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

Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler – the Defender goes rallying

The Land Rover Defender goes rallying (pictured) with Bowler modifications The venerable Land Rover Defender – now reaching the end of its shelf life – may not seem the perfect rally car. But a Defender tweaked and fettled with some Bowler Fairy Dust is another matter, and that’s exactly what’s happening with a new, one-make Defender Challenge by Bowler – and backed by Land Rover – which is aiming to put up to fifteen Defenders in to UK forest stage rallies and hill rallies in 2014. The Defender in question is a Defender 90 Hard Top with the usual 2.2 litre diesel, but sorted by Bowler to deliver 170bhp and 323lb/ft of torque (up from the regular 122bhp/266lb/ft) with a standard six-speed manual ‘box, MSA roll cage, fire extinguisher and Khumo tyres.

VW Golf Plus unveiled at Bologna motor show

By Ben Pulman Motor Shows 03 December 2008 10:20 Volkswagen used today’s Bologna motor show to unveil its Mk2 Golf Plus, the third Golf model (after the three- and five-door hatchbacks) to get Wolfsburg’s latest looks. That new nose is indeed the obvious change. The headlamps, now with daytime running lights, receive a little nip on the inner edges and the two-bar grille is now in high-gloss black.

Rinspeed microMAX [w/video]

Rinspeed has previewed its microMAX commuter vehicle concept ahead of its debut at the upcoming Geneva motor show, where it aims to blur the boundaries between cars. taxis and busses. The prototype, measuring in at 3,700mm long and 2,200mm high, is designed to flexibly offer the benefits of both personal and public transport to those driving themselves to regular commuters in carpools – as shown in the delightfully cringe-inducing promo video photos.