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

Clean cars make us happy

A CLEAN CAR makes us feel happier and three out of four drivers say a spotless car makes them feel better about themselves. In a survey by car wash specialists IMO, 74% of drivers reported a shiny car was a quick way to make themselves happier, while only a minority said they would ‘rather boil their head’ than get their car washed. Young drivers are the most likely to improve their mood with a car wash, with 85% saying a shiny car gives them a boost.

Cash-for-clunkers gems: Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs and one infamous Bentley meet the end of the road

By now, the high-profile casualties of cash-for-clunkers are well documented: a Bentley Continental R and an Aston Martin DB7 Volante from 1997 and a 1985 Maserati Quattroporte all perished under the government-funded incentive program. But scratching beneath the surface reveals that scores of everyday enthusiast rides such as Mustangs, Camaros and even some Corvettes met ignominious endings by having their engines destroyed and their bodies crushed. While it’s likely that many of the nearly 700,000 clunkers turned in actually were at the end of their roads, the final report released by the government reveals the demise of plenty of affordable, likely still-fixable cars that could have been enjoyed by collectors of all ages.

Dassault Systèmes and Autodesign & Styling's 'Prague Experience' contest launched

Dassault Systèmes and AutoDesign & Styling magazine are looking for designs for everyday objects inspired by the Czech capital of Prague for their annual international design competition. The contest, which is open to designers from all over the world, calls for entries that are both user- and eco-friendly and reflect the character of Prague as a European city full of famous architecture and hundreds of monuments. Anne Asensio, vice-president of design experience at Dassault Systèmes and jury president for the past two years, said, "We are pleased to announce the third annual competition, and we have already introduced a small tradition.