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

Mercedes-Benz axes Maybach

High ranking Mercedes-Benz sources have confirmed to Autoweek that the underperforming Maybach brand will be officially killed off in 2013. The decision to disband Mercedes-Benz’s upper luxury marque comes after a decade of disappointing sales for the Maybach 57 and 62 and a recent decision from the German car maker’s chairman Dieter Zetsche not to push ahead with the development replacement models – the likes of which were tentatively due out in 2014 – owing to what one insider describes as a “positive move to focus greater attention on the Mercedes-Benz brand” . “We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations," the insider said.

Ferrari debuts 7-year free-maintenance plan

Need another reason to buy a Ferrari, if you have the means? The Prancing Horse is now offering a free, seven-year scheduled-maintenance program for those who put a 2012 California, 458 Italia or FF in their driveway. Ferrari announced the program this week for North America, and it will roll out in global markets over the next few months.

Peugeot 208 (2012) first official pictures

This new Peugeot 208 will replace the 207 in 2012. These first official photos of the 208, issued today, reveal a compact supermini which aims to put Peugeot back on the mini map. The 208 will be sold as a three- or five-door - for now - although we'd expect a variety of spin-offs will follow, most likely including a 208 CC folding hard-top and an SW estate.