New Elwis Cylinder Head Gasket, 30637336 on 2040-parts.com

Lada 'ready to sell in Western Europe by 2013'

Lada is set to relaunch in western Europe - including the UK - by 2012-2013 to counter the threat of Chinese car makers, senior sources admitted last night. Renault's global marketing senior vice president, Stephen Norman, told CAR that Renault-Nissan's stake in Russian firm AvtoVaz would help bring about the return of Lada to Britain. 'The UK is one of the few markets where Lada was a success,' said Norman.

Audi R8 Spyder raises £620k for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Elton, David and the man from Audi with the chromed R8 Spyder The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) needs no big introduction from us, especially to regular readers. Quite simply, it’s an astonishingly generous charitable foundation founded by, and driven ever on, by Elton John, and it’s raised getting on for £50 million since Elton founded it in 1993, thanks in no small part to Elton’s generosity with his royalties (always making sure he has enough left over for flowers, of course). And as it’s Elton who’s the heart and soul of the EJAF, fund raisers tend to be a little more interesting than a bring and buy stall on the local village green.

Porsche 918 Spyder (2013) final specifications and prices

Porsche told CAR it expected final 918 Spyders to produce more power and better economy than the test mules – and Stuttgart has delivered. Final specs for the V8 hybrid supercar have been released, and it's as quick as you'd hope (for £660,000...) Porsche's 918 Spyder: the vital stats: Engine: 4.6-litre V8, 600bhp @ 8600rpm, 390lb ft @ 6600rpm. Engine redline @ 9150rpmHybrid module: lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, 154bhpTotal power: 875bhpTransmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive (electric motor drives fronts, motor and engine drive rears)0-62mph: 2.8sec0-124mph: 7.9sec0-186mph: 23.0secTop speed: 211mphMPG (combined): 85.6mpgCO2: 79g/kmElectric-only driving range/top speed: 18 miles/93mphBattery charge time: four hours (25mins with optional Porsche Speed Charging Station)Weight: 1675kg (unladen), Weissach package cuts 35kg from kerbweightPrice: €781,155 (£661,000), without Weissach package / €853,155 (£720,400) with Weissach package Any other Porsche 918 Spyder news?