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

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse world speed record: Video

We hoped that tease might be for something really interesting and new – perhaps the much rumoured 1600bhp Veyron or even the Galibier –  but it was simply a new world record for an open-topped production car. Impressive, of course, but just more of what we expect from Bugatti, rather than something new and innovative. The new world record for the Vitesse was set at the VW facility at Ehra-Lessien where Chinese driver Anthony Liu took the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse to 254mph, creating a new world record for an open-topped production car and, more importantly for Bugatti, an excuse to produce a limited run of the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC Edition with a black and orange paint job for €1.99 million each.

Maserati Alfieri concept (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 04 March 2014 09:00 This beauty is the Maserati Alfieri concept. It’s a 460bhp, V8-powered coupe that points to the styling of the next GranTurismo, and Maserati’s soon-to-swell range of sports cars.With Maserati in the midst of a massive expansion programme, we’re getting used to seeing Maserati SUV concepts and diesel saloon cars at motor shows. Refreshing to see Maser take on the Porsche 911 again, isn’t it?

Lexus wants more hybrids and a better performance image

Lexus plans to introduce hybrid versions of existing vehicles with each full model change, the brand's r&d chief says. Leveraging the electric-gasoline drivetrain technology of Lexus' parent company, Toyota, will be key to differentiating the brand from European rivals, said Kiyotaka Ise, Toyota Motor Corp. managing officer in charge of Lexus development.