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

Honda to enter BTCC with new Civic Tourer

What do One Direction and Honda’s British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) team have in common? While both were initially likeable and talented, they’re now starting to get a little bit too cocky. With four successive championship wins under its belt, Honda has announced that it will enter its new Civic Tourer estate into the BTCC next year.

Call for reform over road repair funding

FUNDING patterns mean most road maintenance is being carried out in "less-efficient, cold and wet" times, a report from a Government spending watchdog has said. The current pattern of funding, combined with the need to spend money within the financial year, means that most maintenance work goes on between September and March, said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO). It went on: "Although this is less disruptive for road users, it is less efficient than carrying out the work at other times of year because materials can be more difficult to handle in cold and wet conditions, and daylight hours are shorter." The report went on: "As a result of the additional funding for emergency repairs, which is made available at the end of the financial year, almost all highways authorities need extra capacity from the market at the same time, which makes it less likely that they will get value for money." The NAO report said there was a "lack of predictability" over road spending adding that historically, local highway authorities spent more revenue on maintenance, but were now carrying out fewer routine activities such as clearing gullies which are essential to preventing water seeping into roads' sub-structure.

Porsche introduces Panamera Platinum Edition

The Porsche Panamera is already one of the top executive sedans on the road today. But in case there's any doubt, the company has added a Platinum trim to the lineup, moving the vehicle even further upscale. It will be offered for both rear- or all-wheel drive versions.