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

2012 BMW 1-series gets light freshening

BMW is lightly updating the 1-series coupe and convertible for 2012 with several sporty modifications. The 128i and the 135i get air curtains for the front fascia to counter aerodynamic drag. Other refinements include accents for the headlights and taillights and light finishings for the interior.

AA Survey says 40% of UK roads are in a ‘Terrible’ state

40% of our roads are in a ‘Terrible’ state We all moan about how bad the UK’s roads are after several years of extreme weather and even more years of underinvestment in road repairs. Now the AA has revealed that a survey of 29,911 of their members reveals that 40 per cent of local roads are considered to be in a ‘Terrible’ state, 34 per cent of main roads the same and just 11 per cent of local roads considered ‘Excellent’. None of which will come as a surprise to Cars UK readers; we get endless emails on the subject from disgruntled readers bemoaning the dangerous state of our roads and asking what can be done.

Testa Rossas, Lemons, Laguna Seca and design inspiration – Monterey Car Week 2014

As a first timer to this annual festival it’s easy to think of it purely as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. However, in reality the blue-chip show on the famous golf course is simply the climax of a whole week of formal events, impromptu gatherings and an overall sense of overwhelming from the sheer quantity and quality of the cars, all packed onto this upmarket West Coast peninsular.It's this variety that means this event really is what you make of it. Want to live it up like a billionaire and feel the buzz of $400million worth of cars pass under the auctioneers’ hammers, followed by some lobster and champagne in the golf club?