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

After a rocky start, Honda's CR-Z joins U.S. hybrid derby

Honda Motor Co.'s new CR-Z sporty hybrid is the car that nearly wasn't. The wedge-shaped, two-seat hatchback was almost killed twice because engineers weren't convinced it was a unique concept and because U.S. bosses originally didn't want it.

Chevrolet is bringing CNG power to the Silverado HD

Chevrolet is taking CNG-powered vehicles seriously, with so many of their trucks being used in commercial fleets, so it was perhaps no surprise that we'd see a version of the 2015 Silverado HD that can be run either on gasoline or compressed natural gas before long. Chevrolet brought the 2015 Silverado 2500 HD CNG to the Chicago Auto Show, to let prospective buyers as well as the media to learn about at the savings that could be realized with this environmentally friendly setup. The HD CNG truck will offer bi-fuel capability coupled with its 6.0-liter V8 engine that's been modified with hardened valves and valve seats to run on compressed natural gas.

VW Scirocco GTS launches – but not in UK

There’s a new Scirocco available across Europe from this month – the VW Scirocco GTS – but it’s not coming to the UK. The GTS is more of a trim level than a stand-alone model and you can grab it with a variety of engines – 1.4 litre TSI, 2.0 litre TSI and 2.0 litre TDI – as the GTS trim just adds cosmetic tweaks to the Scirocco and nothing in the way of power or performance upgrades. Those cosmetic tweaks amount to  thumping great black stripes up the bonnet bordered by thinner red stripes (which all continues over the top and down the back of the GTS), red covers for the door mirrors, 18″ alloys, a spoiler at the back (nicked from the Scirocco R) and a more butch back bumper with diffuser.