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

Who's Where: Bryan Nesbitt appointed VP of Design for GM North America

General Motors is looking to inject some newfound flair into its North American product lineup. Effective June 1, Bryan Nesbitt, currently Executive Director of Design at General Motors Europe will become Vice President of Design for North America and relocate to the company's technology headquarters in Warren, Michigan. The 38 year old, credited with the forward-thinking but retro PT Cruiser design in 1996, began his career at DaimlerChrysler and became the youngest design executive when he was appointed Executive Director of Body Frame Integral at General Motors in 2002.

Volkswagen Passat R36 (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 17 November 2006 10:13 VW Passat R36: the lowdown Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off its 'R' flagship Passat – and the five-door is the fastest estate VW has ever made. Scooped by CAR Online a few weeks back, the R36 puts out 296bhp, which launches the estate fromk standstill to 62 in 5.8sec. Available as a saloon, too, the R cars go on sale in early 2007, with prices starting at an estimated £28,000.

British cars dominate desirability survey

BRITISH cars are the best of the best, according to a huge new car popularity survey that has thrown up some shocks. British cars took five of the top six places in the study from Best of the Best, the in-airport and online competition operator that gives away cars as prizes. And among the amazing turn-ups that emerged from the 55,000-person study focusing on desirability, no Ferrari even made the top 20.