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

Global GM chassis starts testing

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 10 August 2006 09:26 General Motors' new Epsilon II chassis – to be employed around the world by Vauxhall/Opel, Saab, Chevrolet and other brands – has hit the road for testing. Pictured here beneath the next Chevrolet Malibu, the modular front- and all-wheel drive architecture will also underpin the Vauxhall Vectra and Saab's new 9-3 and 9-5. GM is grouping its core models to save cash, and harmonising production processes so that plants can churn out multiple models according to demand.

Better Place EV Battery Swap business goes bust

It seemed like a good idea: take the cost of batteries out of the cost of buying an electric car and instead charge EV owners to use ‘Battery Swap’ stations where depleted batteries could be swapped for fully charged ones in the time it takes to fill an ICE car with petrol. But it’s all gone a bit Pete Tong. Better Place – which partnered with Renault in 2009 to make the battery swap technology viable – has failed to find anyone to add to the $750 million already involved in the project and has filed for bankruptcy.

Super-rare Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Shooting Break up for auction

The growing trend for shooting break estates is nothing new. Sleek estate versions of high-end, luxury limousines have been produced at the behest of their ultra-wealthy owners for years – just like this bespoke Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Shooting Break. And this example could be yours for a snip – it’s going up for auction with Bonhams at the Beaulieu Sale on 7 September 2013 with an estimated price of £12,000 to £16,000.