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

Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.

Nissan Sentra wrings out 1 mpg more to sweeten payout

Engineers at Nissan Motor Co. are scurrying to eke another mile or two per gallon out of their vehicles to win customers who come looking for federal cash-for-guzzlers money. "We want as many of our products as possible to pop up on the shopping list," Nissan North America spokesman Brian Brockman says.

Patrick le Quément to receive EyesOn Design 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award

Patrick le Quément has been selected as the latest recipient of the EyesOn Design Lifetime Design Achievement Award. Le Quément will be presented with the award in Detroit on 19 June 2015, as part of the EyesOn Design week.Le Quément was the senior vice-president of corporate design at Renault from 1995 to 2009 and was chairman of the joint design policy group coordinating design within the Renault-Nissan alliance.At Renault, he oversaw the design of the Twingo, Scenic, Espace III and IV, Laguna II, Kangoo, Megane II and many other production and concept cars that defined the look of the era. He is currently a consultant in industrial and strategic design and the co-founder of the Sustainable Design School in France.The recipient of the annual EyesOn Design Lifetime Achievement Award is selected by its previous winners.