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

Consumer Reports slams new Honda Civic

Honda Motor Co., still struggling with supply shortages of the redesigned 2012 Civic after the March earthquake in Japan, took a slap in the face today when Consumer Reports rated the new Civic "too low to be recommended." The 2012 Honda Civic dropped 17 points, from a very-good score of 78 to a mediocre 61, in the latest Consumer Reports road test of small cars. Previous Honda Civic models have often been Consumer Reports' highest rated small sedans, as well as Top Picks in five of the past 10 years. But the redesigned model was slammed for the cheapness of its interior, poor ride quality, long stopping distances and loud interior noise.

Plug-In 2013 conference plugs along

Every now and then, the electric car industry comes together in a sort of Woodstock-of-the-Watt-Hour to take stock of itself and to exchange ideas, sign contracts and maybe have a beer. The most recent parliament of the plug-in was last week in San Diego at an annual industry event known as Plug-In 2013, although obviously they change the year in the title as necessary. Why keep gathering?

Los Angeles Auto Show 2011: Photo roundup

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Roundup This week saw the start of the Los Angeles Motor Show, so we thought we’d have a quick look at what was on the floor, including some of the stuff we haven’t already looked at. There was the ‘cool in white’ Jaguar stand and the latest Defender DC100 Concept, all prettied up in baby blue. There were Camaros and Mustangs, the new Bentley GTC (but no V8 – that’s for Detroit in January), a hot Beetle R and Volvo’s You Concept that points the way to the next generation of Volvo design.