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

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

McLaren MSO 650S going in to production – debuts at Goodwood & costs from £252,500

The McLaren MSO 650S Concept (pictured) becomes a production model In April, we revealed the McLaren MSO 650S Coupe Concept, and such has been the reaction from McLaren buyers that McLaren has decided to put it in to production, with a total of 50 cars being built in both Coupe and Spider guise and debuting this week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The production MSO 650S carries over many of the elements of the Concept, but McLaren’s Design Director, Frank Stephenson, has had input to make more changes including a number of carbon fibre styling upgrades with a satin finish, a three-piece rear bumper with carbon fibre centre section and a more aggressive rear diffuser. The MSO Concept came in Agrigan Black, but the production version will be available in ‘Papaya Spark (a take on McLaren orange), Sarigan Quartz ( new metallic silver with gold infusion) and the Agrigan Black of the concept.

Cobra Venom V8 concept

Created by UK-based designer Jamie Martin, the Cobra Venom V8 concept is heralded as the true spiritual successor to the classic AC/Shelby Cobra. It celebrates the great Anglo-American partnership that produced one of the most iconic racing cars of the last century. Built atop a lightweight extruded aluminium chassis, the Cobra Venom V8 features carbon-fiber body panels and an F1-style alloy 'protective cocoon'.