Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Supercar arrives in 2013

With So Much Anticipation built up around trie 918 concept cars—wantonly brandishing the Spyder and RSR race versions on the show circuit—Porsche would have been borderline unscrupulous not to bring the sexy hybrid into production. As it turns out, Porsche will build the supercar in its Spyder trim, carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque and all. Except for the presence of a new roof (manually operated with removable panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment), removal of the side exit exhausts and mounting of side-view mirrors, the showroom model looks to be remarkably similar to the concept. But before you rush to put down a deposit, the 918 Spyder is a bit more expensive than a 911. Listed at $845,000, it's the equivalent of four and an eighth 911 Speedsters. But don't let the numbers deter you, there's so much more than fuzzy math to the 918.

A-Class Mercedes Unboxed

Mercedes will transform the next-generation Mercedes A-Class into a sporty rival for the likes of the Mini Cooper, Audi Al and BMW 1 Series, ready for sale late next year. Previewed at the Shanghai show as the Concept A, the new A-Class is tipped to capture much of that car's (lowing sheet metal, distinctive detailing and sporty stance. Under die skin, it's said to feature an all-new platform, known as the MFA, with strut front suspension and a multilink rear axle, all dedicated Mercedes engineering. Emphasis is also to be placed on the quality of the interior, so plastics, trim and switchgear are borrowed from the C-Class. Centre-illuminated dials and air vents provide a theme in the concept, apparently a stylistic nod to glowing jet-engine afterburners. Power for the new A-Class family will initially come from Mercedes' existing range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The core unit will be a 2.0-litre petrol mill, which the Concept A previews in 152kW hot-hatch form. It will be mated to a double-clutch gearbox, a replacement for the CVT used in existing A and B-Class models. Cooking versions of the new car are likely to make closer to 115kW Also mooted is a 240kWAMG hot-hatch powered by a 2.0-litre turbo and employing four-wheel drive. Due for launch in 2013, it will do battle with the Audi S3.

Kia 's Curvy CUV

Kia showcased this electric Naimo concept at the Seoul Motor Show. The'crossover utility vehicle' (CUV) is powered by twin 27kWh lithium-ion batteries located under the boot floor, which drive an 80kW electric motor with 280Nm of torque. According to Kia, it will have a full-charge range of 200km and a top speed of 150km/h. An 80 per cent quick-charge (using 50kW) takes 25 minutes, while a full charge can be reached in five-and-a-half hours via a more realistic 3,3kW outlet. Design features of the 3.9-metre Naimo concept include a wraparound windscreen; an asymmetric sunroof; low-drag, 20-inch alloy wheels; and a three-way, split-opening boot-lid for Versatile access'. Further concept elements include dot-style LED lights front and rear, a high-intensity air jet in place of conventional windscreen wipers, and small, camera-integrated door mirrors. Much like the Hyundai's Curb concept from the Detroit show, the Naimo features rear-hinged, rear doors and short overhangs to maximise space in the four-seater city car. On the inside, Korean oak is used for the entire floor and the door panelling, and Korean paper is used for the headlining. In contrast, modern interior features include a transparent LED display instrument panel and full connectivity.

Exhaust For Toyota FJ

The exhaust experts at Gibson recently introduced a new performance after-cat exhaust system to maximize the full power potential of the popular Toyota FJ Cruiser. The system bolts on behind the catalytic converter and is available with your choice of 2.5-inch mandrel-bent aluminized or stainless steel tubing. The polished dual outlet system provides a noticeable rumble, thanks to a Super-flow CFT Performance Muffler that features no interior baffles. This kit is manufactured in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. Info: Gibson Exhaust, 800/528-3044, www.gibsonperformance.com

Universal Fire Extinguisher Mounting Brackets

Available in chromoly or 304 stainless steel, these simple weld- or bolt-on brackets allow you to mount any traditional cylindrical-type fire extinguisher to either a flat surface or a section of rollbar tubing. The system includes a tethered quick-pull release pin that comes uncoated and ready for installation. The fire extinguisher can be easily secured by using two appropriately sized stainless-steel hose clamps. Info: Bulletproof Diesel, 888/967-6653, www.bulletproofdiesel.com

A New Locker For Ford 9-inch Axles

Checkout the new 35-spline Platinum Track differential from DPI Performance Racing Products. The unit is constructed from billet steel and features helical-cut gears that are made from U.S.-sourced 9310 alloy steel. This unit is a smooth torque-sensing differential that locks up solid with no harshness or noise. It is specifically engineered to hold up under the most extreme conditions. Each unit is assembled by hand in the U.S. INFO: DPI Performance Racing Products, 707/283¬4374, www.dpiracingproducts.com

Level Your New GM HD

Check out the new multi-position adjustable cam setup for all 2011 GM HD pickups. Capable of providing up to 2.5 inches of lift with no degradation in handling or ride quality, these cams are a simple solution to achieve the ride height and appearance you want. Constructed from 4140 heat-treated alloy steel, these cams meet the same levels of strength and durability as the one-piece OEM torsion-bar keys. Info: Suspension MAXX Inc, 888/629¬9226, www.suspensionmaxx.com

Gear Options For Toyota 8.2-inch Differential

If you own a 2009-or-newer Toyota 4x4 SUV equipped with the 8.2-inch rear differential, your choices for lower gearing were pretty much nonexistent—until now. JT's Parts and Accessories recently invested in several thousand ring and pinion sets de signed to work in the '10 FJ Cruiser, Tacoma and 4Run-ner. The new ratio is 4.56:1 and also works with the '09 Land Cruiser with the factory electric locker. The unit features a 12-bolt ring gear and a 30-spline pinion shaft. Info: JTS Parts & Accessories, 877/465-9188, www.justdifferentials.com

Falken To Race 2012 K0H

Falken Tire has begun preparations for the 2012 King of the Hammers by enlisting the support of American Rock Rods to build an Ultra 4 Series race vehicle. Falken Tire's Off Road program set out last year to begin building its name in a new category for the brand. Heavily focused on its new WildPeak A/T tire line and with the company's well-equipped Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Falken participated in multiple events across the country including Tierra Del Sol, Moab Easter Jeep Safari, and capped off 2010 as the presenting sponsor of Off Road Evolution's JK Experience. Having recently announced the expansion of the new WildPeak A/T line to include several 37-inch tire options, Falken is excited that racing in the 2012 King of the Hammers race is the next step in the evolution of their program,

Grand Cherokee Diesel: Coming to U.S.?

Jeep has finally taken the wraps off of the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee CRD in Europe. The oil-burning version of the Grand will feature an all-new 3.0L DOHC turbodiesel V-6 engine that is more powerful, more fuel -efficient and produces lower emissions than its predecessor. Built by VM Motori and developed together with Fiat Powertrain, a company of Fiat S.p.a., the new 3.0L turbodiesel engine produces 241 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 406 Ib-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. According to Jeep, this translates to 10 percent more power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces. So will the diesel Grand come to America? Currently there are no plans for it, though the diesel Grand is not out of the question if a business case can be made. It also doesn't hurt that the diesel Grand Cherokee CRD is manufactured here in the U.S. alongside other U.S.- and international-spec Grands.

LS OIL FILTER ADAPTER

Stef's Fabrication Specialties
P32/36P-8P00
Stefs.com
Stef's Fabrication is marking its 20th anniversary of making custom oil pans with the introduction of its oil filter adapter for LS engines. The new adapter will fit all LS engines with aftermarket pans including the LSI, 2, 3,4,5, ?, and 9. The adapter can also mount to aftermarket blocks from Dart, GMPP, RHS, and World Products. Designed to have easier access to the filter, it clears headers a little better, too. The base is made out of T6 billet aluminum, and a complete kit comes with the body, filter element, mounting bolts, and 0-rings that seal the adapter to the block, two removable -8 AN bungs, four oil cooler hoses, and a nipple to secure the oil filter to the adapter. Even with all the advantages the adapter brings for engine swappers and guys with little engine bay room, it doesn't hurt that the billet aluminum base looks pretty cool, too. Price: $240.30

Chevy's Insignia revealed

Chevrolet 's New Malibu makes its debut at this week's New York and Shanghai shows and will reach Europe - but not necessarily the UK - in 2012. Chevrolet's owner, General Motors, calls the Malibu its "first global midsize car". It's a 4859mm-long saloon, broadly the same size as the Vauxhall Insignia, with which it shares its platform. Chevrolet claims the car has "European-influenced ride and handl ing" and plans to offer it across six continents, in left and right-hand drive. The car's wheelbase is shortened slightlyforthe latest incarnation, but the track is wider and Chevrolet claim that it has over 110 litres more cabin space.

Skoda tries 'heart' surgery

The Next Generation Of Skoda models will feature more emotional styling while retaining their individual character, according to the company's chief designer, Jozef Kaban. "I want more heart in our cars. Skoda's models are very functional and appeal to the brain, but I want them to be more involved in the heart," said Jozef Kaban, who has also sketched out his vision for a new Skoda family face. The new look will be first seen in production form later this year on Skoda's version of the Volkswagen Up city car.

But the essential body surfacing, face and grille were previewed on the Vision D concept at Geneva. "I'm not saying that the Vision D will exactly be repeated on all our cars, but the 'W grille and separate badge are the way for the future," said Kaban. Skoda is entering an intense phase of new model launches, and starting in 2012 there will be a new or revamped model every six months. Arriving 12 monthsafter the city car's launch will be a new small family saloon, based on the Fabia and positioned between the supermini and theOctavia. The compact saloon will be launched in 2012 and will arrive in the UK a year later.

Citroen shows flagship DS

Citroen is using Shanghai to launch its latest 'premium' DS model: the family saloon-sized DS5. The five-door hatchback is 4.52m long and 1.85m wide -far shorter and slightly narrower than a Ford Mondeo. But Citroen still claims it can accommodatefive adults. Where the smaller DS4 stays surprisingly close to the C4, the DS5 looks considerably more daring than the C5, with a raised drivingposition and a coupe-like roofline. It features now-established DS cues at thefront, including extensive use of chrome and LED lighting, but adds new flourishes, such as the panel surfacing that 'flows' around the side indicator lenses. The rear gets a pai r of exhaust pipes integrated into the bumper, plus tail-lights that wrap around and extend along the side panels. The DS5 is thef irst Citroen to offer the firm's Hybrid4 diesel hybrid tech, which offers 200bhp through the combination of a 163bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and a 37bhp electric motor on the back axle.

Hybrid Peugeot SUV has ey on China

This dramatic looking SUV concept is Peugeot's star of this week's Shanghai motor show - and it has been designed and developed entirely by thef irm's Chinese technical centre. Called SxC, the concept is a large SUV - although its name (Shanghai Cross Concept) indicates that Peugeot regards it as a crossover. It's 4870mm long, 1610mm high and 2035mm wide. That's a little longer, squatter and wider than a PorscheCayenne. It features reverse-hinged 'suicide' rear doors and sits on 22 in wheels.
The car has been designed at Peugeot's tech centre in Shanghai, but underthe direction of the firm's design chief, Gillesvidal. It features adevelopment of thefront-end styling previously showcased on the SRI, BBlandEXl concepts, with Peugeot's new badging, heavily textured surfaces and what thef irm calls "feline headlights". The cabin blends leather and brushed aluminiumfinishes with blue LED lighting. It's a strict four-seater.

Renault plans junior Evoque

Renault 's Captur, small crossover concept unveiled at the recent Geneva motor show, wil I be developed into two showroom models, say company insiders. The mainstream version will be a small five-door similar in size to the Nissan Juke, with which it will sharea Renault-Nissan Alliance platform.The other will be a three-door version, possibly with some unique design features; think of the three-door Range Rover Evoque, but on a smaller scale.

The coupe version could be the first of its kind in this class and will provide Renault with an unusual model ofsimilarlystylish appeal to the Mini Cooper and Citroen's DS3, against which Renault currently offers little competition. The production version of the five-door Captur should appear well within two years, and the three-door probably shortly after. Renault's next concept will be a van inspired by the theme of 'work', the next stage in the cycle of life that design chief Laurens van den Acker has employed to rekindle Renault's design flair. The small, fully glazed van will hint at the next-gen Kangoo. It will appear first at the Frankfurt show this autumn.

New Impreza makes debut in New York

Subaru 's New Impreza will be launched at the New York show this week ahead of UK sales starting in late autumn. The new model, which has been revealed in both hatchback and saloon forms, takes some styling cues from the concept that was shown at last year's Los Angeles show. This is particularly evident around its front end, which features sharper lines than those of the outgoing model. The new five-door is 4414mm long, just a single millimetre shorter than the current car. It's exactly the same width, but 1463mm high instead of 1475mm. The new car's wheel base is slightly longer, too, at 2644mm compared with 2621mm. Subaru claims that this frees up extra interiorspace. The US-spec Impreza is being launched with a normally aspirated 2.0-litre flat four powerplant that offers 148bhp at 6200rpmand 1451b ft at 4200rpm. It replaces a 2.5-litre motor in the LIS market and del ivers a fuel economy gain of about 30 percent.

All new Beetle gets harder-edged look

Volkswagen is giving  the latest version of its 'world car', the Beetle, a global launch this week, with simultaneous reveals at the Shanghai and New York shows, as well as an event in Berlin. The latest car builds on the semi-retro 'New Beetle', which was introduced in 1998 and accounted for more than a million sales before it was finally discontinued last year. So although VW says that every part has been remade, its lines still stick closely to those of the original Volkswagen, which has sold over 20 million units. The new car is 1808mm wide, 1486mm tall and 4278mm long. That's 84mm wider, 12mm lower and 152mm longerthan the outgoing version, and considerably wider and longer than a Golf.

Designed under the direction of VW Group design chief Walter de'Silva and VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff, the new Beetle gets sharper, squarer bumpers and a more rakish roofline. VW likens the roofline to that of the Ragster, a hotrod-style concept first shown in 2005. New features for the Beetle include LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, an integrated rearspoilerand larger wheels (up to 19in will be available). Theengine options will be three turbocharged petrol units, with 103bhp (1.2), 158 bhp (1.4) and 197bhp (2.0), and a pair of turbodiesels with 103bhp (1.6) and 138bhp (2.0). VW's seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission will be offered as an option; in the mid-spec petrol it returns 47.9 mpg and emits 139g/km of C02. But the greenest petrol model will be thel.2; equipped with stop-start and battery regeneration, it will return 51.4mpgand emit 129g/km of C02.

Jag' s 3 series is go

Jaguar has confirmed that it is working on a new small saloon to slot into its line-up below the XF - and a four-wheel-drive XJ. The showroom price of the new model is expected to start at around £28,000 at today's levels. According to company insiders, it will be slightly smaller than today's XF saloon but will still be enough to accommodate five adults. There's no news yet on whether the car will be built around an aluminium platform. But the XF 's replacement will almost certainly be made from aluminium, grow in size and move slightly further upmarket. Jaguar sources also confirmed that an all-wheel-drive version of the XJ saloon is currently under development and will be launched within the next two years.

Jaguar XK gets revamp too

Jaguar has given the XK range a makeover after six years on sale and will cap the new line-up with what is probably the company's fastest production car yet. The XKR-S is powered by a 543bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 and can sweep to lOOmph in just 8.7sec,says Jaguar. It features extensive changes to the chassis as well as to the exterior styling. Although the top speed is electronically limited to 186mph, the XKR-S's unrestricted maximum is thought to be dose to 200mph. The XKR-S heads a revamped 2012 model year XK range that benefits from a redesigned nose with a new bumper and grille and new, smaller headlamps, with LED running lights. The front wings have been changed and nowfeature horizontal vents, something avoided until now because it was a styl ing signature associated with Aston Martin. There will be a choice of 17 exterior colours, six new interior colourways and three new veneers.

Chrysler 300C 's showed Off

A lew months back we made mention of Chrysler's new 300C 'S' spec. The clever folk from Chrysler debuted the car at a recent get-together of 300C fans, who were obviously impressed with what they saw. The 2011 300C's already look the part with their curvier lines and new details, but with the added 5' spec which consists of larger wheels, body-coloured mouldings and a different grille, they're something else all together. We can't wait to see them on local shores!

New Diesel Range Lands

Smits Group now has a distribution relationship with America's largest manufacturer of diesel fuel supplements. Power Service Products. Power Service Products started over 50 years ago in a small, one-car garage and has grown into the US's largest manufacturer of technologically advanced diesel fuel additives. Power Service States it is committed to being at the forefront of technological issues related to the effective treatment of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel and renewable alternative fuels such as biodiesel. Diesel Kleen+Cetane Boost is the premier 'performance" product on the market. Smits says. Diesel Kleen is loaded with cetane. detergency and lubricity additives aimed at ensuring peak performance for diesel engines, while conserving fuel, boosting power and cleaning dirty injectors. Power Service Clear-Diesel fuel & Tank Cleaner is an advanced fuel tank cleaning additive that has been proven effective in hundreds of fleet, marine, construction and agricultural applications. The product removes water, disperses diesel fuel contaminants, prevents premature fuel-filter plugging and keeps fuel fresh.

Rare Roadster Up For Grabs

Back in 1965 a run of just five Ford GT40 Roadsters were produced. One of the four surviving cars is set to go up for auction on May 21. The car, which was the prototype and disappeared for many years before being rediscovered in 2006 has been authenticated by Ford and restored back to original condition, despite having a race history. Prior to its disappearance it competed in the 1965 Targa Florio but was forced to quit after sustaining damage. Since it's rebuild the car has been on display around the world and gained a huge following, we can only imagine the price it commands will be substantial!

No Budget Cup: Ready To Race?

There are currently just 5 places left for Cad well, and 11 for Anglesey. If you want to race in the No Budget Cup this year - you'd better pull your finger out... There are two UK races in the 2011 series, the first being at the ace Anglesey circuit on the 17th July, the second being at demanding Cadwell Park on the 7th August. For your entry fees you get the four hour race and a massive three hours of practice - or three hours of working under an ill-prepared machine trying to get it ready if you're Team Fast Bikes... If you want more racing, then teams are welcome to enter any of the Belgium rounds of NBC, for a classic Brits abroad trip. The NBC offers great value for money. Vou'll gel a whole day on irack at each No Budgel Cup event in the UK in 2011. The day starts with an open pit lane and three hours of practice and qualifying for the registered NBC riders lo ride their shared NBC bike. The race starts after lunch and rather than sticking to the three hour formula from 2010, we've extended it to give you even more time on track; a massive four hours race time in total! We've used the 2010 fees as a basis to calculate the 2011 prices, and we've knocked a bit off for everyone, making the 2011 No Budget Cup UK better value than ever before. The cost of both UK races is just £ 1,300 per team, excluding membership fees (£60 per rider, per season]. Single races are £650.00 per team per race. Entrants also now get a 10% discount on Ron Haslam Race School dates, and they'll tailor your training to NBC racing for you, too.

Snetterton Is Born Again

After an investment of close to £3,000,000 and nearly 12 weeks of solid work, the redeveloped Snetterton circuit is now fully operational. Fast Bikes managed to sneak a few laps in when the work me n were on a tea break... As well as Incorporating most of the old circuit, the new'Snetterton 300' layout Includes an infield section of almost one mile in length, increasing the whole lap to nearly three miles and adding five new corners Into the blend. In addition, the entire circuit has been resurfaced, the notoriously naggery Russells chicane removed and Coram remodelled. So what's it like? The super fast Riches (Turn 1) remains the same, however, Turn 2 is now a tight hairpin that leads Into the new infield ratherthan the Revit straight as before. This should be a top spotforovertaklng and expect some classic first lap chaos!

A short straight then leads onto Turn 3, a sweeping lefthander that apparently has the same radius as Monza's Parabolica, before a blast of acceleration brings the tight lefthand Turn 4 and another potential overtaking spot right in front of Tyrrells café. Turn 5 is a fast left that should separate the men from the boys while Turn Sisa tight right that provides yet another overtaking opportunity if you are braver (or more stupid) than the chap ahead through Turn 5. After Turn 6 the circuit builds in speed through Turn 7, before Turn 8 spits you back out onto the Revit straight.

New 2012 Street Triple - Now

Hold on to your hats, mechanically everything stays as appearing instead of the previously the now the fresh, new style because Triumph has built is. The chassis stays the same, too. polished parts. The stock model should make the Street impervious a new Street Triple. Yes, So what exactly has Triumph done? also gets the aluminium 'bars as to attack from any angle, the most bonkers bike you can buy It's all in the styling, as the Street fitted to the R, while both bikes get Revamping any bike is a has been surgically enhanced by follows the Speed Triple's lead and a new set of instruments. delicate act, and on the face of it the Hinckley designers and will be gels a new set of specs ai the front. Aside from these changes, the Triumph could be accused of no! available in your local Triumph The new headlights look even only other news are new colours doing enough with this new dealer, er, now! better on the Street than they do on and graphics. So the new machines version of the Street.

Stand-Alone ECU Vs. Piggyback Ecu

The choice of ECU is also important to the life of an engine. Running a piggyback ECU on a highly boosted engine isn't recommended. ∂While some tuners insist that newer factory ECUs can do the job, I am not one of those people, Eric explains. ∂Newer factory ECUs that calculate fuel and ignition outputs via an algorithm with closed-loop fuel trims, closed-loop ignition trims, and knock-count map switching is not my idea of complete and direct engine control. In order for any engine to run in optimal condition, a proper tune and choosing the correct ECU is vital to the job. ∂lf you want an extreme-duty, high-boost engine to live, you'll need to use a high-quality standalone. A piggyback ECU controller that takes signals from your existing sensors and modifies them to trick your ECU into reading a different value is a cheap alternative, and is limited in the ability to get a proper tune. Stand-alone engine management systems such as those from Motec or Pectel do not always fit everyone's budget, but what sense does it make to drop $10 to 20K in an engine and then cheap out on the very thing (ECU) that controls your expensive investment?

Quality Engine Tune

Cars can leave the dyno shop with an excellent tune, but have you ever wondered if the tuner actually tuned the engine in multiple weather conditions? The reality is probably not. An experienced tuner with a large database of previous tunes might be able to provide a better-quality tune, but the only way to truly have an engine properly tuned for all weather conditions is to have the engine actually tuned in hot, cold, humid, or arid weather conditions, depending on where you live or the conditions you drive in. This can be done in real time while in different weather, or via fast-rate data logging. The point is that fine adjustments need to be dialed-in for different weather conditions for the ∂perfect° tune. And in our aftermarket tuning world, it rarely is. A perfect tune is the key to long engine life.

Oem Vs. Aftermarket Bearing

New crankshaft and rod bearings are almost always a must when rebuilding an engine, but not all bearings are created equal. Factory bearings are usually made of weak alloys that can neither handle abuse nor high oil temperatures. In fact, many factory engine bearings can start delaminating once they reach a temperature of as little as 230 degrees Fahrenheit during sustained use.

Tri-metal (e.g., Clevite) or quad-metal bearings (e.g., ACL and Cosworth) have greater wear resistance properties and can withstand higher engine loads for extended periods compared to OEM bearings. Steel-backed bearings layered with tri- or quad-layered alloys are designed handle severe forces from high boost and/or high horsepower. OEM manufacture have shifted to using aluminum bearings in today's vehicles, which is easily recyclable and good for the environment, but less than ideal when used in racing or high-horsepower applications due to their fragile construction.

Oem Head Bolts Vs. Aftermarket Head Studs

When building an engine, the horsepower and torgue potential of an engine often dictates the type of head fastener that should be used. Typically, head studs are better suited for high-performance vehicles with greater power reguirements, while head bolts are more practical for daily drivers.Choosing whether to use head bolts or head studs can be an important decision that affects the way a car performs. While they are both fasteners and serve a similar function, there are numerous differences that make head bolts and studs distinct from one another.

During engine assembly or after intensive internal maintenance, it's common practice to replace the factory head bolts. Head bolts, also known as torgue-to-yield bolts, are designed as one-time use bolts and will permanently stretch once installed. OEM head bolts are designed to provide both a twisting force and a vertical clamping force, which means that when the combustion chamber begins to accumulate load, the bolt will both stretch and   twist.

The Black Art Of Cylinder Head Porting

Head work is an art form that you can't just pick up and master overnight. It takes years of skill and practice to perfect, along with the use of the proper tools. Simply ahogging° out the ports with a Dremel to achieve maximum size would ruin the head, not to mention your engine's overall performance. As appealing at it might look or sound, you do not want a monster port job on a daily driver. In theory, you can continually machine the ports bigger and flow additional air, but the proper ratio of velocity to flow must be maintained or else low and mid-range torgue will suffer.

You can know everything there is to know about your head, but without the skills and experience, you or your machinist will never bring out its full potential. It is generally agreed that DIY head porting is a bad idea. Unless you really know what you are doing, you should take the head to an experienced, reputable machinist.

Audi Gives Next A3 The Boot

HIGHLIGHT OF AUDI'S Geneva stand is a brand new A3 that performs the same as an R8 V10 Spyder-but looks the same as every other Audi, Powered by a 300kw turbocharged 2.5-litre five - effectively the motor from last year's Quattro concept - it can hit 100kph in just 4.1sec, the same as the supercat. Like us though, you're probably wondering what the difference is between this andanA4, The answer is 178mm of wheelbase a transverse engine layout and around R40k of the bill. Although Audi's calling it a concept, this A3, minus carbon fibre show car frills, will replace the current eight-year old model in 2012. There'll be the usual choice of petrol and diesel engines, three- and five-door hatchbacks, a soft-top convertible plus this four-door sedan. Design-wise, it's very handsome, but oh so predictable. If only the current A4 had looked more like this at launch three years ago. At least the A1-inspired cabin- featuring Audi's Drive Select controller- seems fresh. And the touchpad built into the MMI controller is definitely showroom-bound.

Mini Rocketman Concept Review

BMW SEEMS TO have been last Co notice the one huge flaw in its world-conquering Mini: it isn't 'mini' at all. Compared not only to the Issigonis original but also to the new wave of city cars, it's an oversized trinket, with serious packaging flaws. Hence this, the Rocketman Concept: a properly small Mini, The Rocketman (think space adventures, not Elton John songs) is Mini's take on a premium city car, and a technology demonstrator for lightweight carbon fibre spaceframe construction. 'Carbonfibre is such a beautiful, beautiful material and it fits the style of the car', says Mini's new design chief Anders Warming. 'This car is about minimalism, it's about light weight.' But why Rocketman? 'We're going places, we dare to go places,' Warming tells us. 'Sometimes you have to rake chances and just go with it and see what happens. The true challenge for the Mini brand is to plan meticulously for the future.' The spaceframe appears through the body and roof pillars and extends into the roof as a crossbrace referencing the illuminated Union Jack graphic.

Quite radical, but in profile the Rocketman is a traditional Mini silhouette, distilled. Warming is particularly pleased with the sporty curve to the front fenders. 'Anyone who a ever dn-<cn a Mini knows that it's a blast to drive, and it should also look it, especially seeing the fenders through the windscreen.' Mini was able to trim just over 300mm from the Cooper's length by reducing the seating space behind the driver's seat, and using adjustable dashboard technology. The result is equivalent space to a regular Mini available to two passengers. If required, a third passenger can just about be accommodated behind the driver for short journeys by moving the driver's seat forwards. The interior features the usual central speedometer, reimagined here with an infotainment display.
User-selectable ambient lighting IS one of several features controlled by a thumb-op crated trackball built into the right spoke of the steering wheel. The end game is to allow more personalisation of their in-car environment. As well as carbon fibre there's wood fibre too, with a specially commissioned paper honeycomb structure visible in the doors. There are no immediate plans to product the Rocketman, but if BMW's new i-cars prove successful we wouldn't bet against carbon fibre making a structural appearance in Minis before too long. 'BMW is giving the clear message that carbon fibre is a material we believe in as a group,' says Warming.

Volkswagen Kombi Concept

Just when you thought heritage plundering designs were yesterday's news, Volkswagen goes and unveils the Bulli. It's a baby people carrier named after the original Ti of 1950 - known as Microbus in the US, Bulli in Germany and Kombi over here. VW design supremo Walter de Silva is adamant this is no retro rehash like 1998's Beetle. 'It is possible to have a modern design that looks forward yet references the past,' he told us. 'Everything you see here is feasible.' The Bulli is just 4m longyet squeezes seating for six and a 370-litre boot into its footprint, Multipla-style three-abreast seating is allowed by a flat floor and a sliding centre console. It appears that Wolfsburg is fast-tracking a production version of this B-MPV as the fifth and smallest MPV in its range. The bulk of Bulli sales will be of 1.0 and 1.4 petrols and diesels, but don't discount the electric powertrain of this concept. Its SskW electric motor is charged by a lithium-ion battery with a 300km range.

The Toyobaru Twins !

The Japanese have given the best clues yet to the new 'Toyobaru rear-wheel drive sports car twins, due nextyear. Toyota and Subaru both unveiled concepts at the Geneva motor show, albeit in varying degrees ot readiness. Toyota's FT-86 II is a revised version of the car shown at the 2009 Tokyo show. The firm has form in facelifting concepts - the Lexus LF-A metamorphosised a handful of rimes before they committed to production. And the Subaru? Let's just say the rear-drive Scooby needs some work before it sees a showroom, It might need some body panels, for starters. Subaru chose to showcase a naked boxer-engined architecture more than a finished design, but you can make out die likely shape from the blue computer image (above). No guesswork is required to imagine the Toyota FT-86 II.

McLaren F1 vs Veyron by TopGear

Carfight:

• McLaren F1

• Veyron

Lamborghini Gallardo vs Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

CarFight:

• Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

• Lamborghini Gallordo

2011 Koenigsegg Agera Review

Last year Koenigsegg presented a pre-production version of the upcoming Koenigsegg Agera. Since then the pre-production car and several test mules have continued the Agera development program. The Agera pre-production car has been driven by several influential motoring journals, resulting in raving reviews and awards, such as for example becoming the “Top Gear Hypercar of the Year." All in all the production versions of the Agera are created to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level both on the road and the track, still maintaining the largest luggage space in the industry in combination with the unique Koenigsegg door system and detachable/stow-able hardtop.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Review

With the Aventador LP 700-4, Automobili Lamborghini is redefining the very pinnacle of the world super sports car market – brutal power, outstanding lightweight engineering and phenomenal handling precision are combined with peerless design and the very finest equipment to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. With the Aventador, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future – and building on the glorious history of the brand with the next automotive legend. The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in late summer 2011.

Sportchassis P4XL Review

The SportChassis P4XL is the ultimate luxury sport utility vehicle on the planet. Everything about this truck is big! A 174-in. wheelbase, 100-in. width and 264 inches from front to back make sure that you impress. Four Michelin XZL 425/65R 22.5-in. tires available in the offroad package powered by the Allison TRV3200 in a 5-speed configuration makes sure that you can go anywhere you need to. The Cummins ISC, an 8.3L diesel, rated at 330 HP with a 1000-ft/lb torque provides more than enough power to pull your boat up that slippery ramp or take you, your friends and all the toys to play in the sand.

2011 Hamann Hawk Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Review

An engine bursting with power wrapped into an exciting car body design coloured in Everose Gold. The Southern German specialist for exclusive automobile refinement, HAMANN Motorsport, turns the wing door Mercedes SLS AMG into the HAMANN HAWK with new plumage and significantly sharper talons. Already in its basis version, the SLS provides a significant engine output. But the HAMANN engine department puts some additional power reserves into the V8 engine. The core part of the power enhancement is the high-performance exhaust system made out of titanium. In combination with new manifolds, sports catalysts and a sports air filter, this system also renders the earthy and powerful sound of the 6.2 litre aggregate. The components are precisely adjusted with the help of a new engine characteristic map for motor electronics.