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

BMW i3 Range Extender engine adds 10% to the price

BMW i3 Range Extender engine adds 10% to the price The BMW i3 – BMW’s first foray in to a world of electric cars – was officially revealed in July – and due on sale in 2014 – and seems, by electric car standards, to be almost affordable. At a starting price of £30,680 – £25,680 after the taxpayer bribe for EV buyers – it’s no more expensive than other electric cars and does come with some clever technology – and the BMW badge – that will help it move out of showrooms. But as we reported as far back as 2011, the BMW i3 is to get a range-extender option – a small petrol engine that kicks in to recharge the batteries when they get low – which will make the i3 a much more practical proposition.

Ford prototype seat measures your heart rate

Ford continues its foray into health and wellness with a car that can monitor the driver's heart activity. Research engineers in Germany have developed a prototype seat with six sensors that can monitor the heart's electric impulses through clothes and give an early warning as to whether a driver should seek medical attention because of irregularities. Drivers who have cardiovascular disease are 23 percent more likely to be involved in a car accident.

CAR interviews Ferrari's tech boss on 458 Speciale and beyond (2014)

By Ben Pulman Motor Industry 10 January 2014 11:30 2014 is an exciting year for Ferrari. The new 458 Speciale is relishing the change to take on all comers from McLaren and Lamborghini, and the LaFerrari hybrid supercar will finally be passed on to 499 lucky (and well-heeled) customers. CAR's Ben Pulman met with Ferrari's technical director at the marque's Maranello HQ to talk Speciale, hybrid supercars, and what's next for the world's most famous sports car maker.