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

2015 Honda Civic Type R previewed on video with ‘at least 276 bhp’

2015 Honda Civic Type R previewed on video with ‘at least 276 bhp’ The Honda Civic Type R has died a death as new emission regulations sounded the death knell for the high-revving naturally aspirated lump under its bonnet. But Honda are planning on bringing the Type R back to life in 2015, but rather than a VTEC engine that only wanted to really play over 5000 rpm, Honda are heading back to hot hatch goodness with a new turbo engine that promises ‘at least’ 276bhp. That should make the next Honda Civic Type R not only a lot quicker than the last Type R, but its power will be accessible much lower down the rev range and economy and emissions will be much improved.

BMW works hard to avoid gas-guzzler tax

BMW AG hopes to get out from under the gas-guzzler taxes that are tacked on to the sticker prices of some of its high-performance models in the United States. Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, says the company is studying fuel-efficiency improvements that could eliminate the gas-guzzler taxes on its vehicles as early as the launch of their redesigns in the next few years. The 2010 550i GT incurs a $1,000 gas-guzzler fee, for example.

One Lap of the Web: Mini challenges Porsche; kit cars; and brand loyalty

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars. Since there's more out there than we'd ever be able to cover, here's our daily digest of car stuff on the Web you may not otherwise have heard about. Mini wished the Porsche 911 a happy 50th anniversary.