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

GM's Ed Welburn walks Jay Leno through the Elmiraj concept's design [w/Video]

General Motors' vice president Global Design Ed Welburn stars in the latest of the 'Jay Leno's Garage' YouTube series, running the talk-show host through some of the new Cadillac Elmiraj concept's design features and what it means for the brand's future. We get a look at all the classic Cadillac design cues such as the vertical headlamps and tail lamps as well as the central hard crease that Welburn says is "important in every Cadillac". Leno and Welburn then move onto the Elmiraj's features, such as the large doors' integrated handles and the slimmer A-pillars before a more in-depth look at one of the concept's most striking features – the grille.

Redesigned Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt rollout

Opel, General Motors' financially embattled European subsidiary, has ripped the covers from its sixth-generation Astra ahead of the car's planned debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The five-door hatchback traditionally is one of Europe's best-selling models and originally was expected to play an important role in the Saturn lineup in the United States. Under GM's pared-down lineup, the Astra's Delta 2 chassis is likely provide the underpinnings for a small Buick, initially in China, and then in the United States, depending on market conditions.

Ford Focus Zetec S launches in the UK

The new for 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S Ford has unveiled the fastest version yet of the new Focus – the Focus Zetec S – with a 1.6 litre 178bhp Ecoboost engine. It’s probably sensible that the Ford Focus Zetec S gets added to the Ford range now. Leave it until 2012 and it’s going to seem a bit tame compared to the new Focus ST.