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

Frank Stephenson on the importance of color in design

During the announcement of the McLaren Automotive's partnership with paints and coatings company, AkzoNobel, Car Design News took the opportunity to discuss the importance of color in design with design director Frank Stephenson. According to Stephenson color's ability to invoke emotions and communicate with viewers, he described just how big a part it has to play in the design process and how it inspires designers when developing products. "The first thing color does is influence the brand – it gives the customer an identifiable element to what we're talking about.

OnStar tests Facebook updates, text-message reading services

General Motors' OnStar service is launching new features with the latest generation of its technology and is testing applications such as reading text messages and updating social-networking Web sites via voice command. The ninth generation of OnStar's software will let GM car owners use their smartphone to remotely start the engine and lock or unlock their cars. The service is called OnStar MyLink.

Chrysler reportedly set to expand Toledo assembly plant

The Chrysler Group is planning to expand its Toledo, Ohio, assembly complex, adding a second shift and more than 1,100 jobs to the operation that currently builds the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro SUVs, the Toledo Blade newspaper reported Thursday. The $365 million investment could be the first of several major expansions to Chrysler's Toledo operations, which also include production of the Jeep Wrangler at the nearby Toledo North Plant, the newspaper reported. The automaker disclosed the plans in documents filed in a city tax application that will be discussed by local officials at a meeting Thursday night, the report said.