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

2014 Mercedes C-Class: OFFICIAL – and it looks like a proper baby S-Class

The 2014 Mercedes C-Class (pictured) looks like a proper baby S-Class The 2014 (or 2015 if you’re in the US) Mercedes C-Class has finally been officially revealed ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, and it looks to be a convincing take on a proper scaled-down S-Class. With Mercedes launching a more credible range of compact cars beneath the C-Class – with the new A-Class and CLA – targeting younger, funkier buyers, Mercedes has taken the C-Class from the ‘entry-’level’ real Mercedes to become a properly grwon up luxury saloon, just smaller than its E-Class and S-Class siblings. The new C-Class is wider, longer and has a longer wheelbase – with most of the extra 3 inches in the wheelbase benefiting the rear passengers – yet it’s lighter and more dynamic than the model it replaces, thanks in no small part to an aluminium hybrid body that now has up to 50 per cent aluminium in its panels.

UK car manufacturing jumps 12%

CAR PRODUCTION is accelerating ahead, driven by demand from Europe, according to the latest figures. A total of 142,158 cars were manufactured in the UK in March - a 12% rise on the March 2013 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) said. Last month's figure brought the 2014 production total to nearly 405,000 - a 2.9% increase on the January-March 2013 total.

Whos Where: Pierre Authier to become Vice President of Design for Opel/Vauxhall

 Pierre Authier is thought to become Vice President of Design for Opel/Vauxhall, leaving his current role as Peugeot Design Director, according to a source from within the PSA design department. The position has been up for grabs since the shock dismissal of Dave Lyon just days before he took up the position in Rüsselsheim, Germany last month. Authier has been at Peugeot since the start of his career in 1998, first working on the 307 model and most recently responsible for the well-received 208 supermini.