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

Vauxhall Astra (2009): first interior photos

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 18 June 2009 15:15 Vauxhall has released the first interior pictures of the new sixth-generation Astra, showing that the inside of the five-door hatch has been heavily influenced by the bigger Insignia's. The architecture broadly follows that of the Insignia, with (at least in top-spec models) a high-set sat-nav system, sitting above the audio and air-con controls and flanked by the central air vents. The air vents themselves are more angular than the items you'll find in the Insignia, and the dash itself also appears more upright.

Nissan tests self-cleaning paint

Well that took long enough. Nanotechnology is here, and Nissan is reportedly using it in the paint on its little Versa Note hatchback. We would have started on something a little more exciting, like the hard-to-care-for matte finish on the GT-R's rear spoiler, but that's just us.

Subaru Canada reveals ‘Driving Confidence’ contest winners

Subaru Canada has revealed the top three designs from its ‘Driving Confidence' competition. The Canadian division of the company collaborated with the artist web site deviantART and called for "original creations that celebrate the bold design, superior handling, and meticulous engineering that Subaru vehicles are renowned for." The challenge asked for competitors to push their creativity "to the limit", which many of them did with some impressively-abstract designs. The winner won $2,500 for "Born to Rally in the Snow," the second place received $1,000 for "Unleash the Beast," while third place was awarded $500 for "Subaru Slot Car Set." The runner-up was "Subaru Impreza WRC Rally 'The Pass 2'." All of the submissions are being displayed at Subaru's booth at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto and in the gallery above.