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

New techniques cut cost of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber, once so costly that it was the preferred material only for fighter planes and supercars, is catching the attention of weight-conscious automakers. Carbon fiber's cost is falling dramatically, thanks to production advances that let suppliers speed the material's finicky, and costly, curing process. One technological breakthrough that makes carbon-fiber auto parts more affordable may come from a process used to make carbon-fiber golf clubs.

Bentley gives Continental GT Speed even more power

The Bentley Continental GT Speed has never been accused of being a slouch when it came to power, bluntly incorporating the word Speed in its name, but it seems the company's engineers believe there is still room for improvement. And so for 2015 the Bentley Continental GT Speed and Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible will receive a slight bump up in power, and will now offer 626-hp and 607 lb-ft of torque. That's up from 616-hp and 590 lb-ft of torque in the 2014 versions of this 6.0-liter W12 beast.

Rennsport Reunion IV brings Porsches to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Porsche has confirmed that its Rennsport Reunion IV, sponsored by Porsche Cars North America, will feature three days of the German marque's historic race-cars at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. This is the first time the Rennsport reunion will be held on the West Coast, with Rennsport Reunion IV scheduled for Oct. 14-16, 2011.