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

Mazda's rotary engine stalled, not forgotten

Development of the next-generation rotary engine from Mazda Motor Corp., first unveiled three years ago, is making slow progress despite missing emissions targets. A top Mazda powertrain executive said today that the 1.6-liter rotary engine, called the 16X, is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current rotary engine used in the RX-8 sporty car. In fact, the 16X so far performs slightly better than Mazda's standard two-liter gasoline engine, said Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of the Japanese carmaker's powertrain division.

CAR's review of 2009: photos of the year

CAR designers Andy Franklin and Alex Tapley have pored over our photographers' output from 2009 and announced their favourite pictures of the year. We've set up a slideshow in the player below and you can flick back and forwards through CAR Magazine's best photos. CAR's famous for the quality of its photography and it's a tradition we're happy to uphold.

Learners can vet driving instructors

A NEW SYSTEM of grading driving instructors will help learner drivers choose the best possible tutor. The new system awards driving instructors a simple A or B grade or a fail should their ability not meet the required standard. All qualified driving instructors have their standards of teaching checked at least once every four years to ensure they deliver the right training to new drivers.