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

European new car sales in record LOW

European new car registrations have plunged to their LOWEST level on record after slow August sales reversed an upturn in July. Registrations of 7,841,596 new cars between January-August 2013 marked a new low for the European new car market of 27 countries – so few cars have never previously been recorded since records began in 1990. 2013 UK new car sales forecast revised upwards European new car sales continue to struggle The UK new car market is the sole exception: so far this year, new car registrations have risen 10.4%, compared to the European decline of 5.2% in the same time period.

Opel design boss dismissed

Newly appointed Opel design boss Dave Lyon has been dismissed by parent company General Motors, less than a week before he was set to take over the position at the company's troubled European subsidiary in Russelsheim, Germany. Lyon, who was set to receive Opel's design operations from current boss Mark Adams on Aug. 1, was reportedly escorted from GM design headquarters in Michigan late last week under mysterious circumstances.

Video provides a closer look at Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 race car

Mercedes-Benz used the recent Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida as the opportunity to take a closer look at the SLS AMG GT3 race car. Assistant product manager William Vetter leads the walkaround of the car. Features include the extensive use of the carbon fiber, ducting for braking cooling and aerodynamics, and the explosive charges that blow off the door for an emergency escape.