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

Ford at CES: Charge your car with science and wash your dishes while you sleep

Ford's C-Max Solar Energy Concept is a "plugless plugin," said Donna Bell, which initially sounds silly -- as if the carefully structured chaos and noise of CES may have finally gotten to her. But as someone who has been managing Ford's electric vehicle infrastructure for the past 20 years, she isn't being facetious. Solar panels on the roof of a car aren't anything new -- the Fisker Karma used them to power the radio and other in-car accessories, to cite a soon-obscure example.

New Lexus IS UK debut

The 2013 Lexus IS – revealed at the Detroit Motor Show – gets its UK public debut at the Ideal Home Show at Earls Court. The Ideal Home Show may not seem the obvious place for Lexus to show the new IS, but Lexus are the headline motor sponsors for the event and you can’t argue with the footfall; footfall that is probably predominantly bang on the Lexus target demographic. And the target demographic for Lexus may be a bit surprised that the new IS is a chunk more dynamic looking than its predecessor, with statement looks – taking cues from the LF-CC Concept – that make the new IS a far more appealing prospect.

Mazda6 preview

Mazda's redesigned Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan) will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The new car is an evolution of the original model's front face, bringing forward modern design elements and smoothing out the features for a more streamlined and aerodynamic look. With pronounced front wheel arches and simple shut lines, the car continues along Mazda's styling theme first seen on the Mazda2.