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

EPA makes it official--greenhouse gases are pollutants

On the eve of an international climate summit, the EPA on Monday formally declared greenhouse gases to be dangerous pollutants, strengthening President Barack Obama's hand and laying the groundwork for a new 35.5 mpg standard for light vehicles. The finding is likely to have a greater impact on electric utilities, oil companies and manufacturers than on the auto industry. The EPA's scientific finding reported that these gases “are the primary driver of climate change,” which can intensify heat waves and increase ozone pollution linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

BMW ready to shift small coupes, convertibles to even-number nameplates

Reports in Europe say that BMW is planning a shake-up in the naming strategy for its smaller coupes and convertibles, as well as planning to shift its 1-series cars onto a front-drive platform. The nameplate shake-up will have coupe and convertible variants of the 1-series become the 2-series, while coupe and convertible variants of the 3-series will become the 4-series. The changeover is expected to start in 2013, according to a report on the Web site of Car magazine.

New Porsche Macan leaks out

New Porsche Macan leaks out Porsche has been on a mission to raise interest in the new Macan, and we’ve had teaser photos of the Macan and video of the new Macan playing on the sand dunes. Now we get the first undisguised photos. The Macan photos (above) are from Auto Motor und Sport magazine and leaked out online with almost three weeks to go until the Macan gets its official reveal in Los Angeles.