Kawasaki Kz550d Kz 550 Gpz 550 Crankshaft on 2040-parts.com

2014 Aston Martin Rapide S rips out 550 hp

If you remember nothing else about the updated 2014 Aston Martin Rapide–now with an S added to the name–keep this in mind: Power surges 80 hp to a whopping 550 hp from the naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 engine. Aston Martin dipped into its expertise gleaned from the World Endurance Championship GT competition to fortify output and efficiency. Torque increases to 457 lb-ft (from 443 lb-ft), and top speed is pushed 7 mph to 190.

Gordon Murray Design T27 crash tested

The original Smart car probably did more than its fair share to persuade us that small cars needn't necessarily be unsafe. But now Gordon Murray is on the same mission: to persuade us that his titchy T27 city car is as safe as houses too. Gordon Murray Design has just issued its first crash test results, showing a T27 electric car after a crash test at the UK's MIRA industry research lab.  The crash test in question was the European-standard 40% offset deformable barrier front high-speed impact.

Milestone in life matched by car change

MOST DRIVERS in the UK mark key milestone moments in their life with a change of car. Four out of five British drivers say they will change their car to give their first-born child a more comfortable drive home, while others say they would swap cars if they won the Lottery. A survey by the AA found that 26% of drivers will change to a new car if they start a new job, while 21% decide on a different car because of retirement.