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

Goodwood Moving Motor Show: (almost) an unqualified success

The Goodwood Moving Motor Show Yesterday we toddled along to Goodwood to see the set up for this year’s Festival of Speed and to have a look at the Moving Motor Show in action for the first time. We also – courtesy of Jaguar, who had invited us for the day – got an early drive up the hillclimb-based circuit that forms part of the Moving Motor Show’s appeal for the lucky ones who got the opportunity to take the wheel of one of the impressive bunch of cars on display. And it was an impressive bunch, with everything from the Toyota Auris Hybrid to the Rolls Royce Phantom DHC via the Audi R8 and the new Jaguar XJ on offer to drive.

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.

Jaguar owners 'vote Conservative or Ukip'

JAGUAR owners are extremely happy with their cars, don't mind the firm's Indian ownership and are likely to vote Conservative or Ukip in the next general election, according to new statistics released today. A survey by WeLoveAnyCar.com among nearly 3,900 Jaguar owners found that 84% rated their motors an eight out of 10 or higher, with 32% rating theirs the perfect 10. The firm apparently has some way to go to shake off its 'old man's car' image, though, with 86% aged 50 or more and a whopping 94% being male.