Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Storing classic concept cars is a huge hassle

If you see a dazzling concept car at an auto show this year, consider this: Somebody is going to have to find the space to park it and maintain it in a heritage collection, perhaps until the end of time. Preserving this year's hits as the museum pieces of the future is one of the great backroom issues of the auto industry. If you need to see the first wood-paneled Honda Civic Country station wagon from 1980 for some good reason, Honda has one in storage in Japan.

8th L'Argus Design Competition announced

From 1 June 2009, design students will be invited to take part in the eighth annual L'Argus European Design Competition, which this year takes as its theme 'Less is More: Traveling in the Era of Simplicity'. Questioning students on the concepts of mobility and the future of automobile design, this contest - organized by French magazine L'Argus de L'Automobile - will run until 11 December 2009 and culminate in an awards ceremony on 20 January 2010. The competition is open to students attending design colleges within the European Union and Switzerland, including non-automotive courses covering disciplines such as industrial design, fine arts and architecture.

Toyota GT86 TV Advert BANNED

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a TV advert for the Toyota GT86 because it encouraged motorists to drive irresponsibly. But it seems the advert would “encourage motorists to drive irresponsibly” and “…was irresponsible and condoned dangerous driving”. Or at least it would according to the ASA, which made the ruling after being inundated with complaints about Toyota encouraging drivers to speed and be reckless.