Simrad 20187423 Partial Lf3000 Rudder Feedback Mounting Kit - Teleflex Seastar on 2040-parts.com

New 2014 VW Golf R gets 296bhp – first photos

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf R (pictured) revealed ahead of its Frankfurt debut We had expected the new Volkswagen Golf R to debut at Geneva this year, but that debut turned out to be the rather disappointing Mk 6 VW Golf R Cabrio, that not only sacrificed 4WD but came at a silly price (which VW subsequently dropped by more than £5k). But this time there’s no mistake, and the 2014 version of the VW Golf R – complete with 4WD, we’re pleased to say -will arrive next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in early 2014. Under the bonnet the 2.0 litre petrol turbo delivers a healthy 296bhp (300PS) and 280lb/ft of torque which is sent to all four wheels through VW’s latest Haldex 4Motion 4WD, with the ability to decouple the back axle drive under low load conditions and send almost all the power to the back wheels too when demanded.

BMW Concept Active Tourer (2012) first offical pictures

This is BMW's answer to a downsized, eco-friendly motoring future: the Concept Active Tourer. It's a city-car sized MPV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that'll return up to 113mpg, according to BMW's figures. Moreover, this car previews the future of smaller BMWs going front wheel-drive, sharing architecture with Mini and liberating more interior space.

Land Rover confirms end of Defender production

It's been all but a foregone conclusion for some time now, but Land Rover has confirmed to our sister publication Automotive News Europe that the aging Defender won't live to see 2020. Originally conceived as an agricultural machine, the first Land Rover prototype used scavenged Willys Jeep bits left over from World War II. American kids of a certain age may have been captivated by the Land Rover's mystique while watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom back in the '70s.