the standard speed limiter and add a custom exterior package. Both cars will be on the Brabus stand at the Essen Motor Show, which is like the SEMA of Germany.