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

Fuel-economy standards rise to 27.3 mpg for 2011 model year

Fuel-economy standards for all light vehicles will rise 8 percent, to an average of 27.3 mpg for the 2011 model year, under new U.S. rules issued on Friday. The regulations will use a new system that sets standards for individual models based on their size.

Digital repreive for drivers as FM switch-off postponed

MILLIONS OF CAR OWNERS have been saved from missing out on listening to the radio in their cars as the Government has delayed switching off FM transmitters in favour of digital radio. The move comes as the Government admits that more needs to be done to convince radio users to switch to DAB digital radio instead of sticking with FM. Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, said: ‘We have to support digital radio, but we also respect people’s passion for radio and not being made to do something they don’t want to.’ At present, digital radio accounts for about a third (36.5%) of all radio listening, but take up has been lower among car drivers who are used to FM.

Vauxhall Astra & Astra Sports Tourer get BiTurbo diesel

Vauxhall has decided to bolt their BiTurbo diesel engine in to the Astra Hatch and the Astra Sports Tourer. Vauxhall revealed last month that the Astra GTC was getting the frugal but lively 2.0 litre CDTi BiTurbo engine, offering a tempting combination of 53mpg official economy and sub 8 second 0-62mph performance. With levels of economy unthinkable just a few years ago combined with performance a hot hatch would have been proud of, the BiTurbo Astra GTC is a clever combination.