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

Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme (2014) latest details on Vauxhall’s super-hatch

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 26 February 2014 09:00 Vauxhall has revealed more details about the hottest hatch in the brand’s history: the track-ready Astra VXR Extreme. The concept, which should see production in 2015, has more than 300PS (296bhp), and has shed 100kg from the standard road car’s kerbweight. That puts the Astra VXR’s mass at an estimated 1375kg.

Porsche unveils 2015 911 Targa

Porsche has given its latest 911 Targa a heavy dose of retro appeal through the adoption of a series of classic styling cues that hark back to that of the original model launched in 1965. Unveiled at the Detroit auto show, the new 911 Targa is based around the same aluminium bodyshell and four-wheel drive mechanical package as the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, alongside which it will be produced at Porsche's Zuffenhausen factory on the outskirts of Stuttgart, Germany. Among the traditional styling elements Porsche's design boss Michael Mauer has chosen to resurrect on the new car is a fixed B-pillar hoop, or Targa bar as it has come to be known over the years.

New Opel/Vauxhall Astra saloon revealed – but not for the UK

The new Astra with a boot has been revealed but it’s not heading for the UK. It will, however, be offered in Germany and Spain. The hatchback has taken over the car world in recent years when it comes to family cars (although we could see the crossover / compact SUV supplant it before long), which has meant the demise of the traditional saloon, certainly in the UK market.