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

Think, again: Norwegian electric-car maker looks for U.S. plant

Think, the Norwegian electric-car maker, says it plans to build an assembly plant and a technical center in the United States. After financing failed in the wake of the collapse of credit markets in late 2008, the company entered Norway's debt-settlement process (the equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy), and production of its recently redesigned Think city car was halted. It continues operating under a $6 million interim funding measure while it pursues additional financing.

No Ferrari Viper, Dodge brand chief says

Despite allusions to cooperation on the Viper with Chrysler's new Italian owners, there will be no Viper Ferrari. Hey, it was a natural question, especially since Dodge opened that door in a press release on Tuesday about a lap record set by a production Viper ACR at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (1:33.915; more on that in a minute). "When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports-car makers in the world, the future opportunities are huge," Dodge brand chief Ralph Gilles said in a release.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle guest stars on ‘Oprah'

Volkswagen used the “Oprah Winfrey Show” to tease the 2012 Beetle, which arrives in showrooms next fall. A silhouette of the diminutive new car was shown on Monday on the TV show, and it's expected to have sleeker styling with a stretched-out roofline. That cue was also seen on the 2005 Ragster concept.