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

Reviving the rotary: Two roads to redemption for Mazda's Wankel engine

Mazda is killing production of its famed rotary engine when the last RX-8 sports car rolls out of the plant next summer. But the company eyes two roads to resurrection. The first is using an improved engine as the main power plant.

European car sales crash

Renault saw its sales fall 23.7 per cent in February Car sales across Europe have fallen nearly 10 per cent in the economic gloom, with Renault, Peugeot Citroen, Fiat and Opel the big losers. There’s been a big decline in new car sales across Europe in February, with monthly sales down almost ten per cent compared to 2011, and it’s the mainstream car makers who are suffering the most. Sales for Renault are down by a massive 23.7 per cent to 86,402, Peugeot Citroen did almost as badly with a drop of 16.5 per cent to 118,381 and Fiat suffered the same percentage drop with sales of 66,249 (Alfa Romeo sales actually fell by 28.5 per cent).

Who's Where: Giles Taylor appointed Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design director

Giles Taylor has been appointed Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design director, with effect from 1 July 2012. He previously held the position of head of exterior design. Taylor will report directly to senior vice president BMW Group design, Adrian van Hooydonk and will replace Ian Cameron who retires from his position to become a brand ambassador until his retirement in April 2013.