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

How South America designed the Ford Ka

The Ka Concept was shown at the São Paulo auto show in Brazil in November 2013, and was revealed in production form last week. It marks the first time the Ka has reflected the broader brand homogeneity of the 'One Ford' design strategy, and continues the Ka's shift in direction from the distinctive original.The new car is the work of Ford's South American design studio in Camaçari, Brazil - its second 'One Ford' car, following the EcoSport. But while the crossover enters a new segment, the 17-year history of the Ka nameplate in Brazil gives an insight into how the demands of the local market have taken precedence over design iconicity.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake & New Mercedes A Class UK debut at MotorExpo

MotorExpo London 2012 The Jaguar XF Sportbrake, new Mercedes A Class, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and new Kia cee’d get a UK debut at London’s MotorExpo. Traditional car shows have died something of a death in recent years, with just a handful of car shows round the world still attracting big numbers. Car ‘Events’ have become the order of the day with stuff like Goodwood and Salon Prive offering car lovers a proper petrolhead experience instead of static displays of untouchable cars in industrial units.

CAR Most Wanted of 2014: Ferrari 458 Speciale

By the CAR road-test team First Official Pictures 23 December 2013 10:50 The first time we checked out the Ferrari 458 Speciale, it was parked tantalisingly in the bowels of the Ferrari’s Maranello factory. Tech boss Roberto Fedeli told us how Ferrari had calculated the Speciale would be an even higher performer: 10% lighter, 11% faster response, 40% quicker through the gearbox, and squeezing out an extra 34bhp from its 4.5-litre V8. Since then, we’ve driven the 202mph 458 Speciale, which Ferrari claims is different (not better than) a 458 Italia, and designed to appeal to a different kind of customer.