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

Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler – the Defender goes rallying

The Land Rover Defender goes rallying (pictured) with Bowler modifications The venerable Land Rover Defender – now reaching the end of its shelf life – may not seem the perfect rally car. But a Defender tweaked and fettled with some Bowler Fairy Dust is another matter, and that’s exactly what’s happening with a new, one-make Defender Challenge by Bowler – and backed by Land Rover – which is aiming to put up to fifteen Defenders in to UK forest stage rallies and hill rallies in 2014. The Defender in question is a Defender 90 Hard Top with the usual 2.2 litre diesel, but sorted by Bowler to deliver 170bhp and 323lb/ft of torque (up from the regular 122bhp/266lb/ft) with a standard six-speed manual ‘box, MSA roll cage, fire extinguisher and Khumo tyres.

Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus RC Coupe

JAPANESE car maker Lexus has unveiled a new two-door coupe at the Tokyo show. Designed to appeal to a broader range of customers than the usual Lexus buyer profile, the car has been shown with both petrol and petrol-electric hybrid power. Based on the look of the LF-LC concept first shown at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, this car boasts a long, low-slung profile but with seats for four.

Land Rover Performance Brand mooted

Range Rover Performance Brand looks likley When you think of Land Rover the first thing that springs to mind is off-road ability. Once that’s registered you tend to think of Range Rover too, and that means luxury. But ‘Performance’ and Land Rover don’t really spring to mind.