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

Nissan challenges the van segment with some clever features

It may be one of the least sexy vehicles Nissan Motor Co. has ever unveiled: a big white commercial van with blank side panels and a bare interior. But the new NV2500 that Nissan executives presented to the public Wednesday at the 2010 Work Truck Show represents a daring challenge to the U.S.

First Sight: Holden Torana concept

Holden has stolen the limelight at the opening of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, unveiling a ground-up concept car dubbed the Torana TT36. The concept revives a famous Australian nameplate from the 1970s - appropriate since, like the original Torana, it features rear wheel drive and a six cylinder engine. That's where the similarities end, however, as the new Torana's engine is an experimental 280kW/490Nm twin turbocharged version of the new global V6 Holden has begun manufacturing for various parts of the GM world and which will eventually be used by Alfa Romeo.

CCS receives $2.5m GM Grant

General Motors is set to strengthen its longstanding commitment to Detroit's College for Creative Studies with a $2.5 million donation, a contribution that will help the university undertake a $145 million redevelopment of its A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education. This is not the first time that GM has given to CCS – the ongoing relationship between them sees members of the GM design team teach and mentor students, while CCS also receives loans of industrial equipment from its Detroit neighbor.