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

Honda Civic Type R UK sales to cease

The Honda Civic Type R is dead. Or it is at least in Europe, as the high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine that powers Honda's hot hatch can't meet forthcoming emissions requirements  That's right – the Civic Type R can’t meet the latest Euro5 emissions regulations that come into force at the end of 2010, meaning in the UK and most other European countries (a tiny handful have Euro5 exemption) the Civic Type R will cease to be. If you live outside Europe then you’re still in luck as the Swindon-built Type R will continue to be sold in markets as far afield as Australia and South Africa.

Ford Focus ST: The Sweeney Premiere

With the Focus ST about to hit the road, Ford’s new hot Focus is front and centre in the premier of The Sweeney movie tonight. For readers past the first flush of youth, the cars of Ford and The Sweeney are inextricably linked in memory. From the Consul GT to the MK III Cortina and the later Granada 2.8 S, Ford and Sweeney are synonymous.

Show Review: Salon Privé 2011

Salon Privé is billed as Britain's most elite car show and, with its lashings of pink champagne, lobster barbecue and attendees who look to have taken a wrong turn from the UK scripted-reality show, Made in Chelsea, it's certainly the glitziest. This year Salon Privé moved from its traditional home of The Hurlingham Club, just a (precious) stone's throw from the real-life set of the aforementioned show, to the grounds of Syon House in outer West London. Home to the Duke of Northumberland, Syon House's Italian Renaissance architecture and lush grounds provide a fitting background for such an event although those familiar with the locales of Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the heart of Lord March's idyllic West Sussex estate or the dramatic Californian coastline of Pebble Beach may be disappointed.