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

Volvo makes breakthrough in battery tech

Volvo has developed a new way of ‘storing’ energy for its future electric vehicles. The Swedish firm is exploring the concept of lightweight structural energy storage components made from carbonfibre, containing “nano structured batteries and super capacitors.” This technology is said to offer a lighter, more compact solution to the problem of energy storage, potentially removing the need for the heavy, bulky batteries used in current electric vehicles. On Bing: see pictures of the Volvo S80 Find out how much a used Volvo S80 costs on Auto Trader The investigation into the new technology is part of an EU-funded research project, undertaken by Volvo – the only major car manufacturer involved – and nine other organisations.

American Picked

Toney Thomas knows his junk. Ask him about any of the thousands of items--from antique BB guns to ancient boat motors, from old service-station signage to historic military gear--in his 30-foot-by-60-foot storage barn in rural Michigan, and he'll most likely have a story to tell. Thomas's penchant for collecting led to his appearance on a fall episode of the History Channel's American Pickers with celebrity junk hunters Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz.

Driver receives 45 points in nine months

Mitsubishi The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has uncovered the ‘top 20’ driving licence penalty points holders in the UK – revealing that one man from Liverpool has racked up an incredible 45 points, beating the previous record of 42. But what’s truly astonishing about this is that he ‘achieved’ the 45-point tally in just nine months, between 1 October 2012 and 20 June 2013 – and what’s more, he’s apparently still driving. Top Gear presenters banned from driving in France50,000 new drivers lose licence within two years The penalty points were received for eight separate offences, and either failing to disclose the identity of the driver or exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road.