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

New Mercedes SL 400 replaces SL 350

The new Mercedes SL 400 (pictured) replaces the old SL 350 It’s a little over two years since the latest Mercedes SL arrived, and Mercedes has now decided to add a little zest to sales by dropping the old SL 350 and replacing it with a new Mercedes SL 400. The new SL 400 gets its power from the new E400 which means a twin-turbo 3.0 litre V6 with 328bhp and 354 lb/ft of torque – 26bhp and 81 lb/ft more than the old SL 350 – enough to let the SL 400 scoot to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds – 0.7s better than the 350 -= and on to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The new SL 400 has to make do with Mercedes tried and tested 7-speed auto – despite a new 9-speed now being available in Mercedes’ arsenal – which gives the SL 400 official economy of 38.6 mpg and emissions of 172g/km – not that you’ll come close in the real world.

Abarth Punto EVO gets esseesse boost

Abarth Punto EVO esseesse gets an extra 15 horses The Fiat 1.4 litre lump which powers the Abarth Punto EVO is already a lively little thing. Despite its rather modest capacity it manages to deliver a healthy 165bhp, enough to scoot the Abarth Punto EVO to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 133mph. Far from shoddy.

VW Law: EU sues Germany over Volkswagen Golden Share

VW Law attacked by EU We often bemoan the fact that, although we have a car industry in the UK, it’s either owned by businesses outside the UK or an offshoot of a foreign car maker. Unlike Germany, where their car makers are owned by Germans. But that’s partly our fault, at least as far as Europe’s biggest and most successful car maker – Volkswagen – is concerned.