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

Toyota will push safety in ad blitz

Its image still bruised by driver complaints about unintended acceleration, Toyota Division has decided to revamp its marketing message and shift the focus to safety in a big way, top executives said last week. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.'s sales fell 34 percent in August and are down 1 percent for the year--it's the only major manufacturer with a decline for 2010. Executives admit consumers have doubts about the safety and quality of Toyota vehicles, so they are planning an advertising blitz to counter that perception.

2014 Audi A8L TDI priced at $83,395

Audi will set the price of the 2014 A8L TDI luxury sedan at $83,395, including an $895 destination charge, the automaker said on Thursday. The addition of this vehicle gives the four-ringed marque a total of five A8 variants. The diesel A8L uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine that makes only 240 hp, but kicks out a very diesel-like 406 lb-ft of torque.

Lotus's glimmer of hope: Proton stands by Hethel

After another painful year of sales for Lotus in the UK – down 58% on 2011 - Norfolk's beleagured sports car brand has kicked off the New Year with the grand unveiling of its new flagship Malaysian showroom, and the thumbs-up from senior Proton company suits that Lotus isn't on its last legs. The announcement comes in the same week Lotus’s sales figures were released for 2012. Showing a substantial 58% decrease in sales and selling just 137 vehicles, Lotus Cars was the worst performer in the UK with a woeful 0.01% share of the market.  Are Lotus's Malaysian owners sticking by the company?