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

Fuel-tank probe rekindles old issue

The placement of fuel tanks on passenger vehicles has changed over the past three decades, and for good reason. Automakers gradually have repositioned the tank to an area in front of the rear axle, generally below the rear passenger seat. Statistically speaking, the tank in that location is less vulnerable in a high-speed, rear-end crash than in the previous location--between the rear bumper and axle.

BMW M550d xDrive to get three stage turbo

BMW M550d xDrive gets three stage turbo Earlier this week we revealed that the long-expected BMW M550d xDrive was ready to rock and we could expect it to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in Spring 2012. The M550d xDrive is the so-called ‘Triple-Turbo’ diesel engine we’ve been expecting from BMW for the last couple of years. With 380bhp and a mountain of torque – 520lb/ft or more – we’d expected BMW to fit the engine to the X5 and X6 to create a diesel version of the M cars.

Audi RS Q3 set for Beijing motor show reveal

Audi has lifted the veil on a production-based concept from its quattro performance division that previews a range-topping variant of the Q3 for European markets. Called the Audi RS Q3, the go-fast version of the company's compact SUV is planned to make its public debut at next week's Beijing motor show, packing a 355-hp version of the same turbocharged, direct-injection 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine found in the TT RS, set in a stylized bay featuring carbon-fiber trim panels. With its drive channeled to all four wheels through a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the RS Q3 is claimed to hit 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and to reach a top speed of 165 mph.