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

Shelby GT500, Camaro ZL1 and a length of empty asphalt

A few weeks ago, we were given a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and a Chevy Camaro ZL1. Every automotive media outlet on the planet has compared these two cars over and over again since the 2013 GT500 joined the ZL1 on the market earlier this year. Here's a summary of those hundreds of comparison tests: The Camaro handles better and the Mustang is faster in a straight line.

Buick LaCrosse with eAssist priced at $30,820

The freshly stickered 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist will start at $30,820, including destination costs, the brand said on Wednesday. Buick says the 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist is rated at 37 mpg in highway driving, a 25 percent improvement over the 2011 LaCrosse. The improvement comes from eAssist, a mild hybrid system that uses a belt-driven electric motor-generator and a lithium-ion battery pack.

Toyota's quake-hit Yaris plant offline for at least another month

Toyota's quake-hammered Miyagi assembly plant, which makes the Yaris small car for export to the United States, is expected to be offline for at least another month. Workers have completed repairs at the factory and restored electricity, but the facility cannot get supplies of natural gas, a person familiar with the situation said. The assessment underscores the long road facing Toyota and other Japanese automakers in bringing plants back into full operation following the deadly quake, which killed more than 11,000 people, ruptured gas lines, shutdown electric grids and snarled logistics across half the country.