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

Power hike for Porsche Boxster

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 19 October 2006 02:37 Porsche has upgraded its two Boxster models, by transplanting the Cayman coupe's punchier flat six engines. The base Cayman cabriolet – sorry, Boxster – now gets a smidgen more power and torque from its 2.7-litre unit, with outputs climbing to 245bhp and 201lb ft. The tweaks shave a tenth off the 0-62mph sprint, reducing it to 6.1sec, and improve fuel economy by 1mpg to 30.4.

All used up: Pre-owned sales rise as consumers seek new-car alternatives

Used-car sales took a leap upward in April, and the trend is expected to continue at least until midyear as pent-up demand for affordable pre-owned vehicles jacks up at least one segment of the car marketplace. Sales of new cars continued an unabated slide toward what analysts say is a 30-year low in the United States, but used-car sales showed strength as buyers unable to finance new cars shifted their sights to less expensive used models. As a result, retailers such as the large Penske Automotive Group reported that despite an overall decline in sales in the first three months of 2009, improving used-car sales kept them in the black.

Who's Where: RCA appoints Matteo Conti, Hannah Macmurray, Matthew Humphries and Cynthia Charwick to Vehicle Design faculty

Matteo Conti has been appointed senior tutor at the Royal College of Art in the latest of a series of new appointments. Conti, who joins from Northumbria University, will take up his position on 1 May and be program manager for the first year course and be responsible for curriculum development and coordinating external projects. He will also contribute to the second year teaching and research activities.