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

MINI go Rallying: MINI WRC Video

MINI Countryman WRC ‘Old’ Mini – that’s Mini without all the capital letters – ‘owned’ rallying for a period in the 1960s. Particularly the Monte Carlo Rally, which it won in 1964, 1965 and 1967. Names like Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Altonen – well, more so Paddy in the UK – became as well-known as Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are today.

New 200hp engine for Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra GTC is now available with a 1.6-litre direct injection engine that produces 200hp – making it the most powerful non-VXR Astra ever. The new four-cylinder Ecotec engine is the same as that used in the convertible Vauxhall Cascada. On Bing: see pictures of the Vauxhall Astra GTC Find out how much a used Vauxhall Astra GTC costs on Auto Trader Vauxhall claims the new engine is one of the most refined units in the segment, and also points at its improved performance and fuel economy figures over the previous 1.6-litre turbocharged motor.

McLaren 50 12C & 12C Spider celebrate McLaren’s 50th anniversary

McLaren say they will be building a maximum of 50 each of the 50 12C Coupe and 12C Spider to mark the occasion, both of which get special features provided by McLaren Special Operations – the same McLaren division that created the 12C High Sport. That means a new front bumper which has been optimised by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for more downforce, extra carbon fibre and kevlar exterior bits, ceramic brakes, 19″ front and 20″ rear alloys, full leather, extra carbon fibre in the cabin, a heritage badge and a numbered plaque. There will be the option of three colours for the 50th anniversary 12Cs - Carbon Black, Supernova Silver and, of course, McLaren Orange – and each car will get its own silver car cover, a limited edition key in a carbon fibre box and a signed art print (sadly, there’s no sign of a tool chest or Tag Heuer watch).