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

Cluttered-up cars failing MOT test

CLUTTERED-UP cars are causing thousands of drivers to fail the MOT test. Some vehicles are not passing the test as the screenwash is not topped up, the survey by Whatcar.com found. Test centres are also failing vehicles as they have stickers on the windscreen that block the driver's view, while some drivers even turn up for a test sporting no number plates.

Maserati and Poltrona Frau showcasing continuing collaboration

Maserati and Poltrona Frau are showcasing their continuing collaboration in automotive design in a weeklong exhibition at Design Centre at Chelsea Harbor, London. From 18 until 22 June the glass domes of Design Centre will play host to a Maserati GranCabrio Sport as well as one of Poltrona Frau's skilled artisan upholsterers working on a chair throughout the week in a demonstration of traditional Italian craftsmanship. Poltrona Frau, the international high-end furniture company, has realized the interiors of the entire Maserati range – including the Quattroporte saloon, GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible – through its 100-year history of leather working and handcraftsmanship.

BMW and Merc to join forces

By Georg Kacher Motor Industry 08 February 2008 13:03 CAR Online today reveals the extent to which BMW and Mercedes are plotting to cooperate on future models. In a wide-ranging plan, the two German premium marques could join forces to take on the might of Audi, with its backing and economies of scale of the whole Volkswagen group and, increasingly, Porsche. BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer and his counterpart at Daimler, Dieter Zetsche, are coming to the conclusion that the two brands – for so long, fierce rivals – should work together rather than fight against each other.