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

Car hire costs branded ‘extortionate’

MORE THAN 45% of hire car users described hidden costs such as insurance and fuel as extortionate, according to a new survey. 200 UK consumers aged over 30 and earning more than £20,000 per annum were quizzed for the survey, conducted on behalf of Carhiremarket.com, with over 45% agreeing that hidden costs for insurance and fuel were extortionate. Users cited greater transparency or an all-inclusive upfront price as a more desirable option.

2014 Mercedes S Class REVEALED

There’s not a huge more to say about the new S Class than we already have, but it does look convincing. It takes styling cues from many of Mercedes latest models, but even without the big bulbous wheel arches at the back it’s still very recognisable as an S Class – just a new one. We already know much about what ‘s likely to be on offer at first – S350, S400 and S500 – and what’s to come – S250, S63 AMG, S Class Pullman – and that we’ll see, in due course, both an S Class Coupe and a convertible S Class.

Michelin Challenge Design 2009 preview

Michelin is continuing to profile the work of some of the leading contenders for its annual Michelin Challenge Design competition, which asks the design community to come up with proposals for "America's Next Iconic Vehicle". All 11 of the scale models and 24 two-dimensional drawings in the running will be exhibited at the 2009 NAIAS in January. Earlier this month, we featured three of these scale models following their selection by a jury of top automotive designers.