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

Where is Nissan and Infiniti design headed? Just look at the lamps

For a glimpse at future styling trends from Nissan Motor Co., look to the headlamps on the Nissan Leaf electric car and the sculpted rear of the Infiniti M. Front and rear lamps raised from the body surface and pronounced spoilers are two tricks Nissan will use more often to improve the aerodynamics and handling of vehicles--in addition to giving them a futuristic flair, global design chief Shiro Nakamura says. The goal: Win young drivers and bring sales of models such as the Nissan Altima in line with Japanese rivals "The important thing is the front end and the rear end," Nakamura said during an April 12 interview at the company's main design studio south of Tokyo.

Opel/Vauxhall Cascada [w/gallery]

The Opel/Vauxhall Cascada effectively replaces the Astra Twin Top, but attempts to move the model upmarket as a separate product line. It has moved up a size to reflect its prestige aspirations: at 4,697 mm long and 1,840 mm wide, it's longer than an Audi A5. Like many of the latest generation of convertibles, the Cascada ditches a folding solid hardtop in favor of a lighter, more space-efficient and cheaper soft fabric set-up.

Going green is the new black

When hearing the term “luxury vehicle,” it’s safe to say your mind doesn’t automatically jump to phrases like “fuel-efficient” or “environmentally friendly.” Let’s be honest: Owning a gas-guzzling speed machine dressed to the nines inside and out is a serious status symbol in most cultures. But there’s a new trend taking over the luxury automotive world, and it’s covered in green. The demand for high-end hybrid cars is on the rise, not only for their notable mileage boost and decreased emissions, but also for the social gains of adopting the green technology.