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

US DoT makes rear-view cameras compulsory

The US Department of Transportation (DoT) has issued a new safety standard for rear visibility that requires mandatory fitment of rear-view cameras. The ruling applies to all new vehicles, excluding motorcycles, weighing under 10,000 pounds (4,536kg) sold from 2018. The ruling has been introduced to cut backover crashes, caused when the victim strays into the blind zone 10-40 feet (3-12m) behind the vehicle that the driver can't see using their mirrors alone.

Ultra-rare Steyr Puch 500 goes to auction

£18,000 might seem like a lot of money for a car based on the original Fiat 500, but this particular Steyr Puch example is one of just 33 ever built. Austrian firm Steyr Puch entered into an agreement with Fiat in 1954 after production was halted during World War II, and began production of the 500 under licence. Only 33 right-hand drive examples were ever produced, and of those only two survive; this example and one in the Steyr Puch museum in Austria.

Italdesign Tex concept

The second concept from Volkswagen's recently acquired Italdesign was the Tex. A research study into the potential future design language of the German brand, the Tex also draws on existing technologies from Wolfsburg.  Utilizing the 'twin drive' plug-in hybrid system, the Tex is capable of a range of 35 kilometers in electric mode, a range Giugiaro claims is ample enough for day-to-day commuting. Adopting a sporting pretense, the Tex is low slung, sitting atop large 19-inch diameter wheels and sports an aggressive DRG.