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

Chinese brands are narrowing the quality gap with foreign automakers

When it comes to vehicle quality, domestic Chinese brands are catching up to their global peers, according to the 2010 China Initial Quality Study published by J.D. Power and Associates. The consultancy found that the quality gap between domestic and foreign brands has reached its narrowest margin in the survey's 11-year history.

Infiniti to sell luxury EV in 2013

Infiniti plans to launch its first luxury electric vehicle in the United States and other global markets in 2013. Nissan Motor Co.'s luxury division said Friday that the Infiniti EV will be “a stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero emissions technology.” Infiniti first announced plans to market an electric vehicle last year but offered few details until now. It will be based on the same platform as the Nissan Leaf, an electric car scheduled to go on sale later this year.

Audi shifts to eight-speeds for most models

A formal press conference probably won't happen until this summer, but we hear that Audi dealers have received their 2011 order guides, and it looks as though the company will be going from 0 to about 70 percent of U.S. sales being eight-speed automatic transmissions. Beginning this fall, the eight-speed will replace today's six-speed automatic in the A4 2.0-liter turbo sedan and wagon, the A5 2.0-liter turbo coupe and cabriolet, the Q5 2.0-liter turbo, the Q7 3.0-liter turbo, the Q7 diesel, the Q7 with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and the all-new A8 and A8L with the 4.2-liter V8.