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

Cost of garage labour falling

THE AVERAGE labour rate at both franchised and non-franchised garages has fallen compared to 2012, according to new figures. An annual survey of 12,000 cases conducted on behalf of Warranty Direct has concluded that the average labour rate in 2013 is £74.70, a fall of 9.84% from £82.86 in 2012. Less encouraging is the overall trend of rising labour rates, with the average having increased by 33% over the last ten years.

Richard Petty Experience branches out, adds exotic-car driving programs

Stock-car legend Richard Petty is in the market for a few new cars: a couple of Ferraris, a pair of Lamborghinis, an Audi R8 and a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. That's because the Richard Petty Driving Experience is branching out from offering rides and drives in NASCAR-style stock cars. Beginning in January, at least one of the Petty facilities will offer rides and drives in exotic cars.

Aston Martin confirms Middle East-only Lagonda super-saloon

By John Mahoney Motor Industry 25 July 2014 16:54 Aston Martin has confirmed it will once again make a Lagonda super-saloon - but only for Middle Eastern markets. The details of Aston’s secret plans to resurrect its luxurious nameplate for a small production run of luxury saloons were revealed in the July 2014 issue of CAR following our spy photographer captured a wedgy four-door saloon testing on the roads around Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ in Warwickshire. The mule we snapped, like the production car set to arrive in 2015, is based on Aston’s familiar VH architecture that underpins the four-door Aston Martin Rapide.