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

How Lexus execs rescued the GS sedan

Eighteen months ago, Toyota had all but scrapped its plans for the redesigned Lexus GS 350 sedan that was unveiled in Monterey, Calif., last week. At the time, the company was pouring engineering resources into resolving its unintended acceleration crisis and was busy changing quality and safety procedures. Plus, the GS' underwhelming sales in the United States and Europe made for a weak business case against the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series.

VW Golf Bluemotion concept (2008): first pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 08 September 2008 13:22 This is Volkswagen’s cleanest Mk6 Golf, a Bluemotion concept car that is claimed to achieve 74mpg while puffing out a paltry 99g/km. Those are figures on a par with today’s Polo Bluemotion, but this concept will become production reality in mid-2009.  A 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine powers the new Golf Bluemotion, producing 104bhp and 184lb ft, but those remarkable figures are helped by revised ratios on the five-speed ‘box, optimised aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres. There’s also a particulate filter to keep the exhaust gases clean.

Volvo extends its range of DRIVe Eco cars

It really is remarkable what car makers can do when pushed. After years of thirsty cars, more and more manufacturers are showing us what can be done when they make a real effort in this direction (and not always at the expense of performance), and the latest is Volvo, which has extended its range of DRIVe cars to seven. Volvo DRIVe range extended to seven models - will show at Geneva '09 The full DRIVe range will be revealed at Geneva ’09, and includes the C30, S40, V50, V70, S80, XC60 and XC70.