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

Hiromu Naruse: ‘Godfather’ of the LFA ‘Not Famous Enough’

Hiromu Naruse & Lexus LFA Last year we reported the death of Hiromu Naruse, Toyota’s chief test driver and a man considered to be the ‘Godfather’ of the Japanese performance car, and particularly the Lexus LFA, a car which consumed the last decade of his life and became the final testament to his enormous skill. At 67, Naruse-san was still as involved as ever, and it was whilst driving a Lexus LFA with the Nurburgring Package he met his end on a public road near the Nurburgring. A track, incidentally, he had driven more than any other Japanese driver.

2009’s 10 most fuel-efficient cars in America: The AutoWeek list

Toyota Prius Hybrid 46 mpg combined Base price: $22,720 Our take: The perennial mpg all-star takes the crown again for 2009. Honda Civic Hybrid 42 mpg combined Base price: $24,320 Our take: Another top contender in reliability and fuel economy, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a smart choice. Smart Fortwo Coupe 36 mpg combined Base price: $12,635 Our take: This funky coupe is the least expensive on our list, proving you can be green without spending it.

Packard 1108 Twelve wins Pebble Beach concours

The 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve that won the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in a perfect coat of dark green paint was once a lowly taxi cab prowling the streets of Puerto Rico in roughly applied red and orange livery. "A gentleman named Ricardo Ricasta bought it in New York in 1934 and the car returned to Ricasta's original home in Puerto Rico for a while," owner Joseph Cassini said. "When he passed away and the family had no interest in the car, it became a taxi cab for a while." Imagine hailing a cab in downtown San Juan and this magnificent Packard rolls up.