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

Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid design sketches leak out

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 19 February 2009 09:28 These pictures allegedly reveal the production-spec Opel/Vauxhall Ampera a fortnight ahead of its Geneva show debut. A Spanish website claims to have stumbled across the technical design sketches at a European patent office and – if authentic – they spill the beans on the new plug-in hybrid electric concept car that’s bound for a showroom near you within two years. The Ampera is Opel/Vauxhall’s version of the Chevrolet Volt, the breakthrough car that could just save GM if it survives its current crisis.

GM puts Girsky in charge of Europe operations

General Motors has put vice chairman Steve Girsky in charge of its troubled European operations, replacing Karl-Friedrich Stracke. GM said that Stracke will handle special assignments from chairman Dan Akerson. GM said Girsky will serve as "acting head" of its European operations while it searches for a replacement executive.

Danville concours honors Phil Hill

"Cool Cars for a Cause" is the slogan for the Danville (Calif.) Concours d'Elegance, and it's an apt description for a gathering of classic, vintage-racing and contemporary cars, along with a few restored racing boats carefully parked along Danville's charming downtown streets. The event has raised more than $1 million for Parkinson's disease research and patient care. This year, the event honored Phil Hill, who succumbed to complications from the disease in 2008 after a legendary international career in racing and classic-car restoration.