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

McLaren MP4-12 650S hits the Web ahead of official Geneva reveal

Images of the new McLaren MP4-12 650S have leaked to the Internet ahead of a planned unveiling for the British supercar at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. Created in response to customer demand for an edgier version of the McLaren MP4-12C offering greater levels of driver engagement, the 650S runs a more heavily tuned version of McLaren's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 direct-injection engine producing a claimed 25 hp more than the variant used by standard sibling for a total of 641 hp (as its name suggests 650 ps -- metric hp). Further details remain scarce ahead of the MP4-12C 650S's official public unveiling in Switzerland two weeks from now, although information passed on to prospective customers at a private presentation of the new two-seater held last week suggest it is also in line to receive a series of modifications to its seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes and aerodynamics -- all aimed at providing it with a more aggressive nature and added racetrack ability.

Whos Where: Hakan Saracoglu appointed design director of Chery's Shanghai studio

Hakan Saracoglu has been appointed director of Chery Motor's Shanghai design facility. He will work alongside director of corporate design James Hope who continues in his role overseeing Chery design. Turkish-born Saracoglu joins the Chinese state-owned manufacturer from Porsche where he worked from April 1998.

Scion FR-S concept

Another day, another variation on the fabled Toyota FT-86. Following on from the FT-86 II at Geneva and the re-emergence of the original version at the Seoul Auto Show, New York played host to the Scion FR-S concept. Unsurprisingly, the FR-S boasts the same front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car demeanor - hence the name - but differs visually from the other variations from the long awaited Toyota.