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

Honda Civic Type R UK sales to cease

The Honda Civic Type R is dead. Or it is at least in Europe, as the high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine that powers Honda's hot hatch can't meet forthcoming emissions requirements  That's right – the Civic Type R can’t meet the latest Euro5 emissions regulations that come into force at the end of 2010, meaning in the UK and most other European countries (a tiny handful have Euro5 exemption) the Civic Type R will cease to be. If you live outside Europe then you’re still in luck as the Swindon-built Type R will continue to be sold in markets as far afield as Australia and South Africa.

One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.

Toyota FT-86 II concept (2011) at 2011 Geneva motor show

The wait for Toyota’s rear-wheel drive coupe is nearly over. The new Toyota FT-86 II was unveiled today at the 2011 Geneva motor show, alongside the Subaru version. The two sports cars are being co-developed and Toyota president Akio Toyoda makes no bones about his mission for the FT-86: ‘I want to transfer the thrill of the race track to our vehicles, and make driving fun and exciting for our customers,’ he said.