Raymarine Smartpilot X5 Control Unit Smart Pilot 5670-006 on 2040-parts.com

UK new car sales hit a ten-year high

UK new car sales continue to scale new heights, with more new cars sold in March 2014 than in any month in the past decade. Sales figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that 464,824 new cars were registered last month – a 17.7% rise over March 2014. It continues the trend of rocketing sales, with year-to-date registrations up 13.7%.

Redesigned Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt rollout

Opel, General Motors' financially embattled European subsidiary, has ripped the covers from its sixth-generation Astra ahead of the car's planned debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The five-door hatchback traditionally is one of Europe's best-selling models and originally was expected to play an important role in the Saturn lineup in the United States. Under GM's pared-down lineup, the Astra's Delta 2 chassis is likely provide the underpinnings for a small Buick, initially in China, and then in the United States, depending on market conditions.

Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Edition blows in

Nobody could ever accuse the Vauxhall VXR8 (the Holden by another name) of being underpowered. Its barn-storming performance and bargain price tag have made the VXR8 a worthy successor to the Lotus Carlton. Relatively simple mechanics and a great driving car, there really is nothing else like it on the roads in the UK.