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

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo on the move (video)

As a clear sign that the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is heading for production, we have a new video of the Sport Turismo in detail. That view is reinforced with the arrival from Porsche of video of the Panamera Sport Turismo on the move and input from a pair of talking heads – Advanced Design Style man Mitja Borkert and Michael Mauer, head of the Porsche Design Studio – giving us an insight in to the thinking behind the Sport Turismo. ‘Good design is important, because everyone loves beautiful things’, says Mitja Borkert, although some would say that function has been more important than form for Porsche in the past.

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.

Ford Fiesta ST3 is the new range-topping ST

The Ford Fiesta ST3 (pictured) launches The absence of an RS Ford at the moment means lovers of fast Fords have to settle for an ST, rather than a full-fat RS. But it seems that those who do opt for the ST versions of Ford’s cars are willing to pay more to get a bettered specced car, something Ford are happy to accommodate with the launch of a new Fiesta ST model – the Ford Fiesta ST3. Ford are already seeing the vast majority of Fiesta ST buyers opting for the ST2 version (9 out of ten choose the more expensive version) so they’re obviously hoping a big chunk of those buyers will instead now opt for the better equipped – and more expensive – Fiesta ST3.