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

Volvo makes breakthrough in battery tech

Volvo has developed a new way of ‘storing’ energy for its future electric vehicles. The Swedish firm is exploring the concept of lightweight structural energy storage components made from carbonfibre, containing “nano structured batteries and super capacitors.” This technology is said to offer a lighter, more compact solution to the problem of energy storage, potentially removing the need for the heavy, bulky batteries used in current electric vehicles. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo S80 Find out how much a used Volvo S80 costs on Auto Trader The investigation into the new technology is part of an EU-funded research project, undertaken by Volvo – the only major car manufacturer involved – and nine other organisations.

London road casualties at lowest ever

THE NUMBER OF DEATHS and serious injuries on the roads of London has fallen to its lowest ever, showing a 23% drop in 2013 compared to the previous best figures. Pedestrian figures are down even more at 25% for the same period. In 2013, there were 132 fatalities on London’s roads, which is the second lowest figure since records began.

McLaren MP4-12C to cost £168,500

McLaren will charge £168,500 for the MP4-12C supercar in the UK. That's the new 2011 price, including the rise in VAT from 17.5% to 20% from 1 January. Today's news means that the MP4-12C will cost £1000 less than a Ferrari 458 Italia, its arch rival, at existing tax rates.