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

Good news for British car factories

NEW FIGURES have revealed that UK-based car production raced ahead in April, resulting in the biggest monthly rise since July 2012. A total of 133,437 cars were made in the UK last month – a 21.3% increase on the April 2013 figure, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said. The excellent April figures took the year-so-far total to 538,240 – a 6.9% rise on the figure for January-April 2013.

Concept Car of the Week: Mazda RX500 (1970)

Developed by the Toyo Kogyo Company's advanced design and engineering team, the Mazda RX-500 was described as a ‘mobile test bed for high-speed safety'. Looking at its design, the team's childlike enthusiasm has shone through, resulting in a very cool concept.  From the rakish front to the wraparound windscreen and on to the bread van rear, everything communicates high-tech and ‘70's futurism while also channeling a little of the Star Wars X-Wing. Thanks to plastic body panels, the concept weighs only 850kg and is powered by a 491cc rotary engine delivering 247bhp fitted behind the cabin, in front of the rear axle.

New Jaguar XJ to show in July

The new Jaguar XJ Saloon - Will appear in July It is absolutely true that Jaguar has done a remarkable job of bringing the XJ up to date both under the skin and in the cabin. But it’s now perceived, quite rightly, as a bit of a luxury dinosaur. Where once it was the default choice for British businessmen to fly the flag, the allure of more contemporary contenders like the Mercedes S Class, the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 series have eclipsed its allure.