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

Chevrolet Sonic at the 2011 Detroit auto show

One of GM's numerous debuts at the 2011 Detroit auto show was this: the Chevrolet Sonic. Shown as a hatchback and four-door notchback, it's one of The General's weapons to tackle the now-globalised Ford Fiesta and its ilk. Good spot. That's because this is the US-spec Aveo - albeit shown in US-only notchback form as well as the more Euro-flavoured hatchback.

Ecclestone faces £4 million bill

MOTORSPORT boss Bernie Ecclestone must pay lawyers' bills adding up to about £4 million despite winning a High Court fight with a German media company, a judge has ruled. In February, Mr Justice Newey had dismissed a claim for around £80 million in damages by Constantin Medien - which had said it lost out after Mr Ecclestone entered into a "corrupt agreement" with a banker to facilitate the sale of the Formula 1 Group to a buyer chosen by him. But, despite ruling against Constantin after a High Court trial in London, the judge had described 83-year-old Mr Ecclestone as not "reliable or truthful".

New British sports car brand on the horizon

A REAL automotive rarity has occurred with the announcement that a new low-volume British sports car brand will reveal an initial concept car in April. David Brown Automotive will be set up along the same lines as Morgan, with the aim of recapturing the past glory of British sports cars but using modern materials, reliable mechanicals and up-to-date luxuries. Such ventures have been tried before, with very mixed results, but owner and financial backer David Brown is confident that the first model, codenamed ‘Project Judi’, will succeed.