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

Ram 1500 gets a larger RamBox, more cab options for new models

Not to be outdone by Ford's F-150 announcements, Ram on Thursday disclosed a few additions to its lineup--including a heavy-duty Tradesman model, a new RamBox and an extension of model availability for the Express model. The Ram 1500 Tradesman, which is the basic workhorse of the lineup, will now be offered in heavy-duty trim with a towing capacity of 11,500 pounds. Payload also increases to 3,100 pounds.

General Motors combines smartphone functions with the Chevrolet Volt

General Motors is bringing together two of the hottest areas of technology--smartphones and plug-in electric cars. GM's OnStar telematics unit has developed a downloadable application that will let Chevrolet Volt drivers use a Blackberry Storm, Apple iPhone or Motorola Droid to remotely control and monitor some vehicle functions, such as charging. The Volt is slated to go into production late this year and arrive in California utility company fleets by early 2011.

Renault Captur Signature is a Captur with all the bells and whistles

Renault Captur Signature is a Captur with all the bells and whistles It’s more than a year since the Renault Captur compact SUV arrived in the UK to tap in to the urban compact SUV market, and with prices starting from £12,495 it offers the high-riding, butch-looking style so many buyers are looking for. But it’s the specced-up models that help car makers’ bottom-lines the most, so we now get the Renault Captur Signature trim to top out the range and throw most of the Captur’s bells and whistles in to the mix as standard. That means an exterior makeover with 17″ alloys, two-tone paint and plenty of chrome and an interior that gets part leather trim, splashes of red detailing, Signature sill plates and mats.