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

GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

Nissan 370Z Roadster hits UK

The Nissan 370Z Roadster finally hits the UK It’s been nine months since Nissan launched the 370X Roadster from a tent in New York and, despite the promise that the 370Z Roadster would hit UK shores in September last year, it still hasn’t. But it’s close as Nissan have finally announced that orders for the 370Z Roadster are now being taken and the first UK cars will arrive in March. Only a year after the launch.

Enter the I Draw Cars Summer Sketch Off on Facebook

Our friends over at I Draw Cars are holding a sketch-off over the next two weeks on their Facebook page. It couldn't be easier to enter - create a sketch in any medium you like, submit it to contest@idrawcars.com, look out for it in I Draw Cars' ‘Summer Sketch Off' album and share it with your friends. The sketch with the most likes, wins.