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

Apple and Ferrari—What could be better?

Recently a press release popped into my email (remember when we used to say “came across my desk”?) that said Eddy Cue, Apple's head of Internet software and services, has joined Ferrari's board of directors. The statement said while on the board Cue, a Ferrari owner, will “aid with his experience in Internet-based commerce.” My two cents: It's a brilliant move for both parties, and the ramifications could be huge. Think about it: Does this mean Apple wants to make stuff for cars?

Toyota to close Australian design studio

Toyota designers at its Technical Center Asia Pacific Australia (TTCAP-AU) are to lose their jobs as part of Toyota's decision to scale back the facility's activities as well as halting all manufacturing within the country by 2017. The TTCAP-AU, which carries out all its Australian design and evaluation operations, employs 150 designers and modelers and it's possible that its activities with the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion models could be scrapped, raising doubts over its future. Around 2,500 employees at Toyota's Altona manufacturing plant are expected to lose their jobs, although the effects are likely to be wider ranging.

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon announced

Ford has introduced the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon, a vehicle the automaker is calling “so unique it is a revolution in seven-passenger transportation.” We won't know whether or not it is truly revolutionary until we can get behind the wheel, but at first glance, the new vehicle appears to be a very tall wagon or a small minivan, or a Transit Connect with larger windows. The Transit Connect Wagon is tied to Ford's current car lineup aesthetically via the characteristic Blue Oval hexagonal grille, but it's the van/wagon's utility that will likely become its biggest selling point. Ford claims the Transit Connect Wagon will be able to swallow a 1,200 lb.