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

Petrol cars twice as likely to fail MOT on emissions

The latest MOT test data shows that 26.2% of all cars tested fail on excess exhaust emissions – and surprisingly petrol cars fail more than twice as often as diesels in this part of the annual roadworthiness test. According to the official Vehicle Operator and Standard Agency (VOSA) figures, which cover all of 2010 and the first nine months of 2011, 9.7% of petrol cars failed to meet MOT emissions standards compared to just 3.9% of diesels. On Bing: see pictures of the MOT test Find out how much a used car with 12 months MOT costs on Auto Trader The analysis has been carried out by fuel additive “provider” Redex, which naturally has an interest in the findings, since its products are designed to breakdown engine deposits and improve efficiency.

Kia K9 (2012) first official pictures

Kia has launched its new K9 flagship saloon in Korea. The rear-drive V6-engined saloon, dubbed K9 in Kia's domestic market nomenclature, is a first move upmarket for Hyundai's erstwhile budget brand. CAR picked up word of the new Kia last year, when it seemed that Kia would get a V8-engined flagship to match the range-topping Hyundai Equus.

One Lap of the Web: Cool cufflinks in your Crown Coupe

-- Want to be the coolest person at your next event "celebrating lifestyle and automotive achievement that will embody the realization of automotive aspiration"? (Note: this was part of a real invitation we received.) You can do no better than buying these cufflinks made from a Cosworth-powered Jaguar F1 car. The bolts were "used to retain the crank within the engine block," says Ledon Gifts in their Etsy store.