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

Fiesta grabs Women's World Car of the Year prize

THE FORD FIESTA 1.0 Ecoboost has been crowned the Women’s World Car of the Year 2013. A panel of 18 women judged the car on factors such as colour, sex appeal and ease of driving. Beating off competition from Audi and Range Rover, the Fiesta was praised by the all-women panel and the awards chairman Sandy Myhre said: ‘It was clear from the outset the Fiesta struck a chord with our panel of women as it has features which clearly chime with the needs of female drivers.’ Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer, Ford of Europe, said: ‘The success of the new Fiesta, both in terms of this award and impressive sales, has been achieved with a car which is sharp looking, better connected and even more fuel efficient and fun-to-drive.’

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK revealed

Following its premature unveiling in a French-language marketing video late last year, Mercedes-Benz has now issued official photographs of the new SLK. Set to make its debut at the German carmaker's 125th birthday celebrations in Stuttgart at the end of January--prior to North American sales beginning this summer--the popular two-seat roadster was thoroughly re-engineered with a new rear-wheel-drive platform and more contemporary engine and gearbox combinations. The car will make its auto-show debut in Geneva.