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

Crunch watch Feb 09: the auto industry in crisis

By Tim Pollard, Ben Pulman and Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 02 March 2009 18:11 Monday 2 March• The Volkswagen Group announces a 5% rise in sales revenues in the 2008 tax year and a 3% increase in operating profits, up to €6.3 billion. Chairman Martin Winterkorn said the group's multi-brand strategy and low CO2 cars had helped sustain sales, although he admitted that 2009 would see a fall in demand and revenues (Volkswagen) Friday 27 February• Jaguar Land Rover announces a significant order for 13,000 cars from a Chinese business. It's a morale boost for JLR which has been hit by a slump in demand with the global slowdown (BBC News)• Opel this afternoon agreed to a restructuring plan designed to save as many jobs and factories as possible – but it needs a €3.3 billion lifeline from the state.

Bentley Mulsanne offered with new Mulliner Driving Specification package

Bentley introduced a new package for the Mulsanne. It's too fancy to be called a trim line, but those who want a sportier Mulsanne sedan will be able check the box marked Mulliner Driving Specification. The package adds unique 21-inch wheels, Flying B vents and a diamond-quilted, leather-trimmed interior.

Which sounds better? Jaguar F-Type V8 or V6?

Jaguar continues to keep interest in the new F-Type piqued with video comparing the sound of the V6 and V8 F-Type. The latest Jaguar marketing magic comes courtesy of a short video with a pair of F-Types pulling away and accelerating hard; one a V6 supercharged and the other a V8 supercharged. We don’t know whether the V6 is the 340PS base F-Type or the 380PS F-Type S, but it makes a fine noise.