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

Aston Martin Lagonda SUV still moving forward

New reports suggest Aston Martin is still pushing forward with the Lagonda SUV, with underpinnings from the Mercedes GL. Last year we reported the Lagonda SUV was back on (although we’re not sure when it was actually off – just MIA) and that it was Aston Martin’s hope they could raid Mercedes parts bin for the underpinnings of the SUV, and take on the building of a new Maybach for Mercedes in the process. But as we now know, Mercedes has decided a Pullman S Class has more cachet (and less build cost) than  the glitter ball Maybach, so Aston Martin’s hopes of a nice profitable design and build deal evaporated with the last roll of the dice for the Maybach brand.

Hamilton brother aiming to be first disabled racer in BTCC

LEWIS HAMILTON's younger half-brother Nicolas is aiming to become the first disabled driver to compete in British Touring Car Championship. Nicolas Hamilton, who has cerebral palsy and has raced in the Renault Clio Cup in 2011 and 2012, announced his intention to secure a seat in the 2015 competition. "After months of deep thought in deciding what the best route for my career is, I am excited to announce my ambitions to become the first disabled athlete to compete in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2015," the 22-year-old wrote on his personal website.

Mini Beachcomber Concept at Detroit motor show 2010

This funky beach-biased concept car has just appeared at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. Called the Mini Beachcomber Concept, this flight-of-fancy Moke-inspired show car gives us our first glimpse of how Mini's production-spec 4x4 crossover will look at launch - we'll see the real car at the Geneva motor show in March 2010 ahead of an autumn UK launch. This four-seater, four-wheel-drive machine has been designed without doors or a conventional roof, so that its occupants are not cut off from the outside world.