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

University students learn product development at Eco Car Challenge

The Eco Car Challenge spring workshop had a flavor of cutting-edge environmental technologies in advanced prototypes--developed by students. The event, at the Environmental Protection Agency's laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., allowed journalists to get behind the wheel of these test cars. It was part of a competition among 16 North American universities to design, develop and build vehicles that are forward-looking yet practical.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The gullwing takes flight

Before we reveal what it is like to hot-lap a prototype version of Mercedes-Benz's 6.2-liter V8-powered SLS around the 2.2-mile Sachsenring in eastern Germany, let us tell you one thing that puts the big rear-wheel-drive coupe into clear perspective. The SLS, planned to get its first public outing at the Frankfurt motor show in September, is not based on any existing Mercedes model. Rather, it has been conceived, designed and engineered from the ground up in a no-compromise approach by the German carmaker's in-house tuning division, AMG.

Porsche 960 supercar confusion

Porsche 960 - will sit below the Porsche 918 Spyder The Porsche 960 is a mid-engined Porsche supercar heading for production in 2015 and aimed at the Ferrari 458.  Now firmly in the bosom of the VW Group, Porsche is forging ahead with its plan to dominate every expensive ‘Sporty’ niche on the planet – a bit like Audi, but at a higher level. One of the new models we know about – or are almost certain we know – is on the way is a Ferrari 458 and McLaren MP4-12C competing Porsche 960. The venerable Georg Kacher talked about the Porsche 960 in Car Magazine last year and his utterings made much sense.