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

Ford debuts another Australian hot rod

Ford's Australian-based Performance Vehicles operation has unveiled its fastest car to date—the Falcon-based FPV GT R-spec. To be assembled at Ford Performance Vehicle's headquarters on the outskirts of Melbourne, the rear-wheel drive GT R-spec packs the same engine as the earlier GT335, a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing 449 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. But, a range of chassis modifications, including a retuned suspension, wider 19-inch rear wheels and tires and new launch control system are claimed to provide the greater off-the-line speed than any previous model from Ford's Australian outpost.

One Lap of the Web: Cozy Coupes and '80s ATVs

-- Bill Simpson is a legend in the world of motorsports -- so much so that it might have taken you a moment to realize that there is a real Simpson behind those Simpson helmets. After 40 years spent saving the lives of drivers everywhere, a few years ago Simpson had a chance encounter with then-Indianapolis Colts offensive line coach Tom Moore. So he decided to tackle (heh, punny!) the world of youth football with carbon-fiber and Kevlar helmets that weigh less than 2 pounds and have already started reducing concussions in high school games.

VW Golf GTI priced from £25,845 in UK

The new Mk7 VW Golf GTI is now on sale in the UK priced from £25,845. That's only a £195 rise over the old Mk6 Golf GTI, despite the extra power, performance, and a 2.2mpg improvement in economy. Hang on - nearly £26k for a VW Golf GTI is a bit steep, isn't it?  Actually, it's better value than the old Mk6 Golf GTI. For a start, the new Mk7 Golf GTI's 29E insurance group rating is five groups lower than the old model's, so you should save on premium renewals as well as road tax and fuel fill-ups.