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

Theory driving test cost to be cut

THE COST of the written part of the driving test is to be reduced, the Government has announced. Under Government plans, which are now out for consultation, the cost of sitting the theory section of the test will be reduced from £31 to £25 from October 2014, with a further drop of drop of £2 planned in October 2015. The proposals could save learner drivers in excess of £100 million over the next nine years.

Volkswagen Golf R 400 sounds like it means business (video)

The VW Golf R 400 (pictured) on the move in Vienna The Volkswagen Golf R Concept arrived at the Beijing Motor Show recently, and it looked pretty much production-ready. So it was no huge surprise when we got news that the Golf R 400 is going in to production – although probably in limited numbers with a big price tag – and there seems to be more than a fighting chance it will actually get more than the 395 bhp (400 PS) the concept has. But even if the R 400 only comes with 395 bhp, it promises to out-do the current hot hatch champion – the Mercedes A45 AMG – with a 0-62mph of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 174mph, with all its power being put down to all four wheels through VW’s 4MOTION.

Tokyo Motor Show: Lexus RC Coupe

JAPANESE car maker Lexus has unveiled a new two-door coupe at the Tokyo show. Designed to appeal to a broader range of customers than the usual Lexus buyer profile, the car has been shown with both petrol and petrol-electric hybrid power. Based on the look of the LF-LC concept first shown at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, this car boasts a long, low-slung profile but with seats for four.