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

2014 Camaro Z/28 boasts slick aero tricks

When the Chevy Camaro Z/28 was unveiled last spring at the New York auto show, we were told how Chevy took stuff out to lighten the car. Trunk carpet and interior sound-deadening material are jettisoned, the sound system has but one speaker, the rear glass is thinner and so on. Despite the decontenting, it turns out the Z/28 is no stripper, at least in terms of aero technology: Chevrolet says the 2014 Camaro Z/28 manages airflow “like few other production vehicles, generating downforce like a race car.” Delving into the hyperbole reveals numerous exterior modifications designed to improve not just aerodynamics, but powertrain and brake-system cooling, as well.

2010 Cadillac SRX: A new standard for GM's luxury crossovers

A few years after Lexus touched off the luxury-crossover craze with its RX 300, Cadillac chose to offer the SRX--a completely different, angular tall wagon with a rear liftback built on its rear-drive CTS sedan chassis. Although the SRX was excellent, its showing in a marketplace seeking stylish RX-like crossovers wasn't good. Since it introduced the SRX as a 2004 model, Cadillac has sold a total of 120,000; Lexus sells about 90,000 RXs every 12 months.

End of the road for Mercury

Mercury has stood for hot-rodding, performance, style and even feminine appeal during various points in its 72-year history. But ultimately, the failure to stand alone in the Ford Motor Co.'s family of brands spelled its demise. Mercury, a brand founded by company scion Edsel Ford, will be shuttered as Ford concentrates its efforts on the core Ford brand and luxury-level Lincolns.