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

Aston Martin ditches Cygnet city car

CITY SLICKERS will no longer be able to cut a dash in a diminutive Aston Martin, following the company's decision to axe the controversial Cygnet from its range. The tiny Cygnet, which takes its name from a young swan, was an adaptation of the Toyota iQ, refitted with the finest luxury materials and priced at over £30,000. Its low CO2 output is rumoured to have been the main reason for the model’s presence in the range, since Aston Martin could in that way lower the company’s average CO2 output across the range in line with European emissions rules.

Ariel Atom 500 V8 (2008): more details and photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 28 May 2009 10:34 British sports car specialist Ariel is beavering away on its latest adrenaline hit: a V8 version of its Atom. As if the regular Atom wasn’t barking enough, the new Atom 500 features a new 3.0-litre V8 producing 500bhp (hence the name), which propels it deep into ‘fastest car in the world‘ territory. Ariel has shown one exterior image of the Atom 500 already (pictured), but today is the first glimpse of the new V8 engine.

Chevrolet Sonic at the 2011 Detroit auto show

One of GM's numerous debuts at the 2011 Detroit auto show was this: the Chevrolet Sonic. Shown as a hatchback and four-door notchback, it's one of The General's weapons to tackle the now-globalised Ford Fiesta and its ilk. Good spot. That's because this is the US-spec Aveo - albeit shown in US-only notchback form as well as the more Euro-flavoured hatchback.