43-75324a 3 Mercruiser Alpha I Upper Unit Gear 1.84 Ratio Set on 2040-parts.com

Kia Proceed GT (2013) first official pictures

This is Kia's new Proceed GT, a 201bhp hot hatch set to take on the VW Golf GTI. It's Kia's first ever sporty model, and it'll be available as both a slinky three-door Proceed GT (pictured) and the more sensible five-door Ceed GT. What's under the bonnet of the new Kia Proceed GT?

Nissan Micra ELLE: It’s a Micra for the Ladies

Nissan has revealed a limited edition Micra – the Micra ELLE – produced in conjunction with Elle Magazine. There is a strong argument that the Nissan Micra is predominantly aimed at the fairer sex, and if that was in doubt the new Micra ELLE confirms it. Nissan has joined up with Elle Magazine to produce a limited run of 500 of the Micra Elle with cosmetic titivation (what else?) including panoramic roof (helps with putting makeup on), extra chrome (nice and sparkly), titanium grey alloys (which will unfortunately show every kerbing dent) and fog lights (for when it’s not foggy).

One Lap of the Web: The Markchurian Candidate

-- When does a cartoonist become a short-track racer? When he's Bob Englehart of the Hartford Courant, and he writes a book about his childhood in and around Indiana, a childhood spent fixated on oval racers. Englehart, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his political cartooning, explores why America's youth are willing to risk their lives to drive in circles -- and why he himself is so addicted to it.