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

Maybach Zeppelin comes over the horizon

The Maybach Zeppelin - an even bigger waste of money than the standard Maybach Maybach has not exactly been an unmitigated success for Mercedes. Conceived as a competitor for Rolls Royce, it does seem to have carved itself a niche, but probably not the one that Mercedes wanted. Perceived by most as a tarted-up S Class, and bought by the wealthy of the Playstation generation, rather than the Captains of Industry that Mercedes envisioned, the Maybach must be a loss-maker for Mercedes.

Obama calls for shared sacrifice in auto bailout

President-elect Barack Obama says he wants to keep tough conditions on automakers that get federal loans. The companies must develop sustainable business models because it would be unacceptable "to keep them on their lifeline through taxpayer dollars in perpetuity," Obama told The Washington Post. Obama said industry restructuring will require "everybody, from labor to management to creditors to shareholders, giving something up." His comments contradict suggestions that the new administration will relax federal loan agreements reached last month with General Motors and Chrysler LLC, possibly with softer demands on the UAW.

'Oldest' right-hand drive Austin Healey up for sale

THE OLDEST right-hand drive Austin Healey in existence is to be sold at auction within days. Specialist car auctioneers Coys is to sell the car among other highly sought-after models as part of the True Greats event in London on December 3. The 16th of 20 pre-production Healeys built before the model went into production is the oldest surviving example of a much-loved British classic, with genuine racing heritage and a lightweight bodyshell.