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

Consumer Reports slams new Honda Civic

Honda Motor Co., still struggling with supply shortages of the redesigned 2012 Civic after the March earthquake in Japan, took a slap in the face today when Consumer Reports rated the new Civic "too low to be recommended." The 2012 Honda Civic dropped 17 points, from a very-good score of 78 to a mediocre 61, in the latest Consumer Reports road test of small cars. Previous Honda Civic models have often been Consumer Reports' highest rated small sedans, as well as Top Picks in five of the past 10 years. But the redesigned model was slammed for the cheapness of its interior, poor ride quality, long stopping distances and loud interior noise.

Driven: Mazda RX-8

The two most obvious elements of its unusual make-up are its rotary engine and rear-hinged rear doors with integral B-pillars. What became clear during our week with the RX-8 was how these two aspects of its design form the basis of many other unique qualities... Sports coupe and GT coupe The rotary engine of the RX-8 has a very distinct power delivery that is a defining part of the car's character, but it is also a very small lump of metal compared to a similarly powerful conventional reciprocating piston engine, enabling more of the car's overall length to be devoted to cabin space.

McLaren at 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed: 2013 MP4-12C, GREAT GT3 12C & F1 cars

McLaren are out in force for the Goodwood Festival of Speed weekend with the 2013 MP4-12C, 2011 F1 cars and the GREAT GT3 12C. Today sees the start of the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed with the Moving Motor Show ahead of the weekend’s real petrolhead fun, and McLaren are out in force. The 2013 McLaren MP4-12C will be on show for the first time complete with its extra 25bhp, programmable engine note, remote passenger door opening and extra trim options.