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

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2012) the Vantage S-inspired upgrade

This is Aston Martin’s new V8 Vantage, with a new gearbox, styling tweaks and chassis upgrades. You might think it looks little different than before – and that’s no bad thing – but Aston Martin claims the updates amount to ‘most comprehensive programme of enhancements’ since the 4.7-litre version of the V8 Vantage was launched in 2008. The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March 2012, just in time to distract potential customers away from the new Porsche 911.  So what’s new about the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage?

Man-made Modern Luxury Materials in Cars

Luxury, within the context of a car interior, has been closely related to the use of wood and leather for over a century. These natural materials have a familiar organic, tactile quality that are intrinsically desirable attributes for most people and, in today's mass manufactured plastic world, they also assume a luxury or premium quality. Throughout the last century, metal, leather and wood have also been progressively supplanted by bakelite, vinyl and then polymer-based plastic materials in car interiors as well.

Vettel enjoys title toast

WORLD CHAMPION Sebastian Vettel has revealed he celebrated his fourth successive drivers' title with an impromptu night in his hotel bar before spending some time at home in quiet contemplation of his achievements. Vettel did not have too much time to bask in the glory of yet another all-conquering championship season as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix follows just seven days later but he did admit the team spent a little while in the bar following the race win at the Buddh International Circuit. "Obviously it was a great relief when I crossed the line on Sunday," he said.