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

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

The Guardian calls Cars UK “The Petrolheads’ favourite web site”

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has common-sense views on speed cameras, cyclists (although perhaps not Boris), speed limits and traffic calming. Which the Guardian doesn't like one bit Being proclaimed the Petrolheads’ favourite website by the Guardian – not a newspaper renowned for its love of cars – we’ll take as a compliment. Although it was meant to be disparaging.

Nissan GT-R 2011/2012 tweaks leak out

The Nissan GT-R 2011 (2012 MY) Nissan don’t seem to be able to stop tweaking, nipping and tucking the Nissan GT-R, so it comes as no surprise to see that there are more changes planned for the 2012 MY (for which read 2011 everywhere bar the USA). We’re expecting those to surface around the same time this year – November – as the 2010 Nissan GT-R updates did last year GTR Blog are reporting the changes well ahead of anything official, but they look as if they’ve got some solid information so it’s worth repeating for the many GT-R nuts out there. Having nipped and tucked endlessly, it looks like Nissan are going to continue the trend for next year’s GT-R.