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

New MoT failure figures reveal surprises

BETWEEN January and August 2013 253,000 vehicles failed their first MoT, according to new data. 70 million records from the Vehicle Operation and Services Agency (VOSA) were examined to reveal the patterns of failure for cars receiving their first MoT, required three years from the date of first registration. However, while the best performers have pre-existing reputations for reliability, the bottom of the table reveals some surprises.

Arabian horse inspires bespoke Rolls Royce Phantom Mirage [w/gallery]

Rolls-Royce has created a bespoke Phantom Coupé named Mirage, inspired by the powerful Arabian stallion of the same name that became famous during the 1920s and ‘30s. The one-off car, designed for the United Arab Emirates market, features a matte black exterior with horse's head incorporated into its coachline detail, a motif that continues into the Mugello Red and black interior. There is also silver detailing such as the rope inlay on the front fascia and door capping.

College Exhibition: Royal College of Art - Connections

First year Vehicle Design students at the Royal College of Art were given a brief to develop a car that would achieve universal individual mobility for people of all ages living in rural environments. Using intelligent systems technology, new materials and means, and retaining high standards of sustainability, the students were asked: what are the vehicles for tomorrow's countryside? Five different groups consisting of three students devised several very different proposals to answer this question.