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

Petrol cars twice as likely to fail MOT on emissions

The latest MOT test data shows that 26.2% of all cars tested fail on excess exhaust emissions – and surprisingly petrol cars fail more than twice as often as diesels in this part of the annual roadworthiness test. According to the official Vehicle Operator and Standard Agency (VOSA) figures, which cover all of 2010 and the first nine months of 2011, 9.7% of petrol cars failed to meet MOT emissions standards compared to just 3.9% of diesels. On Bing: see pictures of the MOT test Find out how much a used car with 12 months MOT costs on Auto Trader The analysis has been carried out by fuel additive “provider” Redex, which naturally has an interest in the findings, since its products are designed to breakdown engine deposits and improve efficiency.

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept at Tokyo

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept - a hybrid crossover The ‘PX’ bit of the name is Mitsubishi’s code for Plug-in Hybrid Crossover (saves a bit of room on the boot lid), so the PX-MiEV gets a 1.6 litre 4-pot to drive the front wheels together with an electric motor. An additional electric motor is used to power the rear wheels when circumstances dictate. The PX-MiEV can also run for up to 30 miles in EV mode, after which it turns in to a hybrid to drive and recharge the batteries.

Official: MSN Cars helps Vauxhall set multiple world records!

Vauxhall has become an official World Speed Record holder after the FIA and MSA confirmed an average speed of more than 125mph in its 3,000-mile 24-hour speed trial event. The news also means that MSN Cars contributor Richard Aucock has become a World Speed Record holder – he was one of the drivers in the team of 12 that piloted the two cars around Bedfordshire’s Millbrook Proving Ground late last autumn. Chasing a World Speed record: 125mph for 24 hours in a Vauxhall Astra!