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

Gift Guide: Automotive apparel for all seasons

From the earliest days of motoring, the relationship between automobiles and apparel has been symbiotic. Clothing worn by Brass Era car and motorcycle buffs was adopted mostly to protect drivers from the elements, rather than from the hazards of speed. Floor-length dusters, motoring coats and driving caps shielded motorists from cold wind and choking dust.

2013 facelift for BMW Z4 & new Z4 M35i

BMW are planning to facelift the Z4 for 2013 and add a new M Performance model – the BMW Z4 M35i – to replace the Z4 sDrive35iS. Four years since the current BMW Z4 was launched at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009, it looks like BMW’s roadster is getting a facelift to keep it fresh, and a new M Performance model – the BMW Z4 M35iS. Changes to the 2013 Z4 are likely to be modest, with the usual facelift fare of new bumpers, new lights, new alloys, titivated ‘more upmarket’ interior and tweaks to the engines to offer more power with better economy and lower emissions.

Petersen Museum gets new chair

Peter Mullin, a car guy with excellent taste and the means to do something about it, has become chairman of the board of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Lucky place, the Petersen. Mullin's vice-chairs, who will help lead the museum into the 21st century, are uber car guys Bruce Meyer and David Sydorick, both longtime supporters of the institution.