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

Chevrolet Cruze lands in the UK

GM is having its problems, as we’ve chronicled almost endlessly, but they are pushing ahead with the launch of their Focus-sized offering, the Chevrolet Cruse, around the world. So far it has been launched in the Far East and Australia, and now we’re getting it in the UK from the summer. But oddly, it’s not going to arrive in the US until next year.

Porsche Panamera designer focused on rear-seat passengers

There's no mistaking it for anything but a Porsche, but with four doors and four full seats, the Panamera is like no previous Porsche. Styled by a team of in-house designers under the direction of Michael Mauer, the Panamera is 195.7 inches long, 76.0 inches wide and 55.8 inches tall--making it slightly shorter but wider and lower than the Maserati Quattroporte, with which it shares a coupelike profile. As with all such silhouettes, "the real challenge is giving the rear-seat passengers enough headroom," says Mauer.

Honda Fit EV cars being tested by Google, Stanford and California city

Honda dropped off a fleet of 2013 Fit EVs last week to Google, Stanford University and the City of Torrance, Calif., as part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. All of the participants will conduct tests and log feedback for the company. “The goal of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program is to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the advancement in battery-electric technology,” said Steve Center, vice president of the environmental business development office at American Honda.