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

MIT researchers rethink electric-car batteries

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say a new battery design for electric vehicles could be a lightweight and inexpensive alternative. The goal for the team's three-year project, launched in September 2010, is to have a functioning prototype ready to be engineered as a replacement for existing electric-car batteries. At this point in the project, the prototype uses a “semi-solid flow” to separate the two functions of a battery--storing energy and discharging it when needed--into separate physical structures.

Under the hammer, overseas: Russo and Steele explores classic-car auction in China

It's ambitious, it's unprecedented and it's loaded with pitfalls. But if it can be pulled off, it could serve as a template for international growth for American auction houses. Russo and Steele is expanding into China and has announced plans this fall to form a joint venture with a Chinese company as a foothold.

GQbyCitroen unveiled in London

Two days after unveiling the Survolt and DS High Rider concepts at the Geneva motor show, Citroen last week pulled off a rare surprise by unveiling the GQbyCitroen - its third concept in three days. Instigated around a year ago, the project is a result of GQ Magazine's editor Dylan Jones questioning what his readers' ideal car might look like, and subsequently being put in touch with Citroen's Mark Lloyd, design manager for this project. The concept is a 4.5m long shooting break, based on the C4 platform.