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

Cost of garage labour falling

THE AVERAGE labour rate at both franchised and non-franchised garages has fallen compared to 2012, according to new figures. An annual survey of 12,000 cases conducted on behalf of Warranty Direct has concluded that the average labour rate in 2013 is £74.70, a fall of 9.84% from £82.86 in 2012. Less encouraging is the overall trend of rising labour rates, with the average having increased by 33% over the last ten years.

New Mercedes SL 400 replaces SL 350

The new Mercedes SL 400 (pictured) replaces the old SL 350 It’s a little over two years since the latest Mercedes SL arrived, and Mercedes has now decided to add a little zest to sales by dropping the old SL 350 and replacing it with a new Mercedes SL 400. The new SL 400 gets its power from the new E400 which means a twin-turbo 3.0 litre V6 with 328bhp and 354 lb/ft of torque – 26bhp and 81 lb/ft more than the old SL 350 – enough to let the SL 400 scoot to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds – 0.7s better than the 350 -= and on to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The new SL 400 has to make do with Mercedes tried and tested 7-speed auto – despite a new 9-speed now being available in Mercedes’ arsenal – which gives the SL 400 official economy of 38.6 mpg and emissions of 172g/km – not that you’ll come close in the real world.

2013 Audi R8 Facelift arrives (+video)

Audi has given the R8 a facelift for 2013 with cosmetic tweaks, a new 7-speed S tronic dual clutch and the Audi R8 V10 Plus. Audi’s answer to the Porsche 911 has been with us for six years and has grown to a complete range of supercars with four rings, including V8 and V10 versions as Spyder or Coupe and an R8 GT. But now its time for a complete refresh with the arrival of the 2013 Audi R8 Facelift.