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

Ariel's Atom returns faster than ever

BRITISH firm Ariel has announced an upgraded version of its sensational Atom sportscar that is faster than ever, making it one of the quickest cars on sale today. The Atom 3.5R showcases a number of upgrades over the outgoing model which contribute to the sensational performance. The 2.0-litre Honda V-TEC engine has had its supercharger revised to give 350bhp and over 240lb.ft of torque, while the gearbox is now a six-speed paddleshift system that can manage five downshifts in less than a second.

Seat's Mondeo rival (2007): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 30 May 2007 09:41 Seat launches a Mondeo rival Volkswagen's Spanish outpost is to expand its range upwards, entering the hotly contested Mondeo class for the first time. There's no name yet for the newcomer, but one badge in contention is Bolero, the name of its 1998 sports saloon concept. Details are sketchy at this stage, but Seat has confirmed it will offer a saloon and estate version, and they'll roll into dealership in 2009.

Exotics get sideways at Monticello's 'Drift With the Supercars'

Monticello Motor Club president Ari Straus and his PR guy, Roger Garbow, were brainstorming in early October and came up with what initially sounded like a crazy idea: Bring a bunch of supercars to the track for a day of drifting. "Beer was involved," says Garbow, in an attempt to rationalize the insanity of the concept. The next day, the two decided it was still a crazy idea.