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

Mercedes-Benz reveals first C-class details

Mercedes-Benz has revealed limited details about its new fourth-generation C-class sedan, more than two months before it is due to make its world debut at the Detroit auto show. Although the new BMW 3-series and Audi A4 rival is yet to official unveiled -- in fact, all we have so far are interior renderings -- Mercedes-Benz says the new C-class will be a significantly more advanced car than its predecessor in terms of construction, with a “best in class” weight figure and a level of structural integrity that it describes as being “unparalleled” in its class. Among its features is a new lightweight body structure that uses a newly developed aluminum hybrid construction process that Mercedes-Benz claims will shave as much as 220 pounds over the current model depending on the engine it uses.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2009) (2nd gen 997) first photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 19 August 2009 09:42 Porsche has just unveiled these first photographs of the new second-generation 997 GT3 RS – Porsche shorthand for the hardest, most track-focused contemporary 911 yet. While some prefer the sledgehammer power of the new 911 Turbo and others choose the widowmaker, aka the loony, rear-drive turbocharged GT2, for many the 911 GT3 RS is the purest of the rear-engined Porsches. The new photos of the GT3 RS reveal a 911 that’s been fettled and feted, prepared for use cross-country or at Cadwell Park race track.

Euro NCAP tests for C4, Swift, CR-Z and iX35

The results from the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests are in, and - surprise, surprise - every car tested came away with a maximum five-star safety rating. The new Citroen C4, Suzuki Swift, Honda CR-Z hybrid and Hyundai iX35 were all put through their paces, and each passed with flying colours. The latest results, while highlighting how far car safety has come in recent years (remember the notorious Rover 100 fiasco of 1997?), are bound to reignite the growing debate that the tests - or at least the marks awarded - need to show more differentiation between models.