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

Family Favourite Gets A Refresh

FORD has taken the wraps off its refreshed Focus. The car, which remains a firm favourite with both private buyers and business users, gains a more distinctive nose and a technology boost. Expected to hit the showrooms later this year, the Focus adopts Ford’s new exterior nose treatment – a version of which has already been adapted for the recently refreshed Fiesta supermini.

End of Maybach may jump-start Mercedes S-class convertible

A couple of nondenial denials from Mercedes-Benz execs at the New York auto show this week sure made it sound like there's a convertible coming, based on the redesigned S-class due out next year. If the brand follows its usual practice, the convertible would come out a year or two after the sedan. Significantly, Mercedes-Benz showed the Ocean Drive convertible concept five years ago with a Mercedes-Benz badge, rather than Maybach.

Congress scales back tax break for car buyers

A proposed tax break for new-vehicle buyers is dramatically scaled back in the final version of the economic stimulus bill. Auto dealers and their allies had sought to make interest on auto loans and the sales and excise taxes on new-vehicle purchases deductible from federal taxes. Proponents say those measures are needed to boost showroom traffic and sales.