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

Cuba removes new car purchase restrictions

Granma, the Communist Party’s newspaper of record in Cuba, said Wednesday that the Council of Ministers approved regulations that “eliminate existing mechanisms of approval for the purchase of motor vehicles from the state.” That means the sale of new and used cars will be allowed to the public. Up until now, Cubans could buy and sell vehicles to each other, but they had to request permission from the government to purchase a new vehicle -- the main reason for the island's unique automotive landscape. The new laws will be enacted gradually, according to Granma, with a set minimum price.

Civic hybrid tests Honda's new strategy

Despite being the first to sell an electric-gasoline car in the United States and making hybrid technology a centerpiece of its fuel economy push, Honda Motor Co. has yet to have a hybrid hit. But the redesigned Civic Hybrid, launched April 20, is the first test of whether Honda's new strategy of tapping lithium ion batteries and, later, two-motor systems can break the streak.

Vintage racer Anatoly Arutunoff in serious but stable condition

Automotive enthusiast, vintage racer, rapscallion and country-boy bon vivant Anatoly Arutunoff is in serious but stable condition following an accident on Feb. 8 while reportedly being a Good Samaritan. Arutunoff, known as Toly to his friends, was on his way to the Sports Car Club of America convention in Las Vegas when he stopped to help a stranded driver along Interstate 40 in Amarillo, Texas.