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

Car making mysterious noises? There's an app for that

You may pride yourself on your ability to diagnose a developing engine problem by sound alone, and then replicate said mystery sound, Click-and-Clack-style, to amuse/annoy your friends and coworkers. ClingClanger is a new phone app that's designed for the rest of the world -- those who can't identify piston slap by sound and are startled by the clicking caused by a dying battery. The natural impulse is to simply crank up the radio and hope the noise/problem goes away.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (2011) track testing begins

McLaren has begun testing its latest track weapon, the MP4-12C GT3 ahead of the 2012 FIA GT3 season.  How different is the MP4-12C GT3 from the roadgoing edition? The MP4-12C GT3 is based on the standard machine but modified for FIA GT racing by McLaren GT - a joint venture between McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing, a UK-based team currently competing in FIA GT with Ferrari F430s.  Externally you'll notice the race-spec fixed rear wing, undertray diffuser, front splitter, louvres and vents. Underneath there's a new suspension system, ditching the road car's linked suspension for FIA-compliant conventional dampers and anti-roll bars. Akebono is supplying race-specific brake components, and Bosch Motorsport has installed its ABS system. The car sits 100mm wider on its new suspension and has suitably flared bodywork as a result.  It's still the McLaren's bespoke 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, tuned for racing.

Ferrari Exhibit: Cavallino Rampante

On the weekend of October 11, the San Diego Automotive Museum celebrated its 20th Anniversary by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a special exhibit, Ferrari: Cavallino Rampante - Italy's Prancing Horse. The Saturday evening event was the grand opening reception for 15 rare Ferraris on exhibit, joined by designs created by retired automobile designers and local high school students.  The extravagant evening celebration also served as a finale of two-day Ferrari Road Rally event, inviting owners of Ferraris from various eras to show their cars - which ranged from a 1967 275 GTB and 1968 Dino to a 360 Challenge Stradale. Over a dozen Ferraris parked in front of the museum served as a pleasant prelude to some of marque's memorable examples displayed inside: a collection of rare Ferraris that includes a 1952 212 Europa, 1955 250 Boano Prototipo, 1956 250 GT Zagato, 1957 250 Testarossa, 1959 410 Super America and 1965 275 GTB/Competizione.