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

Fiat 500L launches

The Fiat 500L – a larger Fiat 500 based on the Punto – has launched in Italy ahead of going on sale in the UK in early 2013. We had the official arrival of the Fiat 500L at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and now we get the 500L’s official launch in Turin – together with lots of new photos and a video – before the 500L goes on sale around the world. The 500L is actually based on the underpinnings of the Punto to create a 500 MPV and, sensibly, Fiat has done with the 500L  what MINI did with the Countryman and slapped an iconic badge on even though the 500L bears scant resemblance to its cute little sibling.

Performance Car of the Year 2008

In the November issue of CAR Magazine we've gathered together 29 of the best performance cars from the past 12 months to find out which is best. And to bring you the key battles of 2008 we've split the 29 cars into groups. That means the new issue of CAR features the Lamborghini LP560-4 taking on the GT2, CLK Black and Gumpert Apollo; Nissan's amazing GT-R matches up against the new 911, the Jag XKR-S and Aston's revised V8; Ford's brand new Focus ST Moutune takes on the spanking Mini JCW and KTM's crazy X-Bow meets three of the best British track cars, plus much, much more.

Who's Where: Richard Ferlazzo appointed GM Australia design director

Richard Ferlazzo has been appointed General Motors Australia design director. Taking up the position from 1 September, he will report directly to executive director international operations design Michael Simcoe and also GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux. Ferlazzo will be responsible for Advanced, Production and Global Contract programs and replaces Andrew Smith who left Holden this month to take up the position of executive director of global Cadillac and Buick design at GM's technical center in Warren, Michigan.