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

Opel Astra OPC Extreme debuts before Geneva

The Geneva motor show starts next week, which means we get to see an awesome selection of cars that will never come to our shores. On Wednesday, Opel added the Astra OPC Extreme to that category, which now includes the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake, Volkswagen Polo and Aston Martin Vantage N430, among others. The Astra OPC Extreme is 220 pounds lighter than the already-hot OPC, thanks to the use of carbon fiber.

Mercedes Concept Coupe SUV is the new Mercedes ML Coupe (MLC)

The Mercedes Coupe Concept SUV (pictured) will debut in Beijing Cars UK reported back in 2011 that a Mercedes ML Coupe (perhaps the Mercedes MLC) was in the planning to take on the BMW X6, and Mercedes confirmed as much when they revealed will build a fifth model at its US plant in Alabama. Mercedes plan to start building their fifth model in Alabama in 2015, and today’s reveal of the Mercedes Concept Coupe SUV – which will debut at the Beijing Motor Show – is the first public step on the way to a coupe version of the M-Class – and the battle to steal sales from the BMW X6. Mercedes aren’t saying much about the Concept Coupe SUV, but they do say it’s a sportily-styled coupe SUV and provide a first look at a series production car expected next year.

GM to build Cadillac ELR in Detroit

General Motors confirmed Tuesday that it will build the Cadillac ELR extended-range plug-in hybrid at the same plant that builds the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera hybrids. GM said it will spend $35 million on the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant to add the Cadillac. GM North America president Mark Reuss said production of the ELR is set to begin in late 2013.