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

UK car production down 20%

CAR PRODUCTION slowed a little last month, according to official figures. A total of 133,730 cars were made in the UK in February - 2.7% fewer than in February 2013, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. Cars made for the export market rose 3.5% last month, but manufacturing for the home market was down 20.8%.

2014 Subaru XV – less choice, more refinement

The 2014 Subaru XV (pictured) gets a bit of a tweak The Subaru XV arrived in the UK in 2012, and it’s a perfectly able and reasonably-priced compact crossover from Subaru. But within a year of launching the XV Subaru decided to inject a bit more appeal in to the XV with a price cut of £2,300 across the range and now, not more than six months later, they’re fiddling with the XV range again. The 2.0 litre petrol XV gets new valve-train components to cut engine noise and revised suspension, with extra soundproofing improving NVH levels across the range, a revised power steering system for added stability and feel  and thicker and reshaped suspension lower arm and extra reinforcement around the base of the A-Pillar for better crash performance.

Michelin Challenge Design 2009 preview

The Michelin Challenge Design exhibit at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will feature 11 scale models and 24 two-dimensional drawings  selected by a jury of top automotive designers. In the weeks leading up to NAIAS, Michelin Challenge Design will be profiling some of the selected participants and their work. One such participant is Zsolt Tarnok, whose 'Concept SsS' represents a new icon for America, combining design cues and traditions from the past with ultra-modern technology.