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

Audi Q5 concept is killer

Audi has provided the strongest hint yet that it plans to crown its Q5 lineup with an RS model by revealing a one-off, 408-hp, supercharged 3.0-liter V6 concept version of its compact SUV. The vehicle’s public premiere comes this weekend at the annual Woerthersee meet in Austria. Although Audi officials are playing down the importance of the custom concept, insiders have told AutoWeek that it was constructed to provide customer feedback on a possible performance-oriented version of the Q5, the likes of which would almost certainly form part of the company’s future North American lineup.

Pininfarina adds product-development director

Starting on Dec. 1, Andrea Maria Benedetto will serve as Italian car-design firm Pininfarina S.p.A.'s product-development director. Benedetto, who last served as the vice president of body and chassis function in the research and development division of Toyota Motor Europe, will organize engineering and R&D activities.

Chevrolet to dealers: Let Cruze shoppers test-drive competitors

Chevrolet is asking its 3,000 dealers to prepare for the late September launch of the Chevrolet Cruze compact by purchasing competitors' vehicles for test-drive comparisons. Chevrolet is encouraging dealers to have a Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic on site so prospective 2011 Cruze buyers can immediately measure the car against its segment competitors, said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet small-car marketing director. At a media event Tuesday in suburban Detroit, Brooks said Chevrolet expects buyers to come away with a favorable view of the Cruze.