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

Richard Madeley – Guest Car Reviewer

Richard Madeley joins Cars UK as a guest reviewer So we thought it might be fun to get some well-known faces to spend a bit of time with an interesting car and get their feedback. A sort of ‘Stars Test Cars’ occasional feature. So we set to work – pulled some strings and begged some favours – and the first of our ‘Stars Test Cars’ writers is broadcaster and journalist Richard Madeley.

Mazda's rotary engine stalled, not forgotten

Development of the next-generation rotary engine from Mazda Motor Corp., first unveiled three years ago, is making slow progress despite missing emissions targets. A top Mazda powertrain executive said today that the 1.6-liter rotary engine, called the 16X, is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current rotary engine used in the RX-8 sporty car. In fact, the 16X so far performs slightly better than Mazda's standard two-liter gasoline engine, said Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of the Japanese carmaker's powertrain division.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S – 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds

Porsche has revealed the full details of its new Panamera Turbo S, and it’s a monster. Set to debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November, the Panamera Turbo S is no less than 50hp more powerful than the regular Panamera Turbo, and now sprints 0-62mph in less time than an Audi RS6. Or indeed the last generation Porsche 911 GT3.