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

Porsche 911 buyers flock to rare 24-month leases

Porsche is pushing 24-month leases for its 911 and is running a six-month lease pull-ahead incentive on all of its sports cars to offset a shortage of low-mileage used cars. This year, 22 percent of all 911 lessees have taken 24-month contracts rather than 36-month deals, says Michael Bartsch, COO of Porsche Cars North America. That compares with 10 percent before the push.

BMW 7-series facelift (2012) first pictures

BMW has given the 7-series the mildest of mid-life facelifts for 2012 – with a series of cosmetic tidy-ups, fettled engines, extra kit and the UK's first hybrid 7-series. The ActiveHybrid7 isn't the most expensive 7-series (that's the 760Li at £101,805), but at £66,040 the petrol-electric saloon is some £8k pricier than the biggest-selling 730d. As the diesel is also cleaner and more economical, we suspect the hybrid Seven will remain a niche seller over here.

Hyundai Curb concept

Hyundai has teased its NAIAS concept, the Curb, ahead of its official unveiling next week, where it will debut alongside a production version of the company's Veloster coupe. The Curb is a compact crossover with a coupe roofline, tapered DLO and exaggerated wheel arches reminiscent of the Nissan Juke, and is similarly difficult to judge in terms of scale from these images. While its exterior appears production feasible, the Curb's interior would seem to live up to its 'concept' billing, with extensive use of smart materials and touchscreen HMI.