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

After a rocky start, Honda's CR-Z joins U.S. hybrid derby

Honda Motor Co.'s new CR-Z sporty hybrid is the car that nearly wasn't. The wedge-shaped, two-seat hatchback was almost killed twice because engineers weren't convinced it was a unique concept and because U.S. bosses originally didn't want it.

MG Rover – Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to investigate

The Rover 75 Coupe - one of MG Rover's last big ideas before its collapse in 2005 MG Rover was bought from BMW for the princely sum of £10 after BMW had had enough of trying to make a viable company out of a business that was still undermined by the woes – and attitudes – of the British Leyland years. That £10 purchase price also came with £425 million in loans from BMW, so MG Rover had a chance. But the collapse, and the subsequent sale of the rights to the MG trademark to SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), brought accusations that the ‘Phoenix Four’ – Directors and owners of MG Rover – has acted fraudulently when it was revealed they had acquired more than £40 million in pension rights, salary and assets in the intervening five years between purchase from BMW and collapse.

Rinspeed XchangE concept rethinks the autonomous car's cabin

Rinspeed's XchangE all-electric touring sedan concept has been confirmed for the Geneva motor show, and focuses on how future drivers will spend their time in autonomous cars. Founder Frank M. Rinderknecht says, "So far hardly anyone has taken this to its logical conclusion from the perspective of the driver.