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

2014 European Car of the Year shortlist announced

Established in 1964, the European Car of the Year award was set up to celebrate a “single, decisive winner” each year among all new cars in Europe. So, now running into its fiftieth year, the shortlist for the landmark half-century award for the European Car of the Year 2014 has been announced. The seven runners and riders boast among them an interesting and varied mix of bodystyles, shapes, sizes and even powertrains.

Audi A1 – the design tease

Audi are teasing the design of the new A1 in this latest video (below) If you’ve been living in a cave for the last few months you may have missed the news that Audi is about to launch what it hopes will be a MINI-bashing offering – the Audi A1. The A1 is actually destined for a public launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March – and Audi has threatened full disclosure for next month – but in the meantime it’s on a ‘Teaser’ blitz. We haven’t reported on every tease (we didn’t bother with the ‘Look – the new A1 has headlights’ one last week), but we have covered some, like the graffiti advert.

Vettel enjoys title toast

WORLD CHAMPION Sebastian Vettel has revealed he celebrated his fourth successive drivers' title with an impromptu night in his hotel bar before spending some time at home in quiet contemplation of his achievements. Vettel did not have too much time to bask in the glory of yet another all-conquering championship season as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix follows just seven days later but he did admit the team spent a little while in the bar following the race win at the Buddh International Circuit. "Obviously it was a great relief when I crossed the line on Sunday," he said.