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

British team, trusty Fiat Panda set new Africa run record

The Fiat Panda driving team consisting of British rally drivers Philip Young and Paul Brace arrived in London today, setting a new record time for the 10,000-mile Cape Town, South Africa to London run in the process. With their time of 10 days, 13 hours and 30 minutes, the team managed to break two records: one for the Cape Town to London run and one for the run between the two cities (in either direction). The former previously stood at 14 days, 19 hours and 26 minutes, while the latter was 11 days, 14 hours and 11 minutes.

Ford announces new Silicon Valley research laboratory

Ford has announced plans to open a new R&D center in California's Silicon Valley with a view to creating a hub for collaborative technology projects. With neighbors including Google, Microsoft, facebook, Apple and Stanford University, it's certainly setting up shop in the right part of town. Its location also connects Ford's Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, CA and Ford employees working with connectivity platform partner Microsoft Corp.

Honda Jazz Hybrid / Honda Fit Hybrid revealed

The Honda Jazz Hybrid will debut at the Paris Motor Show Despite not really believing that Hybrid cars are anything other than a stop-gap (if they’re any use at all in small cars) Honda is pushing forward with its hybrid range by dropping the hybrid bits from the Insight in to the Jazz to make the Honda Jazz Hybrid (in the Americas, China and Japan read that as Honda Fit Hybrid). The Honda Jazz Hybrid – which will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in just over a month – will be the first B-Segment hybrid to hit the market (supermini in English), and its smaller size may help the Insight’s hybrid bits be a bit more fun. But don’t hold your breath.