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

GM expands brake-override safety feature

General Motors is significantly expanding the use of a brake-override safety feature in its cars through the end of 2012. GM announced on Monday that it will add the software, which it also calls “enhanced smart-pedal technology,” in all of its passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control. The change will reduce power to the engine when both the throttle and brakes are pressed at the same time.

BMW M5 Diesel Confirmed – the BMW M550d, perhaps?

A diesel M5 - the BMW M550d, perhaps? We’ve been reporting on BMW’s triple-turbo diesel engine since we broke the news back in 2009 that BMW could be working on a triple turbo option for their 3.0 litre diesel, designed to create an ‘M Diesel’. And it now looks as though that will arrive as the BMW M550d – or a variation on that name – as soon as 2012.

Skoda MissionL Concept revealed – the Skoda Lauretta, perhaps?

Skoda MissionL Concept - destined to be the Skoda Lauretta Skoda is on a mission to push its sales through the roof in the next year or seven – aiming for 1.5 million sales, no less, by 2018 –  and part of that strategy is to fill the gap in its range between the Fabia and Octavia. So it’s a good thing the Skoda MissionL Concept fits the bill. Not that we have a great deal to go on with the MissionL Concept, as all Skoda have done so far is send us a short press release and the teaser photo above (which was a lot darker until we sent it through Photoshop).