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

Tesla ‘drops’ entry-level Model S. But was it ever going to be available?

The 40kWh version of the Tesla Model S is being dropped by Tesla in the US, but we do wonder if Tesla ever had any intention of delivering it in the first place. Tesla’s big claim ahead of the arrival of the, very impressive, Model S – and a seemingly vital part of the US taxpayer funding Tesla to develop the Model S – was that they would deliver a car that cost under $50k, something the car industry thought impossible. But when the Model S was launched, Tesla did indeed have an entry-level model available with a 4okWh battery that was listed at $58,750 (taking it almost down to the $50k mark after the US taxpayer chipped in the EV bribe) so Elon Musk could, quite reasonably, claim Tesla had delivered.

Ford Fiesta “Centura” – 100 years of Ford UK

Ford Fiesta Centura Ford isn’t a British company – even if many of us think of Ford as a patriotic buy – although they’ve been in the UK for 100 years. And to celebrate that landmark they’ve revealed the Ford Fiesta Centura, a limited edition of just 1,000 cars. Based on the Fiesta 1.25 Zetec, the Fiesta Centura gets £600 worth of extras – metallic paint (Panther Black only), chrome mirrors, 16″ alloys, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, reversing camera and LED running lights – and costs £13,395 for the three-door and £13,995 for the five door.

GM product chief Bob Lutz to retire

GM boss Bob Lutz Retires By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 09 February 2009 17:41 GM boss Bob Lutz will retire at the end of the year. The vice chairman of global product development – who has been at the centre of the automotive industry for the last 46 years – will be replaced by Tom Stephens, GM’s current veepee for global powertrain and global quality. Lutz, 76, will continue to report to GM boss Rick Wagoner throughout 2009 in his new role as GM vice chairman and senior advisor, before bowing out at the end of December.