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

JJAD P1 EV gets closer

Jim Dowle used to work as a designer for McLaren, and was involved in the original F1 development. So he knows a thing or two about lightweight performance cars. Last year Jim first announced details of his P1 concept, which was well received.

2013 Nissan LEAF updated

Nissan has updated the LEAF EV in Japan for 2013 with better range, less weight and a new LEAF S entry-level model. Revealed in Japan – but likely to come to the UK from 2013 when the LEAF starts rolling out of Nissan’s Sunderland factory – there are significant upgrades to the powertrain which result in both less weight and better range. Nissan has had a play with the electric powertrain and made it both smaller and lighter with a new motor that uses 40 per cent less dysprosium (a rare earth metal) than before, and comes in 30 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, and a new streamline battery case and a few other tweaks drops the LEAF’s weight by 80kg.

Chrysler, Mopar hope Ram Runner kit can challenge Ford SVT Raptor

In an effort to compete with the Ford SVT Raptor off-road pickup, Chrysler and parts group Mopar have released the Ram Runner kit. The Mopar Ram Runner kit, available for owners of 2009-2011 Dodge Ram 1500 models, can be installed at home or by the dealer for a total parts cost of just less than $20,000. The Ram Runner upgraders on a budget can add kit elements individually as well.