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

New engines for BMW 3-Series, 4-Series and X5

The BMW 3-Series, 4-Series (pictured) and X5 ar getting new engine options. With a new BMW X5 recently debuting, together with the new 4-Series and recently updated 3-Series, there are already a number of variants on offer, but this autumn there are more to come. The BMW 4-Series range (the replacement for the old 3-Series Coupe) will see the arrival of a new entry-level model - BMW 420i Coupe – with a 184hp four cylinder petrol engine with a 6-speed manual as standard or the eight-speed auto as an option.

Volvo Emissions Equality Campaign – Great move

The Volvo V70 - less polluting than a Fiat 500 Whenever we get the opportunity – as regular readers will know – we complain about the current obsession with CO2 emissions on cars and call for car makers and Governments to act on the emissions which actually matter – NOx, hydrocarbons and particulates (and here, and here, and here and…). And it looks like Volvo agrees. Volvo are launching the ‘Emissions Equality Campaign to get car buyers to consider the whole picture when it comes to car emissions and not just look at the figure for CO2, which buyers have been brainwashed in to thinking matters (our view of CO2 – not Volvo’s).

BMW ‘reveals’ new EfficientDynamics prototype

BMW has established a Web site called www.dontblogabouthis.com with the express purpose of revealing a prototype being used to test a new gasoline-electric driveline earmarked for a future sports car. It’s expected to be launched in 2012 as part of BMW’s EfficientDynamics program. Featuring two short videos and four photographs of a 6-series based prototype, the Web site provides no additional information about the prototype other than to suggest that the car in question is “more than a 6-series”and is “not in its final stage.” Close inspection reveals the matte black BMW mule has a new front end resembling that of the one-off EfficientDynamics concept revealed at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.