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

NHTSA upgrades probe into Jeep fuel tanks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its investigation into the fuel tank on three Jeep models to an engineering analysis, another step toward what could become a recall. Safety advocates say the location of the fuel tank, mounted behind the rear axle, makes it prone to catching fire in the event of a rear crash. The investigation covers Jeep Grand Cherokees built between 1993 and 2004, Jeep Cherokees built between 1993 and 2001, and Jeep Liberty SUVs built between 2002 and 2007.

Audi RS6 Avant heads for EJAF with a little help from Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow signing an Audi RS6 Avant heading for Elton John’s White Tie & Tiara Auction Audi UK has a bit of a history of donating cars for auction at Elton John’s annual White Tie & Tiara Ball in aid of the Elton John Aids Foundation, and 2013′s no different. In the past we’ve had the appealing R8 Spyder as an EJAF auction lot and an A1 painted by Damien Hirst, but this year the EJAF is getting the super-estate Audi RS6 Avant, scribbled on by the delectable Gwyneth Paltrow. Audi roped in Gwyneth to turn up at the UK launch of the new RS6 Avant at Audi City in London and got her scribbling her moniker  on the interior of the RS6, a task Audi says would make their uber-shed worth £88k if they sold it – but if previous EJAF auctions of Audi’s cars is anything to go by it’ll fetch a lot more than that when the hammer goes down.

McLaren MP4-12C gets the axe

Production of the McLaren 12C is dead. That's according to a letter sent by CEO Mike Flewitt to owners that read in part, “The final piece of news I wanted to share with you is regarding 12C production, which we have decided to cease in light of the success of 650S. The new car has been so well received since its unveiling at the Geneva motor show (we already have a six-month order bank), we will focus all our capacity at the McLaren Production Centre on 650S.” This represents a turnaround for the company that just a few days ago said the 650S would slot between the 12C and P1 in the lineup, and that both would continue.