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

Production output decline slowing

By Alex Michaelides Motor Industry 24 July 2009 12:09 It appears there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for ailing car manufacturers as the most recent vehicle production figures are released. The data, presented by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show that, while production levels are still on the decline, the pace at which they are declining is slowing. Car production figures for June 2009 are still down by 30.2% compared with this time last year, however this is an improvement on the 50.2% by which production is down so far this year.

Rolls-Royce-designed Santa’s sleigh

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 17 December 2008 14:30 Today CAR has an unusual scoop on our hands – as we publish the Rolls-Royce sleigh. This amazing artwork was produced exclusively for CAR by Rolls designer Andreas Thurner, who perfectly captures the regal magic of a Rolls-Royce driven by a stately Santa. Just check out the Greek temple-style, architectural front end of the sleigh – and the hints of top-end speedboats in the profile.

Porsche Macan gets four-cylinder powerplant

The new entry level Porsche Macan, shown alongside the new Boxster and Cayman GTS at the Beijing motor show, has become the first Porsche model since the 968 to use four-cylinder power. Parent company Volkswagen's EA888 engine -- as used by a wide range of models from Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat -- will motivate the new Porsche SUV. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection unit, boasting the same state of tune found on the Golf GTi Performance Package, develops 234 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.