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

Driving the Chevy Volt isn't special, and that's good

We've had our first taste of the drive system under development for General Motors' pioneering Chevrolet Volt, piloting a test mule based on the Chevrolet Cruze at the company's Warren (Mich.) Technical Center, and it left us hungering for more. Yes, it's an electric car, but mostly, it's a car--one you could imagine driving every day without feeling as if you were engaged in a lab experiment. Frank Weber, vehicle line executive for the Volt, gets his nose out of joint if you call the drive system a hybrid.

Wild Peugeot 308 R Concept set for Frankfurt debut

Peugeot has spiced up the launch of the all-new Peugeot 308 by teasing us with photos of the 308 R Concept to be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And while we could suggest Peugeot has got the Golf GTI and Focus ST in its sights, we like to think of the 308 R Concept more as a grown-up version of the Peugeot RCZ R. And although the 308 R Concept is unlikely to become anything other than a limited-run special, it certainly raises the prospect of a super-hot performance 308.

Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.