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

JUNKER KEEPER: Federal database tracks totaled vehicles, clunkers

First, it was the hurricane-damaged used cars flooding the market. Now, it’s the clunkers turned in--and supposedly junked--as part of the federal Cars Allowance Rebate System “cash for clunkers” program. Following Hurricane Katrina, cars declared as total losses in one state were able to get clean titles in other states and were resold to unsuspecting consumers.

'38 Talbot-Lago, '29 Duesenberg crowned Best in Show at Meadow Brook concours

French curves and a ghost from the United States' gilded luxury-making past won top honors on Sunday at the 31st Concours d'Elegance of America at Meadow Brook on a sunny afternoon north of Detroit. A 1938 Talbot-Lago 150-C teardrop coupe won Best in Show for European cars, and a 1929 Duesenberg Model J-129 Le Baron Dual Cowl Phaeton won Best in Show for Americans at the annual event, which attracts some of the most luxurious and pristine cars from around the country. The Talbot-Lago shimmered with silver paint and chrome, and already counts two smaller awards at the Pebble Beach concours to its name.

Mini Countryman JCW at 2012 Geneva motor show

This is the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works, set to be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva motor show. It’s the most powerful Mini so far, with 215bhp, and the first JCW product to boast four-wheel drive. Timed to coincide with much vaunted success in the World Rally Championship… Oh.