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

Audi A4 SE Technik – gets more equipment, costs less

The Audi A4 SE Technik (pictured) gets more equipment and costs less ‘Special Edition’ cars are a way to get more for less from car makers, as long as the goodies on offer at cut price float your boat, and Audi’s Technik upgrade for the new A4 Saloon and Avant is one such upgrade that offers good value. And now it’s got better. The A4 Technik already gets a well-chose list of upgrades from the regular SE trim, with Milano leather, HDD MMI Nav plus, AMI iPod connection and Audi Parking Plus all part of the package at an extra cost of £1,350 over the SE spec.

Mazda to use regen brakes to boost fuel economy 5 to 10 percent

Mazda is adding a fuel-saving technology that harnesses wasted brake energy in the redesigned Mazda6 sedan due early next year. The approach uses regenerative braking to convert kinetic energy into electricity that is stored in a capacitor. The car later taps that capacitor to power the fuel pump, lights, audio, air conditioning and transmission and engine control systems.

Councils make £594m from parking

RECORD SURPLUSES from parking revenues have been achieved by councils, according to the RAC Foundation. In 2012/13 councils in England generated a combined "profit" of £594 million from their on and off-street parking operations, the foundation said. This was a 5% increase on the figure of £565 million for 2011/12, and just 52 of the 353 parking authorities in England reported a deficit in 2012/13.