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

Increase in crashes linked to mobile phone use

As many of us admit to taking selfies at the wheel, researchers have noticed a rise in the number of rear-end shunts on UK roads – despite many manufacturers now offering cars with collision avoidance systems that can brake automatically. According to new research by Accident Exchange, crashes involving one car hitting the back of another have increased by 7% in the last three years. Rated: self-braking cars that avoid a crash Nearly 1 in 10 admit to taking selfies at the wheel With each rear-end smash costing insurers £2,000 on average, premiums could rocket until driverless cars hit our streets.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

You're looking at Aston Martin's new 200mph sports car: the V12 Vantage S. Replacing the now-discontinued standard V12 Vantage, the S gets a new, more powerful engine, and a host of visual tweaks. It'll cost around £150,000 and go on sale in late 2013.

Mitsubishi Scrappage – now on 5 year old cars

Mitsubishi are now offering the Scrappage allowance on cars from 5 years old [ad#ad-1] Despite our reservations about the Scrappage scheme in the UK, it would seem that it is proving to be a good handle to hang sales publicity on for car makers. Hyundai have told us about their successes and the interesting trade-ins they’ve had on cars sold under the Scrappage scheme, and we reported recently on two guys buying Nissan GT-Rs with the Scrappage allowance. And now Mitsubishi are using the Scrappage scheme to promote new car sales.