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

Dacia Lodgy MPV ice racer (2011) first official pictures

Strip away the ice-racing livery – this is being presented as Alain Prost's ice slider for the 2011-12 Trophee Andros – and this is the new Dacia Lodgy, as revealed in our artist's impression. That unusual name signifies the budget brand's new small MPV, which could come to the UK. We won't see the new Lodgy in roadgoing spec until spring 2012, but we hear it could join the Dacia Duster and Sandero when UK sales begin next year.

Problems with your McLaren MP4-12C? Have a ‘McLaren: The Wins’ coffee table book

Ron Dennis apologises to McLaren MP4-12C owners A couple of weeks ago we reported that McLaren was having some teething problems with their new MP4-12C but weren’t, despite reports to the contrary, halting production. The problems seemed to be mainly software related, with issues including warning lights flashing on and battery drainage issues, which seemed to be because the MP4-12C’s electronics didn’t turn off when the car was halted. But it seemed McLaren were working on the issues with the same sort of zeal we’ve come to recognise from their F1 programme, no doubt spurred on by the wrath of Ron Dennis.

Car April Fools Stuff – to Infiniti & Beyond

BMW release PRAT roundels for the UK General Election There were so many April Fools stories running around yesterday from car makers we really didn’t want to spend the day regurgitating press releases designed to demonstrate car makers’ normally well-hidden sense of humour. But some were well-conceived so we thought we should bring you a few, just so you know what went on. BMW in the UK decided to be topical and issued a press release telling is they were offering their Political Roundel Attachment Tag, which would offer the BMW Roundel in colours to suit owners’ political persuasion in the run-up to the General Election.