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

Ford starts big push on redesigned Explorer, touting fuel economy and capability

Ford Motor Co. will emphasize fuel economy, off-road and towing capability and a smoother ride when it launches TV and print advertising for the redesigned 2011 Explorer next month. In other words: Different build but better capability, Ford says.

Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider adds boost for a sensuous 600 hp

Novitec has laid hands on the near-perfect Alfa Romeo 8C to create the 8C Spider Kompressor, a car the tuner claims is the “most powerful street-legal Alfa Romeo of all time.” Heady words, but they're nicely backed up by a supercharged version of the 4.7-liter Alfa V8 cranking out 600 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. That's up from approximately 450 hp and 346 lb-ft on a stock Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Tweaks supporting the force-fed mill include a water-to-air intercooler, custom injectors and revised fuel and ignition mapping, plus a variable stainless-steel exhaust system.

Vauxhall Cascada: Official

The new 2013 Vauxhall Cascada – a full size convertible and the modern version of the Astra Twin Top – has been revealed. For some reason best known to Vauxhall, they chose not to debut the Cascada at the Paris Motor Show – perhaps to give the new Adam its moment in the sun – but now we get Vauxhall’s latest model in its revised line-up. The Cascada is a proper full size, four seat convertible – it’s only a couple of inches shorter than a Mercedes E Class Cabriolet – and has its underpinnings based on elements from both the Insignia and Astra and comes with a folding fabric roof instead of the tin-top folding roof in the Twin Top which can be raised and lowered in 17 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph.