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

2013 Australian Motor Show axed

This year’s Australian Motor Show in Melbourne has been cancelled by its organizers three months before its planned opening. Falling attendance figures played a big part in taking the decision, as did what is seen as a lack of manufacturer support. The Australian International Motor Show Joint Venture's event director Russ Tyrie said the decision was taken "based on a consensus view of the automotive industry to focus limited marketing budgets in 2013 on firm-specific activities, rather than an industry-based motor show." The Volkswagen Group's decision not to attend may well have acted as the final nail in the coffin along with Hyundai's hesitancy despite initial support.

Multi-touch UI reduces touchscreen interaction to simple swipes [w/video]

Touchscreens have become widespread standard features in many cars over the last few years, consolidating the modern car's many functions into one interface. But despite their advantages there's the big downside of driver distraction, something user interface designer Matthaeus Krenn believes he has solved with his UI. Unlike most other touchscreens, Krenn's interface isn't organized into menus and small, hard-to-hit buttons, but instead makes use of multi-touch gestures, reducing the accuracy and attention needed to operate key functions.

Audi A5 Sportback

Audi has officially revealed the Sportback, adding yet another model to the A5 range. Blurring the line between a sedan, a coupe and a conventional wagon, the emotional, progressive design measures 4711mm long and 1854mm wide, yet stands only 1391mm high (12mm shorter than a Mercedes CLS). With front and rear ends characterized by horizontal lines, the automaker's characteristic proportions are evident when viewed in profile.