Kimpex 190740 Starter Polaris on 2040-parts.com

Merc to revive straight six, plus 4cyl and smaller V8s

Mercedes has just signed off a new engine family which will see most full-sized Mercs in future run four-cylinders, downsized V8s and… straight sixes. A friendly Mercedes engineer recently met CAR to disclose the engine plans for future models, including the surprise disclosure that Merc plans to switch to straight sixes, like its rivals over in Munich.  It's fair to say I almost choked on my breakfast croissant when I found out the details of the next MB engine generation which has just been signed off for release in 2015. Mercedes' future four-cylinder engines Again, there will be a family of new low-cost fours, and the big-bore V8s will be replaced by a series of downsized turbocharged 4.0-litre units.

VW Golf R (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

The new VW Golf R has been revealed and it’s the fastest version of the iconic hatch ever. The all-wheel drive flagship Golf now has 296bhp, up from 267bhp, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive sending the six-speed DSG version from 0-62mph in a feisty 4.9sec – matching the BMW M135i, but still shy of the Mercedes A45 AMG, which cracks it in 4.6sec. Why would I buy this over a Golf GTI?

Lexus LS (EU version)

The fifth-generation Lexus LS is the latest full-size luxury sedan to wear the badge since Toyota's premium brand was introduced in 1989. It continues the model's gentle evolution, this latest version reflecting the brand's L-finesse design language.  This is best seen in its inverted trapezoidal 'spindle' grille and L-shaped DRLs. The EU model measures in at 5,090mm long – 30mm longer than the outgoing model – while the wheelbase remains 2,970mm in length. The front and rear overhangs have increased by 10 and 20mm respectively.