2003 Bmw R1150rt R 1150 Rt Left Right Engine Motor Head Skid Plate Guard Shield on 2040-parts.com

Refreshed 2014 Chevrolet Malibu arrives

Just a bit more than a year after launching the 2013 Malibu, Chevrolet took the wraps off its revised 2014 Malibu, saying the car is roomier (1.25 extra inches in the rear seat), more refined and more efficient than the outgoing model. The car gets a fresh face, revised interior, and a new 2.5-liter four standard. The 2.5-liter I-4 is direct injected and has variable valve lift control and start/stop for 196 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

2014 Nissan Versa priced at $12,780

The 2014 Nissan Versa with a five-speed manual transmission -- at dealerships today -- will set you back $12,780, including $790 for destination. Stepping down to a four-cog automatic will cost a grand more. For that price -- the lowest in America, by the way, more on that later -- buyers get a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, available air conditioning, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and a radio with an auxiliary input.

Mercedes’ AMG division unveils new twin-turbo V8

Those obsessed with torque bemoaned Mercedes’ high-revving 6.2-litre V8 when it was launched in 2005, but just as the world has come to accept the naturally aspirated engine, the company has now unveiled a new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. Up to 563bhp – which is the same as the SLS AMG – and 663lb ft, which is much more than the 479lb ft the modern-day Gullwing supercar manages. The engine is an all-new 5.5-litre V8 (5461cc to be exact) with direct-injection technology, an aluminium crankcase and two turbochargers.