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

Jason Castriota to head Saab Design

When Car Design News spoke to Jason Castriota about the new design consultancy he had set up in New York and Turin back in March, the designer told us he was working on a very exciting automotive project that he couldn't talk about at the time. It turns out that automotive project was for Saab, as last week the Swedish automaker announced it had hired Jason Castriota Design to oversee the development of a new generation of Saab products – the first to be completed under the tenure of its new owners, Spyker. Castriota's new appointment marks the shift from Saab's former position – where the brand was an integrated company within GM – to its newfound placement as an independent automaker, with Castriota essentially filling the role previously occupied by Mark Adams, GM Europe's Vice President of Design.

EV battery maker A123 files for bankruptcy

Lithium-ion battery maker A123 Systems Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

2015 Volkswagen Passat: OFFICIAL

The new 2015 Volkswagen Passat revealed VW previewed the 2015 Passat back in May with a set of design sketches and the promise of a sleeker design, less weight and better economy with more room for passengers – and now it’s here. The 2015 Volkswagen Passat is the eighth generation of a car that VW always hoped would wipe the floor with the Ford Mondeo and steal sales from the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, but which has never quite hit the sort of home run the VW Golf has. But VW has tried hard with the 2015 Passat and delivered a car that looks Audi-slick and more upmarket, so perhaps the eight generation Passat will be the Passat to finally dominate the segment?