Solas Rubix Propeller 13.2x19 on 2040-parts.com

Report Claims Pothole Repair Blackhole Is £12bn

FIGURES from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) have revealed the extent of the nation’s pothole crisis, with a report claiming the "catch-up" cost of getting roads back into reasonable a condition has soared to £12 billion. The total is an increase on the £10.5 billion figure reported last year, and remains high despite more than two million potholes being filled in England and Wales over the last 12 months. This was despite a 20% decrease in the shortfall in annual road maintenance budgets reported by local authorities, with the shortfall reducing from an average of £6.2 million to £5.1 million per authority in England.

Concept Car of the Week: Mazda Ibuki (2003)

With the Ibuki, Mazda designers synthesized the most successful of the first generation MX-5's iconic elements and evolved their forms to make them even more memorable and simple. To do so, they used a strong geometric theme throughout the car inside and out: LED headlamps; front air intake; tail lamps; rear view mirrors; release handles and interior details down to the pedals – every shape follow the same oval theme. Zooming out, the silhouette – as well as the top view – is also oval, making the Ibuki look more like a toy than a car, which is a real bonus for a small roadster.

Solar-powered Ford C-Max Solar Energi revealed

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs) are the next big thing in environmentally conscious motoring – and the number on sale is set to explode over the coming months. But some carmakers are already working on the next next big thing. Including Ford, which has just announced this new C-Max Solar Energi Concept.