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

GM to build electric motors in-house

General Motors will develop and build electric motors for a rear-wheel-drive hybrid to launch in 2013. GM claims to be the first major U.S. automaker to produce electric motors in-house and says it is investing $246 million in the project.

Opel Corsa

Opel has released pictures of the new Corsa, which will make its debut in July at the British Motor Show. Sharing its platform with the Fiat Grande Punto, styling is closer to the larger Astra with dynamic cab-forward proportions. Aided by the strong chin, an additional pane in the side-glass also enables a more forward-reaching profile - as chief designer Niels Loeb said "this is just what we wanted the coupe-like three-door Corsa to be." Inside, the IP neatly evolves themes from the outgoing model, with cues also shared with the new Antara SUV.

Toyota cuts 2014 Prius Plug-in hybrid prices

For the 2014 model year the Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid will get a price cut, with the base Prius Plug-in model starting at $29,990, not including destination. The $2,010 drop in price comes without any changes to the vehicle, and Toyota was keen to point out that "This price repositioning on the base Prius Plug-in Hybrid is not accompanied by any reduction in vehicle content.” This drop in price can be viewed as part of Toyota's effort to keep sales volume of its popular plug-in hybrid model on target -- about the only place where the 2014 model Prius will look different will be the Japanese domestic market, where the Prius will get two-tone paint options, new wheels, and LED lighting. Likewise, the Prius Plug-in Advanced will also get a price cut for the 2014 model year, and will start at $34,905, not including destination.