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

XCar tests the Jaguar F-Type R coupe in Spain

Host Alex Goy put the new hardtop Jaguar F-Type R coupe through its paces in the latest edition of XCar. Goy says the loud, red Jag was the first car he has been pulled over in during a shoot -- which must mean he’s either more restrained than we’d have guessed or just supremely lucky. The F-Type R is now the fastest Jaguar you can buy, with 543 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Nissan updates GT-R for Europe

Now that the initial excitement over the GT-R has died down, Nissan has launched a round of improvements aimed at improving its reliability, comfort and yes, even its ability to plaster a smile across your face. Apparently so. Changes to spring and damper rates improve the pretty woeful ride comfort but also the handling, says Nissan, thanks to more accurate control of suspension movements.

Porsche Macan to get a bolder look before launch

The Porsche Macan – the baby Cayenne – is to get a new, bold look before it launches in 2014, to make it better able to compete against the Range Rover Evoque. The Porsche Macan, Porsche’s baby Cayenne based on the underpinnings of the Audi Q5, is a big deal for Porsche. Having discovered that an SUV could revive their fortunes after they launched the Cayenne a decade ago, the smaller, lower-priced Macan should give both Porsche’s sales and profits a big boost.