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

Visual arts students vs. in-car technology

The automobile's natural technological evolution has gone from basics like wipers and headlights to high-tech infotainment systems that map your route, locate the nearest Starbucks, report weather and traffic, and stream personal music libraries. Yet many of these systems are difficult and distracting to use. So we wondered: Of the infotainment systems out there, is there even one achieving its connectivity goals better than the rest?

Mercedes-Benz to use Maybach name for range-topping S-class

Mercedes-Benz will be bringing back the Maybach name for the extra-long-wheelbase S-class, which is expected to go on sale by the end of this year. This version of the S-class will be a third bodystyle (out of an eventual total of four), and will be positioned above the V12-powered S600 and its AMG siblings. The Maybach-branded Mercedes-Benz personal limousine will essentially be a replacement for the Maybach 62, and will feature an entirely reworked rear section with new rectangular rear doors and a new rear passenger compartment with first-class seating.

Demise of kei cars on the horizon?

The kei car has long been a staple of the Japanese automobile industry and its car culture. Too diminutive for Western markets, the tiny cars and trucks are a strong influencer of design in Japan. Now, as The New York Times reports, the Japanese government has hit kei cars with increases in sales tax, gasoline prices and has reduced the kei car tax break introduced to make the cars popular in the first place by 50 percent.