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

One Lap of the Web: Car creatures of the Hollywood Hills

-- Jay Leno, presumably back from filming McQueen's Jaguar XKSS, now places his chin atop the front seat of a 1925 Doble E-20, which, being steam-powered, fulfills Leno's interpretation of alt-fuel. Abner Doble built his first steam car while he was still in high school, and by 1915 the Doble Detroit had set new standards of reliability, convenience, noiselessness, and speed -- in 1925, Howard Hughes drove Leno's Model E to 132 mph. -- Los Angeles, car culture capital of the world, has its fair share of hipsters, eccentrics, airheads and Chrysler LeBarons.

Ford Tourneo Custom Concept

Ford is set to unveil its eight-seater Tourneo Custom Concept at next month's Geneva motor show, previewing new features that will give the vehicle car-like appeal. Ford designers have given the commercial vehicle the character of the company's Kinetic Design passenger car range, emphasizing movement, including a trapezoidal grille, a strong and muscular shoulder line, prominent wheel lips and a DLO with distinguishing kicks at the rear of each element. "We set out to create a design with clean, futuristic lines and with a real sense of occasion," explains Paul Campbell, chief designer, Ford of Europe.

Jeep brings duo of remixed Cherokee concepts to Beijing

China has become and important market for a number of American automakers, and even though Jeep's partnership with local automotive companies goes back decades, it has always faced stiff competition from other brands in the SUV segment. Hoping that the debut of the new Cherokee will revitalize interest in the brand, Jeep has brought a number of concepts to the China auto show in Beijing this week. First up is the Jeep Cherokee Sageland concept, whose design theme and colors were inspired by historical landmarks and scenery of the Shangri-La region, with the SUV's exterior painted in ivory tri-coat pearl with bronze grille collars.