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

McLaren managing director on leave, not expected in Geneva

McLaren Automotive's U.S.-born managing director, Antony Sheriff, is expected to be absent from the launch of the P1 hypercar at Geneva next week because he is on extended leave from the company. No reason for Sheriff's absence has been given, although McLaren is at pains to point out that he is “still employed as McLaren Automotive's managing director.” Rumors were circulating about Sheriff's absence from Woking in January, but company spokesmen back then stressed that he was still employed by McLaren and would unveil the P1 at Geneva. Despite those assurances, sources had reported earlier in the year that Sheriff “hadn't been seen in his office” for some days.

Rally star Ken Block gets Hot Wheels line

Rally driver Ken Block isn't the only one who gets to play around with his Monster/Ford Racing rally car. In time for the holidays, Mattel has created a special line of Hot Wheels toys based on Block's Ford Fiesta race car. "This is a dream come true.

Volvo could be heading East

Actually, it could be going absolutely anywhere a bid can be found. As we reported last week, Ford is trying desperately to unload its last remaining prestige marque – Volvo. And, as we thought, the disposal of Volvo by Ford is said to be a condition of the help that Ford, along with the other main US car makers, is begging from the US government.