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

Mercedes GLA goes subterranean

FOR SUV owners looking to test their cars’ off-road credentials, the obvious place to put them to the test probably isn’t nearly 200 metres underground. But that’s exactly where the new Mercedes GLA found itself as it descended into Winsford Rock Salt Mine, 620 feet beneath the Cheshire countryside. The working mine, which supplies much of the UK’s gritting salt for wintry roads, played host to four standard (apart from extra driving lights) GLA models, which were lowered down into the mine nose first before being let loose in the 130-mile network of tunnels.

Ford Design Center set to expand

Symbolic of the importance it plays in Ford's small car strategy, the automakers Design Center in Cologne, Germany, is about to receive a €11.6m redevelopment. Construction is already underway on the facility's new wing, which will include design studios and 100 workplaces. The 3,000 square-meter extension is set to be completed by the end of the year.

2013 Porsche Cayman debut at Los Angeles

The 2013 Porsche Cayman has been confirmed by Porsche to debut at the 2012 Los Angels Auto Show later this month. The new Porsche Cayman has been on the way for quite a while. As long ago as October 2011 we ran a video of Porsche’s new 911, new Bosxter and new Cayman out on the sleepy streets of San Francisco  but now it appears the last of the three to be revealed - the new Cayman – is heading for this month’s L.A.