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

Diesel rocket passes 300mph in record bid

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 18 August 2006 09:30 The 1500bhp JCB Dieselmax has passed 300mph in a test run for its diesel land speed record attempt. The sleek racer – powered by twin diesel engines each producing 750bhp – touched 308.252mph yesterday (Thursday 17 August). That smashes the current diesel car world record of 235.756mph, set in 1973.

Child car smoking ban moves closer

A BAN ON SMOKING in cars with children present has moved a step closer after peers inflicted a defeat on the Government in the House of Lords. Campaigners welcomed the result of the Lords vote, claiming a ban would protect half-a-million children who were exposed to second-hand smoke in cars every week. Although the successful Labour amendment to the Children and Families Bill does not directly ban smoking in cars with children in them, it backs the principle of making it an offence.

Mercedes’ AMG division unveils new twin-turbo V8

Those obsessed with torque bemoaned Mercedes’ high-revving 6.2-litre V8 when it was launched in 2005, but just as the world has come to accept the naturally aspirated engine, the company has now unveiled a new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. Up to 563bhp – which is the same as the SLS AMG – and 663lb ft, which is much more than the 479lb ft the modern-day Gullwing supercar manages. The engine is an all-new 5.5-litre V8 (5461cc to be exact) with direct-injection technology, an aluminium crankcase and two turbochargers.