Magnaflow Lap-joint Band Clamp 10167 on 2040-parts.com

New 2015 Volkswagen Passat detailed ahead of July reveal

The 2015 VW Passat (pictured) is lighter and more economical The eighth generation Volkswagen Passat is detailed today by VW with design sketches and the news that the all-new Passat will lose 85kg in weight and get more economical engines. Due to be revealed in the metal in July – and debuting at the Paris Motor Show in October – the new Passat will go on sale before the end of 2014 with first deliveries in early 2015. Thanks to a weight loss of upt 85kg – achieved by using high-strength, hot-formed steel and aluminium in some areas – the new Passat will offer fuel efficiency improved by up to 20 per cent and, although the exterior dimensions of the new Passat are slightly smaller than the current model, the new Passat will offer more room for passengers and luggage.

2013 Mazda3 MPS & revised Mazda 3 range prices

Mazda has revealed the 2013 Mazda3 MPS hot hatch and announced it is adding the Tamura and Venture to the standard range. The 2013 Mazda3 MPS gets some small titivations (although you do need to look quite hard – there’s even fewer changes than the regular 2012 Mazda3) with some new tail light graphics, a new gunmetal finish for the 18″ alloys and a black Mica finish for the trim at the bottom of the back bumper, door mirrors and inner roof spoiler. Fortunately, Mazda has kept the peppy 2.3 litre turbo petrol that offers 256bhp and can scuttle the little Mazda to 62mph in 6.1 seconds.

Audi R8 GT – it’s here

The Audi version of the Gallardo Superleggera - The Audi R8 GT We knew Audi were working on a hardcore version of the R8. Rumours have persisted almost since the V10 version of the R8 bowed in at Detroit last year that Audi wanted to produce a ‘Superleggera’ version of its supercar. We reported in March that Audi were planning a Spyder version of the V8 but also a lightweight version of the R8 V10. We thought it would be the R8 V10 RS.