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

UPDATED: Honda hints at new European advanced design studio

On the eve of the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Design's Creative Director, Toshinobu Minami, announced that the company is looking to once again open a design facility in Europe. The announcement came during a presentation at the R&D Center in Waco, just outside the Japanese capital and, while not confirmed, Minami-san strongly hinted that the UK would be a likely candidate to play host to Honda's revitalized European design operations. He cited the country's existing manufacturing and administration facilities, as well as a wealth of new talent from the Royal College of Art in particular.

Lotus evolves with moving art

WITH VIDEO -- With five new concepts dotting its stand at the Paris motor show, Lotus demonstrated that it knows a bit about metamorphosis. Now, the automaker has collaborated with French artist Gerard Rancinan and writer Caroline Gaudriault for a moving art display for a VIP event in Los Angeles. Rancinan specializes in art of the human form while Gaudriault is a journalist by trade who has worked in Japan, Australia and France.

Renault Pitches Affordable Self-Driving Technology

RENAULT is the latest company to dip its toe into the waters of self-driving car technology. Pitching its contribution as a way of combating tiredness and stress plus allowing drivers to multitask and let the car take the strain, the French firm is looking to 2020 as the year when its bold vision could become a reality. There is a catch though, as Renault’s vision of an autonomous driving future centres around the provision of ‘protected’ roads devoid of pedestrians or other hazards to make the reality of hands off driving possible.