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

Mazda Minagi concept

Mazda is set to reveal a new concept at the 81st Geneva motor show in March. Called the Minagi, the concept previews a new entry-level compact crossover, which will likely be called the CX-5 when it makes its production debut in Frankfurt later this year. The compact SUV is alleged to 'fully embrace' both Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies as well as the Kodo design language that debuted on the Shinari concept late last year.

MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

2014 Chevrolet Reaper bumps Silverado to 550 hp

It was only a matter of time before a Chevy Silverado decided to give the Ford Raptor a run for its money, in this case via noted tuner John Lingenfelter. The company announced its new Chevrolet Reaper project at the National Automotive Dealers Association last Friday. The 2014 Reaper is the result of a conversion kit that takes an average Silverado -- already a good truck -- and puts it on steroids, so to speak.