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

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.

1960s supercars

By Tim Pollard and Ben Oliver 10 July 2008 16:00 Supercars in the Sixties The swinging ’60s spawned many joyous things – and its spirit of liberalisation applied equally to the motor car. So we shouldn’t be surprised that it was the fun-filled decade that begat the supercar. The Lamborghini Miura was arguably first – and CAR’s own wizard of words, LJK Setright, penned the phrase that defined the breed: he called it the supercar.

Lamborghini LP650-4 Roadster – in the wild

Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster at a motor event in the US We first got details on the new Lamborghini LP650-4 Roadster back in February, and Lamborghini subsequently issued a set of pictures to show it was real. But it was a bit of a surprise to see a real one turn up at a Lamborghini event in the US. Sporting the same 650bhp as the Lamborghini Reventon, the LP650-4 Roadster is the last of the line of open-topped Murcielagos (apart from the Reventon Roadster – which as there will only be 9 doesn’t really count), and is the successor to the LP640 Roadster.