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

Longest ever period of UK new car sales growth

The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) has released the new car registration data for May 2014, and revealed that the UK new car market is officially experiencing its longest period of growth since records began. Sales in May were up 7.7% compared to 2013 – making it the 27th consecutive month that figures have increased. A grand total of 194,032 new cars registered also represents the most units sold in May since 2004.

Vauxhall to launch sub-£7k city car

Vauxhall is believed to be working on a budget city car to rival the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Citroen C1 trio unveiled earlier this month at Geneva. According to Auto Express, the new small hatchback will be based on the Chevrolet Spark platform and will start at less than £7,000 – undercutting the firm’s current Adam model by over £4,000. On Bing: see pictures of Vauxhall city cars Find out how much a used Vauxhall costs on Auto Trader If you’re expecting a bland box on wheels like the Agila, don’t fear – as Vauxhall has reportedly said the new car will “have its own distinct personality”.

One lap of the Web: The 917 song, eating an engine block and Saab sputters back to life?

-- Your author can attest to the aural joy of a properly tuned Porsche flat-six (cooled by air, please), but FlatSixes has posted a video of a 12-cylinder 917K lapping Monza at full-tilt that'll make your mouth water. -- We're all aware of what happens to "end-of-life" vehicles: The crusher or, in many cases, the shredder takes what was once someone's pride and joy and returns it to raw materials. But have you ever seen it happen?