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

Jetstream SC250 (2008): first pictures

By Ben Whitworth First Official Pictures 26 August 2008 09:32 This is the new Jetstream SC250, a Cornwall-based newcomer to Britain’s low-volume sportscar industry – and arguably the most eye-wateringly ugly car we’ve seen in a very long time. The lightweight two-seater is powered by Vauxhall’s turbo 2.0-litre unit – lifted from the Astra VXR – and it’s priced at £29,495. Err, yes – we also feel the SC250’s looks might be a bit of a stumbling block to someone about to flash the best part of £30k on a track-based racer.

Fisker Karma drives Laguna Seca

The Fisker Karma out testing at Laguna Seca But unhappy as we are at Cars UK with the world’s obsession with all things green – and hybrid / electric cars in general – even we have to admit that some of the work that’s going on does impress us. The Tesla Roadster is a great achievement – if madly expensive for what it is (an electric Lotus) – and the work Koenigsegg are doing with the Quant is very exciting. But one company that is efficiently going about putting together a workable, high performance car is Fisker, who have been working on their electric saloon car – The Fisker Karma – for less than two years.

Italian firm buys stake in Aston Martin

The former owner of Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has bought a 37.5-percent stake in financially strapped British car maker Aston Martin. The move means future Astons could use modern drivelines and electric architectures from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, insiders with knowledge of the deal suggest. Private equity fund Investindustrial has signed a memorandum of understanding with current Aston Martin owner Investment Dar of Kuwait that will see it pay $240 million (150 million pounds) for the ownership stake.