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

Consulatation on 20mph speed limit

BIRMINGHAM City Council has launched a public consultation on plans which could see around 90% of roads in the city given a 20mph speed limit. The authority believes the "20 is Plenty" scheme, costing around £7 million, would make residential streets safer and transport networks more sustainable. Key routes would keep higher speed limits under the long-term proposals, but public feedback is also being sought on whether the 20mph scheme should also be considered for busy high street shopping areas, around schools, leisure facilities, hospitals and public transport interchanges.

Chevrolet Spark EV revealed

The Chevrolet Spark EV – an electric version of the Spark – has been revealed ahead of the Los Angles Auto Show this week with a 130hp electric motor. Key to the appeal of the new Chevy Spark EV is the sort of power and performance you’d normally only see in a little hot hatch. The Spark EV comes with an electric motor that churns out 130hp and a massive 400lb/ft of torque.

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Editions

Mazda has released yet another special edition MX-5 for the UK market in the guise of the Mazda MX-5 Kuro.  Yes, it’s yet another special edition MX-5, this time the Mazda MX-5 Kuro which comes as either a 1.8 litre soft top or a 2.0 litre Roadster Coupe. It seems the Japanese like the idea of ‘Black’ Special Edition cars as much as we do in the West (Kuro means black in Japanese), with the last ‘Kuro’ special being the Nissan Juke Kuro. But oddly Mazda are offering the MX-5 Kuro not just in black but also in Velocity Red Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent, with the ‘Kuro’ bits referring to the Brilliant Black roof, door mirrors and dark gunmetal 17″ alloys.