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

Tesla Model X SUV will ONLY be available with four wheel drive

The Tesla Model X (pictured) will only be available with 4WD The Tesla Model X does promise to be a very appealing SUV, even if its main USP for business users – zero BIK – will have been scrapped by the time it arrives in the UK. When it does arrive, prices are expected to be similar to the Model S Saloon and, just as with the Model S, Tesla are planning a variety of battery capacity options and, we thought, an entry-level rear wheel drive model. But Green Car Reports, in response to a reader enquiry, has got confirmation from Tesla that they have now decided that all Model Xs will come only with the 4WD powertrain fitted.

Mazda's rotary engine stalled, not forgotten

Development of the next-generation rotary engine from Mazda Motor Corp., first unveiled three years ago, is making slow progress despite missing emissions targets. A top Mazda powertrain executive said today that the 1.6-liter rotary engine, called the 16X, is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current rotary engine used in the RX-8 sporty car. In fact, the 16X so far performs slightly better than Mazda's standard two-liter gasoline engine, said Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of the Japanese carmaker's powertrain division.

Volkswagen to crank up U.S. Passat production

Volkswagen of America is prepared to expand production of the U.S. Passat less than four months after building its first one. The automaker is looking for a sign from the market to boost production at its just-opened plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.