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

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Skoda MissionL

Skoda is the latest manufacturer to join the queue of those releasing teaser shots ahead of the 64th Frankfurt motor show next week. Following on from the somewhat understated VisionD shown in Geneva ealier this year, is the MissionL. Unlike the VisionD, the MissionL concept is said to be close to a final production-ready design that will be launched through Europe, Russia and China.

Ford gets the 1965 Mustang ready for the racetrack

When a pair of 1965 Ford Mustangs served as pace cars for the 1964 Indianapolis 500, the car -- which had made its debut just a few weeks before -- was kicking off an exciting motorsports career that continues to this day. In the April 25, 1964, issue of Competition Press and Autoweek, we shared news (relayed to us by none other than Lee Iacocca) of the Mustang's racing ambitions. At the time, the competition schedule included the Midnight Sun road rally in Sweden, the Alpine rally in France and Spa-Sofia-Liege rally, which ran between Belgium and Yugoslavia.