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

MG3: Shanghai Motor Show

The MG3 SuperMini for Europe is a titivated version of the MG3 the Chinese market gets, complete with a decent dose of flair and additional equipment and cosmetic enhancements to make it more appealing to Western tastes. That means hockey stick shaped LED running lights across the range, black A-pillars, mesh grill (well, mesh slit at the front), dual colour side skirts, dual colour alloys and a rear valance MG say was inspired by generations of MG sports cars. Although only 4 metres long, MG say the MG3 offer space inside that matches or beats all competition (room for  four six-footers they reckon) and gets a ‘rolled and raised’ dash that accentuates the space on offer and sculpted backs to the front seats to help space in the rear.

Honda CR-Z – Euro debut at Geneva

Honda are bringing the production version of the CR-Z hybrid to the Geneva Motor Show Honda are attempting to make the hybrid car ‘Sporty’ with the Honda CR-Z. First seen at the Tokyo Motor Show last year and in US production form at Detroit last month, Europe gets to see the Euro production version of the CR-Z at the Geneva Motor Show next month. We’re finding it a bit difficult to get our heads round the idea that this is a ‘Sporty’ hybrid.

Crash injuries force Franchitti to retire

SCOTTISH RACING STAR Dario Franchitti has been forced to retire after suffering a number of injuries in a high-speed crash during a race in the US last month. The four-time IndyCar series winner spent five days in hospital after suffering concussion, a fractured vertebrae and a broken ankle in the last-lap crash at the Grand Prix of Houston in Texas. Franchitti, originally from Bathgate, West Lothian, said he had taken the decision based on medical advice.