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

WINTER BREAKDOWN EXPENSE FOR USED CAR OWNERS

SOME VEHICLE components are nearly three times as likely to fail during the winter months as in the summer leading to potentially expensive repairs for the owners of older vehicles, according to Warranty Direct. The specialist insurer and warranty provider analysed 50,000 live automotive policies and found that ignition coils are 283 per cent more likely to fail between December and February than between June and August. Fuel injection pumps, thermostats and a number of electrical components are also more likely to suffer in the cold leading to an average winter repair bill of £408.60, the company has warned.

BMW ‘reveals’ new EfficientDynamics prototype

BMW has established a Web site called www.dontblogabouthis.com with the express purpose of revealing a prototype being used to test a new gasoline-electric driveline earmarked for a future sports car. It’s expected to be launched in 2012 as part of BMW’s EfficientDynamics program. Featuring two short videos and four photographs of a 6-series based prototype, the Web site provides no additional information about the prototype other than to suggest that the car in question is “more than a 6-series”and is “not in its final stage.” Close inspection reveals the matte black BMW mule has a new front end resembling that of the one-off EfficientDynamics concept revealed at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.

Vauxhall Corsa gets a 2010 eco facelift

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 19 November 2009 00:01 Blink and you'll miss it – but your accountant won't. The new 2010 model year Vauxhall Corsa has been nipped and tucked, tweaked and polished to produce an impressive average 13% fuel saving across the range.Five out of the six Corsa engines now produce less than 125g/km and the 2010 Corsa Ecoflex diesel now manages up to 76.3mpg (on the Government's not-especially-representative combined figures).How have they made the Corsas so much cleaner?Just good old-fashioned engine tuning, apparently. Most models also come with an eco gearshift indicator to guilt-trip drivers into shifting up at the earliest opportunity.Vauxhall claims it'll sell more sub-125g/km cars than any other model range in the UK in 2010; all manual gearbox Corsas will qualify for free tax discs from next spring when Britain's new VED rates come into force.Anything else new on the 2010 Corsa?It's not just fuel-saving, miser-making tips.