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

Volkswagen hits back, weighs making a bid for Porsche

Volkswagen is considering an audacious reverse-takeover bid for its majority shareholder, Porsche, in a twist in the drawn-out struggle for control between the two German carmakers. The Volkswagen Group's supervisory board is said to be weighing the possibility of purchasing Porsche AG, in a move that would relieve its holding company, Porsche SE, of massive debt that industry analysts suggest the company may not be able to fund should the world's financial crisis drag on well into 2010--a scenario put forward this week by the International Monetary Fund. The secret plan emerged as shareholders were set to convene at Volkswagen's annual meeting on Thursday, and it comes after Porsche revealed that it is carrying some 9 billion euros ($11.73 billion) in debt, most of it owing to interest on loans taken out to purchase its 50.8 percent stake in VW.

Bentley Continental GT Speed (2012) first pictures

For the would-be Bentley Continenal owner who can't bring themselves to stoop to the level of the entry-level V8 model, and feel the standard W12 car is too slow, Bentley has created a new Continental GT Speed. Designed to appeal to more driving-focused Bentley customers, there's a package of mechanical, cosmetic and interior changes to push the Conti into full-on supercar territory. So, is the Bentley Continental GT Speed faster than before?

2011 Mille Miglia: Postcards from Dutch

Pictures tell a thousand words, and we're going to let this one do most of the talking. Our own Dutch Mandel is on the road in the Italian countryside, and he snapped this gorgeous shot from one of the chase vehicles during the event. Want more?