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

New Mercedes A Class: A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models launch

Mercedes are launching two new eco versions of the new A Class – the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition and A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. Mercedes has had a play with the aerodynamics on the new A Class to lower the Cd value from an already very low 0.27 to 0.26 by partially covering the upper section of the radiator grill, adding aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle and lowering the suspension by 15mm. Mercedes has also tweaked the generator management for more efficiency and had a play with the gearbox to make the ratios longer (which will help economy, but won’t do much for responsiveness).

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman: The mad MINI marketing begins +video

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with a man on the roof - Expect the Unexpected With the debut of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman at Geneva 2012, MINI starts its marketing with another off-beat video. If there’s one things that’s a certainty in the world of MINI – apart from a new variant every four days – is that any new launch gets promoted with slightly bizarre videos. And the new MINI JCW Countryman is no exception.

McLaren MP4-12C Goodwood hillclimb video

The McLaren MP4-12C tackles the Goodwood hillclimb As we reported last week, McLaren used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to give their new road car – the McLaren MP4-12C – its first proper public outing. But they didn’t settle for just having a static display or even a poodle round his Lordship’s grounds for the benefit of the crowd. They brought along their pair of F1 World Champions – Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton – to strut their stuff up the Goodwood hillclimb in the 12C.