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

Road funding must increase, say MPs

THERE needs to be a big increase in Government funding and a change of approach for England's major road network if predicted traffic increases are correct, according to MPs. But any move towards using road charging to pay for the extra funding couldn't be achieved without broad agreement among politicians and motorists, said the House of Commons Transport Committee. In a report the committee added that it was "not convinced" by the case for establishing the Highways Agency, the body responsible for England's motorways and major A-roads, as a Government-owned company.

Peugeot 308 RCZ concept

These are the first pictures of the Peugeot 308 RCZ concept car, scheduled to make an appearance at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Based on the forthcoming 308, the 308 RCZ is a 2+2 coupe - in the same ilk as Audi's TT. The construction focuses on lightweight, employing aluminum in the roll over protection bars, a polycarbonate rear windscreen and carbon fiber body panels. Design details of the dramatic concept include pronounced wheel-arches that blend seamlessly with the aggressive front fascia and a stepped beltline. The large offset between the door and rocker panel emphasizes the purposeful, sporting stance.

Designers dress up Mini Cooper

Canadian design duo DSquared2 has released initial sketches of the Mini Cooper Countryman it outfitted for this year's Life Ball, which is on May 21 in Vienna, Austria. Each year, the small-car maker commissions designers to dress up a Mini to be auctioned off at the Life Ball, which donates proceeds to the fight against HIV and AIDS. The “Red Mudder,” as the car is called, is branded with a maple leaf on both doors and a DSquared2 logo on the front shield and wheels.