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

Aston Martin ditches Cygnet city car

CITY SLICKERS will no longer be able to cut a dash in a diminutive Aston Martin, following the company's decision to axe the controversial Cygnet from its range. The tiny Cygnet, which takes its name from a young swan, was an adaptation of the Toyota iQ, refitted with the finest luxury materials and priced at over £30,000. Its low CO2 output is rumoured to have been the main reason for the model’s presence in the range, since Aston Martin could in that way lower the company’s average CO2 output across the range in line with European emissions rules.

Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept looks like a proper Alfa

A new Alfa concept – the Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept – is heading for the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. But it’s not previewing a new Alfa. They’re wrong, of course, but the logic that if you buy a car for how it looks and how it makes you feel, rather than its reliability or cost, marks you out as someone with high octane fuel instead of blood running through your veins, is sound.

Ford says optional EcoBoost V6 engine popular with F-150 buyers

Sales of Ford F-150 pickups with the optional EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 engine have surpassed company estimates, with some dealers reporting robust demand as gasoline prices rise. "We had a sales forecast but it has jumped up a little faster than we thought," said Marc Lapine, consumer marketing manager for Ford Motor Co. Credit the increase to rising fuel prices.