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

Google continues autonomous car tests [w/video]

Google is leading the charge towards the production of a fully autonomous car, releasing a video earlier this week of the car being tested on a programmed route. Steve Mahan, who is 95 per cent blind, successfully tested the car with Google engineers and a member of the local police close at hand should something go awry. Google kitted out a Toyota Prius with its software, taking the shape of a spinning cylinder on the car's roof, which senses traffic or activity close to the car and automatically adapts to its situation.

2012 Honda Civic UK prices and specs – starts at £16,495

2012 Honda Civic UK Prices & Specs revealed The 2012 Honda Civic may be more of an evolution of the old Civic than a radical departure, but it does seem to offer a decent package, and one designed to cope with UK roads too. We already know plenty about the 2012 Civic, from its new suspension and dynamics – tuned to UK roads, no less – to the improved engines with better economy and lower emissions, thanks to an endless tease from Honda, but one which was at least informative. And now we get to the meat of the new Civic, with UK prices, models and specifications revealed.

Maserati Levante SUV – 525bhp & Made in Italy

The Maserati Levante – the production version of the Kubang Concept SUV – is based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and it was planned to be built in the US alongside the Jeep, but demand for the new Grand Cherokee means Maserati will be building the Levante in Italy instead. Which will probably do its credentials no harm at all. Nor will its engine offerings, which will include the new 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 from the Ghibli with around 400bhp, the new diesel engine from the Ghibli (and perhaps Fiat’s new V8 diesel when that arrives) and the thumping twin-turbo V8 from the Quattroporte with a round 525bhp.