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

SoCal Speed shop wins AMBR award as hod-rodding returns to its roots

In a competition that "took hot-rodding back to its SoCal roots," the SoCal Speed Shop--the entity founded by original hot-rod hero Alex Xydias and now helmed by Pete Chapouris--finally won the AMBR. That's AMBR, as in, America's Most Beautiful Roadster, the most sought-after title in all of hot-rodding and the crowning glory of the Grand National Roadster Show. There is that competition at the Detroit Autorama that hands out the Ridler Award, but that is open to all manner of kustom kars.

LA Motor Show: Jaguar F-Type coupe to cost £7,000 less than convertible

JAGUAR’S stunning new F-Type coupe will cost from £51,235 when it goes on sale in the UK in the spring. The hard-top version of a car that has already taken the motoring world by storm will add a second model variant to the line-up, aimed not just at owners of the Porsche Cayman and even the 911, but also at previous owners of Jaguar’s own XK. Jaguar has used its media event at the Tokyo motor show to announce full pricing structures, with the entry-level F-Type coupe costing more than £7,000 less than the equivalent convertible.

Who's where: Luc Donckerwolke named Design Director at Bentley

Luc Donckerwolke has been named Design Director of Bentley in the latest round of moves within the Volkswagen group, replacing Dirk van Braeckel. Donckerwolke moves from Head of VW Advanced Design, a post he has held for little over a year. He is perhaps most renowned for his work at Lamborghini, overseeing the designs of both the Gallardo and Murcielago – two of the most successful and enduring Lamborghinis ever – during his time in Sant'Agata.