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

Lotus appoints Swizz Beatz as Vice President of Creative Design and Global Marketing

We've become accustomed to surprising and – at times – bizarre news stories emerging from Lotus since Danny Behar became CEO. But judging from reaction in the world of social media this afternoon, even by Lotus's recent standards, the news that it has appointed American rapper Swizz Beatz as its vice president of Creative Design and Global Marketing, came as something of a surprise. Kasseem Daoud Dean, otherwise known as Swizz Beatz, has a broad creative background, having a portfolio that includes music producer, rapper, designer and painter.

Cadillac ELR gives paddle shifters new purpose

We're learning more about the Cadillac ELR, which is set to hit showrooms in limited quantities early next year. Cadillac revealed Friday that the Volt in luxury clothing will use paddle shifters in a whole new way. Instead of using them to shift through gears, ELR drivers will be able to tap the paddles to engage a new feature called Regen on Demand.

2013 VW Beetle R-Line Package

Volkswagen has revealed two R-Line Packs for the new Beetle – one for the interior, one for the exterior – to spice up the Beetle. The VW Beetle we’re really looking forward to that has an ‘R’ on its boot is the Beetle R, but it looks like we’ll have to make do with an ‘R’ cosmetic makeover for now in the guise of the VW Beetle R-Line. Volkswagen has revealed a pair of R-Line packs for the new Beetle that add a bit more purpose to the Beetle pastiche – one for the exterior and one for the interior.