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

Toyota talks powertrain plans

After trailing many of its competitors in the recent engine- and transmission-technology wars, Toyota Motor Corp. will launch a swath of powertrains in the next several years, a top powertrain r&d executive said. Koei Saga, senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain r&d, said that Toyota is investing heavily in turbocharged engines, larger displacement Atkinson cycle engines, continuously variable and fixed-gear automatic transmissions, and new hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

2012 Honda Pilot refined inside and out

Boasting a slight makeover, the 2012 Honda Pilot is ready for showroom floors with a sleeker exterior, an upgraded interior and slightly better fuel efficiency, according to Honda. The Pilot's restyled front end swaps 2011's six-sided grille insert for a horizontal three-bar, chrome-style fascia and new headlights. All trim levels have acoustic windshield glass, which was previously exclusive to the EX-L and Touring models.

Saab seeks court protection from creditors

Saab is filing for protection from creditors from a Swedish district court, the automaker's owner, Swedish Automobile, said Wednesday. Saab is seeking court approval for a voluntary reorganization to secure short-term stability while it waits for funding from Chinese investors Pang Da and Zhejiang Youngman, Swedish Automobile said in a statement. Victor Muller, CEO of both Saab and Swedish Automobile, said in a statement: "We have concluded that a voluntary reorganization process will provide us with the necessary time, protection and stabilization of the business, allowing salary payments to be made, short-term funding to be obtained and an orderly restart of production to be prepared." Muller remains optimistic about Saab's future.