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

Audi R5, Porsche 550, VW Bluesport 'on hold'

Numerous indications are pointing to the exciting mid-engined VW, Porsche and Audi sports cars being on ice. The group had been collaborating to develop the VW Bluesport, Porsche 550 and Audi R5 - some observers had hailed the new roadsters as the Elise from Germany. Porsche doubts over the 550 But at the weekend Porsche CEO Matthias Muller told German business rag Wirtschaftswoche that he was worried a cheaper Porsche may dilute the brand's image.

Ford KA sells 500,000 in the UK

Ford has racked up total sales of 500,000 KAs in the UK And despite a few reservations when we did our Ford KA Review a couple of months ago, it looks set to continue racking up the sales with the new KA, which has already racked up 11,000 sales in the UK since it was introduced. To be honest, our only real reservations on the new KA were a couple of subjective styling issues and the somewhat hard seats. But it is undoubtedly a funky and capable little car that will serve Ford well.

Driving with criminals

At first it had all the appearances of a routine police checkpoint, a simple little affair in which some warnings might be issued, possibly some speeding tickets. But otherwise our group of 18 or so U.S. automotive journalists driving a fleet of high-priced Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedans would be allowed to continue on our merry way through the Spanish countryside.