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

Lexus CT 200h: The emissions

Teh Lexus CT 200h has emissions of just 96g/km We have to go with the flow on this because, although we have no faith in the assertion that man is responsible for climate change, for as long as Governments penalise and promote cars based on the emissions of CO2 from their tailpipe (I know, it’s barking) we have to accept that car makers will respond to that stick and carrot. Which is why we see a raft of car makers churning out ‘Eco’ cars with a 99g/km emissions figure, as sub-100g/km of CO2 emissions is the Holy Grail for maximising tax effiecencies. Of course, Lexus has gone a step further and seem intent on producing only hybrid cars as soon as possible.

Historic Motoring Awards Car of the Year 2013 shortlist revealed

Think of this as the alternative Car of the Year competition. You won't find any diesel hatchbacks, practical MPVs or mk7 Volkswagen Golfs in the 2013 International Historic Motoring Awards. The awards celebrate the 'best of the best' in the international historic motoring industry, with the 'Birkin' Bentley picking up the award in 2012.

September sales hint at improvement

A 10 percent increase in new-vehicle sales in September is sparking optimism that the year will have a strong finish. And analysts say that deals might get better over the next few months as Toyota and Honda finally recover from shortages caused by the earthquake that hit Japan in March. Those brands might increase spending on incentives to woo buyers back into their showrooms.