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

San Marino Motor Classic celebrates its third year

There may be more car collections hidden in Southern California garages, hangars and warehouses than anywhere else in the world, and Aaron Weiss knows almost all of the collectors. Weiss, along with co-founders Ben Reiling, Paul Colony and a large contingent of car-crazy compatriots and sponsors, put together the third annual San Marino Motor Classic on June 9 with 250 cars ranging from grand tourers to a Wells Fargo stage coach hauling guests around the show. “It's the best of the public and private collections in the Los Angeles area,” said emcee Ed Justice Jr., president of industry products company Justice Brothers.

Driving with criminals

At first it had all the appearances of a routine police checkpoint, a simple little affair in which some warnings might be issued, possibly some speeding tickets. But otherwise our group of 18 or so U.S. automotive journalists driving a fleet of high-priced Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedans would be allowed to continue on our merry way through the Spanish countryside.

GM expands brake-override safety feature

General Motors is significantly expanding the use of a brake-override safety feature in its cars through the end of 2012. GM announced on Monday that it will add the software, which it also calls “enhanced smart-pedal technology,” in all of its passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control. The change will reduce power to the engine when both the throttle and brakes are pressed at the same time.