Nitrous Express 30040-10 Phase 3 Conventional Plate; Nitrous System on 2040-parts.com

Land Rover Defender Challenge by Bowler – the Defender goes rallying

The Land Rover Defender goes rallying (pictured) with Bowler modifications The venerable Land Rover Defender – now reaching the end of its shelf life – may not seem the perfect rally car. But a Defender tweaked and fettled with some Bowler Fairy Dust is another matter, and that’s exactly what’s happening with a new, one-make Defender Challenge by Bowler – and backed by Land Rover – which is aiming to put up to fifteen Defenders in to UK forest stage rallies and hill rallies in 2014. The Defender in question is a Defender 90 Hard Top with the usual 2.2 litre diesel, but sorted by Bowler to deliver 170bhp and 323lb/ft of torque (up from the regular 122bhp/266lb/ft) with a standard six-speed manual ‘box, MSA roll cage, fire extinguisher and Khumo tyres.

Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Tech Edition

The Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Tech Edition is a limited edition of the already limited edition Fabia Monte Carlo, with added equipment. We all understand that producing limited edition cars adds a bit of showroom gloss, with car makers adding something extra – and often unique to the model, to create a ‘Limited Edition’ with extra equipment to boost sales. But is it stretching things a bit far when a car maker takes an already ‘Limited’ edition car and bolts more goodies on to it to create a ‘new’ limited edition?

Honda CR-Z at Detroit motor show 2010

Honda has today debuted the production version of its CR-Z hybrid sports coupe at the 2010 Detroit motor show. The styling is inspired by the old CRX, but under the skin the CR-Z is pure 21st century hybrid. Featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 108bhp and 71lb ft torque, the CR-Z produces 122bhp and 128lb ft in total thanks to the boost provided by its IMA parallel hybrid system.