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

IIHS names safest cars for 2013

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the safest cars for 2013, including 13 midsize sedans that qualify for a new “top safety pick+” designation. The designation is given to vehicles that earn “good” ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five tests, with no less than “acceptable” in the fifth test. A new test -- the small overlap test -- was added to assess how the vehicles perform during a front-corner collision with another vehicle or object, such as a utility pole.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 actually gets 650 bhp and 650 lb/ft of torque

The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible (pictured) gets 650 bhp The American are found of telling us there’s no substitute for cubic inches, but throw in a supercharger to the equation and numbers become even more appealing, and more linear than a turbo too. So the fact the 6.2 litre V8 under the bonnet of the new Corvette Z06 already manages 465 bhp in naturally aspirated guise, it wasn’t a stretch when the car world was expecting around 625 bhp when Chevrolet finally revealed the power for the Z06. But it’s more.

Mid-engine Corvette won't happen, GM says

It's official: There's no mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette on the horizon. That's the word from General Motors' top global engineer. As for a Corvette with a hybrid powertrain, that remains a possibility.