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

Future products: Lamborghini sees the light

Has engine performance gone as far as it can? With horsepower per liter having long since broken the 100-1 mark, Lamborghini seems to think so. So do many European regulators who want to strangle carbon dioxide emissions.

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Mazda confirms new SkyActiv-D 1.5 litre diesel engine for next Mazda2

The next Mazda2, previewed by the Hazumi Concept (pictured) gets a new SKYACTIV 1.5 diesel The Geneva Motor Show this year saw the arrival of the Mazda Hazumi Concept which was the first view of the next generation Mazda2, due to arrive in early 2015. What the Geneva Show also revealed from Mazda was the new SkyActiv-D 1.5 litre diesel engine which is heading for deployment in Mazda’s cars, and now Mazda has confirmed the next Mazda2 will be offered with the new clean and fugal diesel. Similar to the 2.2 litre diesel already available in the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, the new 1.5 litre offers 103bhp and 185lb/ft of torque and features a bigger homogenous lean burn range, less mechanical resistance and new insulation to improve cooling and efficiency.