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

Four new electric speed records for the UK

Lord Paul Drayson has set a new World Electric Land Speed record for sub-999kg electric vehicles with an average speed of 205.139mph over the flying mile. This represents a modest 1mph increase over the previous record – which Drayson set last year in the same Drayson Racing Technologies all-electric prototype. But the ‘Lord of Speed’ (as we’ve just dubbed him) also broke four other records in the process.

Hyundai ix-Metro Concept – too much ‘Design’

The Hyundai ix-Metro Concept at Frankfurt The new ix35 – despite looking very similar to most offerings in the same sector –  is enormously competent – at least in its conception –  and well built. Most importantly for buyers it will undercut the current offerings, whilst offering a package the equivalent of the best. But is Hyundai getting a bit too wrapped-up in its Euro-design?

Fiat 500L launches

The Fiat 500L – a larger Fiat 500 based on the Punto – has launched in Italy ahead of going on sale in the UK in early 2013. We had the official arrival of the Fiat 500L at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and now we get the 500L’s official launch in Turin – together with lots of new photos and a video – before the 500L goes on sale around the world. The 500L is actually based on the underpinnings of the Punto to create a 500 MPV and, sensibly, Fiat has done with the 500L  what MINI did with the Countryman and slapped an iconic badge on even though the 500L bears scant resemblance to its cute little sibling.