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

GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

2012 Honda Insight gets a facelift and emits 96g/km

2012 Honda Insight We’re still not convinced that Honda has its heart in the Insight Hybrid, but they have no choice other than to present some semblance of competition to the stranglehold Toyota has developed in the hybrid market. So in an effort to make it more appealing, the unconvincing 2012 Honda Insight gets a bit of a facelift and, perhaps more appealingly for many, a cut in emissions to under the magic 100g/km. Titivations to the Insight for 2012 include a new front grill and bumper – just so existing Insight owners can feel fed up at driving the ‘old’ Insight – and a smaller spoiler and wiper at the back for better visibility.

New Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept leaks

The Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept (pictured) leaks ahead of its debut The next models in line at Land Rover for a complete makeover are the Freelander and the Discover, both of which are going to be badged Discovery and will be previewed by the Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept at the New York Auto Show in a few days. But we already have the first photo of the new Discovery Vision Concept after Jalopnik published it this afternoon. The new Discovery certainly has influences form the new Range Rover, but it also offers more than a passing resemblance to the Ford Explorer – but then the Ford Explorer was plagiarised from Land Rover in the first place, so that’s probably not a real problem.