Mercruiser 4.3 L 4 Barrell Intake, Pre Vortec on 2040-parts.com

BMW X3 gets a turbo four-cylinder

BMW is expanding the use of its N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine by making it the base powerplant for the 2013 X3 SUV. The X3 xDrive28 will use the twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Twin-scroll turbocharging means that the exhaust stream of cylinders one and four follow a separate path to the turbine wheel from cylinders two and three.

Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.

McLaren 12C Spider sells out in 2 hours at Neiman Marcus

The Christmas car for 2012 from US retailer Neimann Marcus – the new McLaren 12C Spider – sold out in just two hours. And it didn’t take long for the 12C Spider to sell out when it went on sale this week, with all 12 cars snapped up in just two hours – all $4.25 million dollars worth. Neiman Marcus were offering their 12C Spiders at a premium of $85k over McLaren’s US list price for the 12C Spider of $269k, but they were throwing in flights to the UK to have dinner with McLaren’s Ron Dennis and a set of custom luggage.