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

Mercedes F1 Schumacher sets the pace in Melbourne

Mercedes F1 Michael Schumacher - fastest in practice in Australia Michael Schumacher showed some of the promise for Mercedes 2012 F1 in Melbourne, setting the quickest time in damp Friday practice. With the first F1 Grand Prix of the 2012-2013 season taking place this Sunday at Melbourne’s Albert Park, we thought we’d look in at Friday’s practice to see if there are any clues to this year’s form. To be honest, Friday practice is often more tactical than anything else so we shouldn’t read too much in to what’s gone on.

Rinspeed Dock + Go concept car (2012) - a more practical Smart

And over on the Rinspeed stand at the 2012 Geneva motor show, you can expect to see the new Rinspeed Dock + Go, a Smart Fortwo with a new mobility concept. It adds a bespoke trailer to the Smart city car, letting customers drive into town two-up in the regular Smart, or go on a longer journey to the seaside with all the clobber (for two, no families allowed – unless the children can be flatpacked into the boot) stuffed into the trailer. Rinspeed Dock + Go: the details Frank Rinderknecht calls the Smart trailer 'a backpack on wheels'.

Subaru Stella Plug-in Electric Car (EV)

The Subaru Stella Plug-in EV goes on sale in Japan today Not designed to be anything other than a city car, the Subaru Stella has a range of around 55 miles on a full charge of its Li-ion batteries, which can be charged in about five hours from a standard socket (or in 15 minutes from a quick-charge outlet), and a has top speed of 62mph – so it really is a city-only car. Based on Subaru’s existing Stella mini-car the Stella EV is powered by a 60bhp (47kw) electric motor that delivers 125lb/ft of torque from the off. It also incorporates a regeneration system that tops up the batteries during deceleration to help the range.