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

Mitsubishi to kill current U.S.-made lineup, bring in new platform

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plans to kill its current lineup of U.S.-made vehicles, including the Eclipse sporty car and Endeavor crossover, over the next three years and switch to producing global vehicles at its Illinois plant, partly to target export markets. The current nameplates will be phased out by 2014 as part of the carmaker's “Jump 2013” mid-term business plan unveiled Thursday by president Osamu Masuko.

GM's Tom Peters on breaking Corvette design tradition [w/Video]

GM design director of performance vehicles and full-size trucks Tom Peters has defended his decision to break from Corvette tradition by abandoning round rear lamps for the 2014 Stingray in an Autoweek video. The rear lamp design of the new model has been criticized as being "too Camaro" by some, to which Peters challenges them to park one alongside the other before he highlights just how different they are. Functionality also played a key role in the rear lamps' redesign, he explains, such as rear aerodynamic considerations, new LED technology previously unused in Corvette design, and depth of sculpture opportunities.

Brits taking risks abroad

THOUSANDS of British drivers risk breaking down or paying an expensive repair bill while on holiday in Europe. More than a quarter of UK drivers head to the continent without checking their car or having it serviced in preparation for a long journey. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) found 33% of drivers make no effort to check their car, motorbike or motorhome before going on holiday.