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

New Mercedes A Class: A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models launch

Mercedes are launching two new eco versions of the new A Class – the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition and A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. Mercedes has had a play with the aerodynamics on the new A Class to lower the Cd value from an already very low 0.27 to 0.26 by partially covering the upper section of the radiator grill, adding aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle and lowering the suspension by 15mm. Mercedes has also tweaked the generator management for more efficiency and had a play with the gearbox to make the ratios longer (which will help economy, but won’t do much for responsiveness).

Petrolhead spiders cause Mazda recall

Mazda has had to recall 42,000 vehicles in the US after it emerged that a species of spider had been weaving webs in fuel vent hoses, increasing the risk of fuel leaks and fires. The yellow sac spider’s curious domestic activities cause a build-up of pressure in the evaporative fuel vent that – in theory at least – could result in a cracked fuel tank and therefore an increased risk of fire. This isn’t the first time that the Mazda 6 has received the unwanted advances of a gas-guzzling arachnid, either – three years ago Mazda had to recall over 50,000 cars for precisely the same reason.

MG SV returns, TF founders

By Keith Adams (additional reporting by Russell Gowers) Motor Industry 15 April 2008 10:14 In the latest twist of the MG Rover saga, and three years after the original MG XPower SV supercar went out of production, the controversial coupe has made a surprise re-appearance. However, the likelihood of us ever seeing the reborn TF roadster seems to be receding by the week.Now known as the XPower WR, the Qvale Mangusta-based supercar has been eased back into production by William Riley – a descendant of the creators of the historic car company bearing the same name.His company, known as MG Sports and Racing Europe Limited, produces the supercharged WR, selling it for between £75,000 and £90,000 depending in specification. The rights to the car – and its badge – were bought from MG Rover administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2005.