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

Off the line: Fun cars and social responsibility Autoweek op-ed stands the test of time

It's been almost 21 years to the day that Autoweek printed Matt DeLorenzo's column “Off the Line: There's room for fast, fun cars in diet of social responsibility.” And in those two decades plus, not much has changed except the vehicles themselves. For example, sports cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Huayra have astronomically high performance and safety levels; similarly, sport-utility vehicles that haul entire families (and most of their earthly possessions) achieve fuel economy similar to that of 1970s midsize sedans. To read all of DeLorenzo's thoughts and his case for automobiles, click the links to download the article.

Pininfarina could produce Sergio concept

Pininfarina may produce a few examples of the Sergio concept we saw at the Geneva motor show for a few well-heeled buyers with about $3.9 million in liquid assets. “We are considering a very limited run of five to six units," Pininfarina CEO Silvio Angori told Automotive News Europe. The Sergio is based on the Ferrari 458 Italia, and uses the same drivetrain including the 562-hp V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Porsche 911 50 Years Edition (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

Here’s the inevitable special edition 911 to celebrate Porsche’s rear-engined icon’s half-century. The 911 50 Years Edition uses the Carrera 4’s 44mm-wider-than-standard body, rear-wheel drive and the Carrera S’s 395bhp 3.8-litre flat-six engine in either seven-speed manual or PDK form. In a nod to the 911’s birth year, only 1963 examples will be produced, each costing a cool £92,587 – a £10k premium over the Carrera S.