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

Ford and GM reliability ratings dip in Consumer Reports survey

Consumers rated Ford's new Explorer, Fiesta and Focus models at less-than-average reliability during their first year, according to Consumer Reports' annual auto survey. Poor reception of the new models bumped Ford's overall reliability rank from the 10th spot in 2010 to the 20th this year among the 28 major nameplates included in the survey. Findings are based on responses from 1.3 million vehicle owners or lessees who subscribe to the magazine.

Watch world's longest car jump record attempt

French rally driver and professional skier Guerlain Chicherit's attempt to beat Tanner Foust's Guinness World Record for the longest car jump ended badly on Tuesday, March 18. Chicherit was attempting to jump a specially prepared Mini Countryman 360 feet from ramp to ramp before a crowd of onlookers at Tignes ski resort in France, in an bid to beat Foust's 322 foot car jump record which has stood since 2011. It appeared that Chicherit was off to a good start with plenty of momentum, even though the surface may have been a bit uneven for an ideal departure ramp.

Volvo discontinues S40 and V50 for 2012

Volvo will discontinue the S40 sedan and the V50 wagon for the 2012 model year in the United States. The second-generation S40 came out in 2004, and the V50 debuted in 2005. According to Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston, S40 sales were down 29 percent by the end of last year and V50 sales were down more than 50 percent.