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

Dual-clutch transmission put on hold at Chrysler

Chrysler Group has delayed introduction of a fuel-saving automatic transmission so it can make the shift patterns more palatable to U.S. drivers--the latest sign that a key tool in automakers' plans to meet tougher fuel-economy rules needs some fine-tuning. Two weeks ago, Ford Motor Co., which uses a similar dual-clutch transmission in its Fiesta and Focus, took a hit in Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey because many drivers complained about balky shifting.

It’s a Merry McLaren 12C Christmas

McLaren has come up with a range of accessories for McLaren owners and enthusiasts from watches to jewellery and clothing. Inspired by the McLaren 12C, there’s everything from a Tag Heuer watch – the CARRERA MP4-12C Chronograph – with carbon based dials and sapphire crystal inserts (a snip at £8995) to a selection of ladies and mens rings, and cufflinks, that McLaren’s shopping site wouldn’t let us see the price of. At the slightly more affordable end of the scale you can opt for a set of McLaren luggage with silver trim (£3950) or a McLaren luggage brief case at £1350.

Audi A3 Saloon arrives in the UK from £24,275

The Audi A3 Saloon (pictured) arrives in the UK Audi isn’t afraid of covering every possible niche in its ambition to be the world’s top ‘Premier’ marque, so we now get a third body shape for the new A3 – the Audi A3 saloon. Designed to sell in markets that prefer a traditional 3-box car to a hatch – like the US and China – Audi still believes there’s a market for an A3 with a boot in the UK, so the new A3 Saloon arrives on sale with a choice, at least initially, of three engines – two petrols and a diesel. Cosmetically, apart from the addition of a boot, the A3 Saloon gets more pronounced curves, bigger wheel arches, new shapes on the bonnet, new bumper, new lights and a boot spoiler.