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

VW Scirocco GTS launches – but not in UK

There’s a new Scirocco available across Europe from this month – the VW Scirocco GTS – but it’s not coming to the UK. The GTS is more of a trim level than a stand-alone model and you can grab it with a variety of engines – 1.4 litre TSI, 2.0 litre TSI and 2.0 litre TDI – as the GTS trim just adds cosmetic tweaks to the Scirocco and nothing in the way of power or performance upgrades. Those cosmetic tweaks amount to  thumping great black stripes up the bonnet bordered by thinner red stripes (which all continues over the top and down the back of the GTS), red covers for the door mirrors, 18″ alloys, a spoiler at the back (nicked from the Scirocco R) and a more butch back bumper with diffuser.

2012 Mercedes SL – the aluminium supercar

2012 Mercedes SL - it's got a lot of aluminium It’s perhaps a step too far to describe the 2012 Mercedes SL as an aluminium supercar, but there is no doubt the 2012 SL will be a super car, and that it gets made from aluminium instead of steel. And the 2012 SL 63 AMG will undoubtedly be in the supercar league. Just like Jaguar, Mercedes sees the liberal use of aluminium as a cost-effective way to make its cars both lighter and more rigid.

Apple and Ferrari—What could be better?

Recently a press release popped into my email (remember when we used to say “came across my desk”?) that said Eddy Cue, Apple's head of Internet software and services, has joined Ferrari's board of directors. The statement said while on the board Cue, a Ferrari owner, will “aid with his experience in Internet-based commerce.” My two cents: It's a brilliant move for both parties, and the ramifications could be huge. Think about it: Does this mean Apple wants to make stuff for cars?