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

MSN Cars' Ian Dickson and Steve Walker to leave

Microsoft MSN Cars' journalists Ian Dickson (above left) and Steve Walker (right) are to leave the team at the end of 2013. The pair, who produce much of the content you read here day-to-day, have notched up an impressive 10 and a half years' combined service between them. Senior editor Ian Dickson joined MSN Cars in September 2006, while content editor Steve Walker arrived in September 2010.

1 in 10 men prefer cars to women

Just over 12% of men think that some beautiful cars can look better than women, according to a new survey commissioned by Volvo in collaboration with brainwave monitoring specialists MyndPlay. The study analysed the electronic brain signals of respondents to measure the effect car design has on the human mind – and the results are very interesting… On Bing: see pictures of beautiful car design The most beautiful cars of all time In the interest of balance, women were also asked how they rank an attractive male compared to a good-looking car. The outcome showed one third (33%) of females asked actually rated images of impressive car design higher than pictures of an attractive man.

2014 European Car of the Year shortlist announced

Established in 1964, the European Car of the Year award was set up to celebrate a “single, decisive winner” each year among all new cars in Europe. So, now running into its fiftieth year, the shortlist for the landmark half-century award for the European Car of the Year 2014 has been announced. The seven runners and riders boast among them an interesting and varied mix of bodystyles, shapes, sizes and even powertrains.