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

The Hidden Work of Design Consultancies

Most major car companies carry out most of their design work themselves, with dedicated design departments increasingly capable of handling every aspect of the design process. But few car companies do not use the services of external car design consultancies for some smaller projects, and many smaller car companies use such consultancies to supplement their more limited in-house design facilities on larger design projects. Throughout the world there are numerous companies offering these design services to car companies.

Ford justifies its Vignale sub-brand (video)

The Ford Mondeo Vignale (pictured). Ford’s first Vignale-badged car Earlier this month, as the Frankfurt Motor Show approached, Ford revealed that it’s going back to a sales tactic they created in the 1970s – badge-engineering their cars with a coachbuilders name to create an upmarket sub-brand. Last time Ford played this game we had almost 30 years for the Ford Ghia, a range of Ford’s mainstream models that had all the toys as standard to try and create an appealing high-end option for buyers.

2014 Michelin Guide reveals best new stops for hungry drivers

MOTORISTS will soon be able to enjoy the very best food in the British Isles as part of their journeys, as Michelin has confirmed a launch date for its 2014 guide to Great Britain & Ireland. The guide will be made available from October 4 as a book, for £15.99, and an Apple app for £5.99, giving drivers fingertip access to every Michelin-awarded restaurant, which in turn could make every long-distance drive a new culinary adventure. Michelin first founded the guide in its native France, where at the time the motor industry was more widespread than anywhere else in the world.