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

Is the DfT trying to nobble 80mph speed limit trials?

With trials proposed for an 80mph speed limit, the ABD are asking if the DfT are trying to fix the trials by running them on congested motorways. When the ConDems came to power, and Philip Hammond was made Transport Secretary, we did hope that might be a sign that government policy on cars would finally make sense, especially when Philip Hammond declared ‘The war on motorists is over‘. Philip’s aim was to look at stuff like national speed limits and create a system that made sense, rather than the silly situation we have where everyone knows you won’t get nicked for 85mph on a motorway unless plod got out of bed the wrong side.

2013 Ford Mondeo: Price cuts & new models

That means a simplified lineup for the new Mondeo and the introduction of a cheaper entry-level model – the Mondeo Graphite – and a new model at the top end – the Titanium X Business Edition – with more equipment and a lower price. The Mondeo Graphite comes with 17″ alloys, sports suspension, Bluetooth, AirCon and part leather and starts at £15,995 – more than £2k cheaper than the former entry-level Mondeo Edge. At the other end of the scale, Ford are introducing the Titanium X Business Edition which replaces both the Titanium and Titanium X, gets more equipment than the Titanium X and yet costs £1500 less.

Alfa Romeo 4C finally on sale in 2013?

It seems the Alfa Romeo 4C may finally arrive in production guise at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, and on sale soon after. First seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011 – when we expected it to go on sale in 2012 – the 4C has been rolled out by Alfa Romeo a few times since – even complete with ‘teasers’ when all that had changed was the colour – to keep up interest in a car that holds much promise but didn’t seem to be heading anywhere. But now, according to Autocar, Alfa Romeo has confirmed that a production version of the Alfa 4C will arrive at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show before going on sale – at least in Europe – later in the year.