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

A tribute to Jim Das

On May 15 GM Europe designer Jim Das passed away in a Wiesbaden hospital after a year-long battle with leukemia. Jim joined the Opel Design team in 1997 following the completion of his Masters degree at the Royal College of Art. In 1998-99 Jim had a stint in Italy at the Opel Advanced Studio and worked on a roadster study (currently on display at Opel Live in Ruesselsheim).

Toyota HSD concept

The Yaris HSD, as presented in Geneva, previews Toyota's intentions of bringing Hybrid technology to the B-Segment, as well as Toyota's full hybrid roll out across all models in its range. Retaining the familiar Yaris outwardly appearance (and previewing the next generation Yaris) the HSD is interspersed with ‘Hybrid' cues, to intimate at the hybrid powertrain beneath the body. From the pearl white paint to the light blue hue that illuminates certain aspects, there is an underlying emphasis on the fact that this car is a hybrid.

Karmann files for insolvency

Karmann, the century-old German coachbuilder synonymous with cabrios and the famous 1950s Karmann Ghia, has filed for insolvency. The company made the move Wednesday in Germany in response to a dramatic decline in revenue, an inability to pay for its massive layoff plan and the worldwide economic crisis. The North American operations, which make convertible tops for Detroit car companies and Volkswagen, are not affected, a spokesman said.