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

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Fiat 500 wins EuroCarBody 2007 award

The new FIAT 500 has won the EuroCarBody 2007 award, the world's most prestigious prize for car bodies. The ninth edition of the Forum organised by Automotive Circle International was held in Bad Nauheim/Frankfurt from 16 to 18 October, attended by 600 experts in the development of the design, materials, processes and manufacture of car bodies. The EuroCarBody 2007 award highlights the mixture of "creativity and skill" that is necessary to develop an innovative, winning bodyshell.

Mercedes-Benz replaces CLK with E-class coupe

After a 12-year run and more than 460,000 sales across two generations, Mercedes-Benz has replaced the CLK with the 2010 E-class coupe. Debuting at next month's Geneva motor show and with U.S. sales slated to begin in June, the upmarket two-door represents a departure from its predecessor not only in name but also on a technical basis, switching from the old C-class platform to a modified version of the structure that underpins the recently revealed E-class sedan.