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

Porsche Boxster E (2011): prototype Boxster EV

Porsche recently rolled out the first of three Boxster E electric vehicles, to take part in the 'Electromobility Region Stuttgart' local government initiative in Germany. The Boxster E is powered by two electric motors, capable of a peak power output of 180kW. Energy is stored in a 29kWh battery pack.  Not with the Boxster E. Three electric Boxsters are being built as part of a programme sponsored by the Baden-Wurttemberg state government (Porsche's home state in Germany) and WRS, the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation.  Porsche's hometown of Stuttgart is one of eight model regions participating in a federal pilot programme sponsored by the Minitsry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs to develop EVs and their supporting infrastructure.  The three Boxster E prototypes will take part in the programme, acting as mobile laboratories for testing EV usage and planning for EVs in urban infrastructure.  CAR's view? We reckon this electric Boxster E is much cooler than your usual EV council van.

Algae-powered street lights eat CO2

Algae powered street lighting (great Photoshop) A French biochemist – Pierre Calleja – has developed a street lighting system using micro algae that absorbs CO2. The need to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere is contentious - to say the least – but as long as governments use CO2 as a stick to beat motorists and empty their bank accounts it’s sensible to look at ways of ‘balancing’ the CO2 emissions of cars. French biochemist Pierre Calleja thinks he’s come up with a solution that would neutralise CO2 emissions from cars by cancelling it out with his micro-algae lighting.

Movie review: Cars 2 offers more layers than a good paint job

There is layer upon layer of intricate detail in the movie Cars 2, the sequel to the successful 2006 Pixar release Cars. So much detail, in fact, that you might want to wait until the DVD comes out so that you can freeze the frames and pick out all of the subtle automotive styling cues that abound within. But go see the movie.