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

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.

80% of drivers don't care about emissions

EIGHT OUT OF 10 drivers in the UK say they wouldn’t change their car to a lower emissions model to save on road tax. This stark admission from the nation’s drivers follows a survey that also found 65% of Britain’s motorists don’t know their VED (Vehicle Excise Duty), or road tax, is calculated on the carbon dioxide emissions of their car. Many drivers think their road tax is worked out based on the size of engine in their car.

Buick LaCrosse GL concept debuts ahead of L.A. auto show

Summoning the colors of coffee, saddles and wine, Buick has crafted an upscale concept car to illustrate its potential for interior design. The LaCrosse GL debuted on Wednesday afternoon at a Detroit concert house, ahead of a showing next week at the Los Angeles auto show. The Buick LaCrosse GL features brown and caramel-colored cocochino leather inside, ice-blue stitching and an expensive-feeling suede headliner as Buick tries to lure new customers by promoting top-shelf interiors.