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

SAE approves new fast-charging standard for EVs, plug-ins

SAE International said it has approved a new technical standard that will dramatically reduce charging times for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. The global engineering group said the new charging standard, developed with the cooperation of more than 190 automakers, utilities and equipment builders, will allow charging times to be reduced from as long as eight hours to as short as 20 minutes. Automakers want DC direct charging to take less than 10 minutes, or roughly the time it takes to fill a tank with gasoline.The goal is to accommodate currents as high as 500 volts distributed from public charging stations.

BMW's N20 engine--four cylinders, more power

More power, greater torque, reduced fuel consumption, lower tailpipe emissions and less weight--but better? Before driving the BMW X1 xDrive28i, the first model to feature the German carmaker's new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, we weren't so sure. The new engine, known as the N20 and set to lead a return of four-cylinder BMW models to North America for the first time since 1998, has been conceived to (indirectly) replace the company's long-running naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder.

The Monster Audio Lamborghini Veneno is Las Vegas

A Monster Lamborghini would be a monster Lamborghini; and a monster Lamborghini, so the thinking goes, could yet still be enhanced by Monster audio equipment. If Lady Gaga drove the Monster Lamborghini Veneno, she'd be a Fame Monster in a Monster Lamborghini. If someone played the "Space Jam" soundtrack from the Monster Lamborghini's Monster speakers, it'd be Monstars from Monsters in a Monster Lamborghini.