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

Call for reform over road repair funding

FUNDING patterns mean most road maintenance is being carried out in "less-efficient, cold and wet" times, a report from a Government spending watchdog has said. The current pattern of funding, combined with the need to spend money within the financial year, means that most maintenance work goes on between September and March, said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO). It went on: "Although this is less disruptive for road users, it is less efficient than carrying out the work at other times of year because materials can be more difficult to handle in cold and wet conditions, and daylight hours are shorter." The report went on: "As a result of the additional funding for emergency repairs, which is made available at the end of the financial year, almost all highways authorities need extra capacity from the market at the same time, which makes it less likely that they will get value for money." The NAO report said there was a "lack of predictability" over road spending adding that historically, local highway authorities spent more revenue on maintenance, but were now carrying out fewer routine activities such as clearing gullies which are essential to preventing water seeping into roads' sub-structure.

Autoweek archives: Porsche, same as it ever was? Not quite

In July 1997, Autoweek introduced its readers to the next-generation Porsche 911, the Type 996. Hot off the Frankfurt motor show release of the redesigned Type 991 2012 Porsche 911, we thought it might be fun to look at how much the iconic German sports car has changed since then. While it looks like not much has changed, the Type 991 is a brand-new car.

Kia uses wind power to lower emissions and boost economy

Kia's new Aero-Soul concept utilises wind power to lower emissions and boost economy [ad#ad-1] In a dramatic, and very cost effective manner, Kia has revealed the new Aero-Soul concept, which aims to drastically reduce Co2 emissions and improve economy by harnessing the power of the wind, in a low-cost solution called Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line. In simple terms, the A.P.R.I.L system uses small sensors built in to the front and rear of the car to monitor wind forces, and deploys wind chutes at the front or rear of the car to aid in braking or forward propulsion. So at cruising speeds if the wind behind the car is strong – such as in winter gales – the panels will harness wind power to provide forward motion.