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

Car companies, community & a cause

Last Saturday night (April 20) was one of those I-can't believe-I-get-paid-to-do-this kind of evenings. My wife Maria and I -- along with 550 of our closest friends -- were invited to attend the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's 31st annual dinner. The name sort of says it all, and the dinner is a simple enough concept that even I get it: It's held to raise money.

Jaguar XFR with supercharged V8 at the Detroit auto show

Jaguar is expanding the XF range for the 2010 model year with the addition of the high-performance XFR which has been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show Lurking under the hood is a supercharged version of Jaguar's new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8. For the XFR, this engine is rated at 510 hp and 461 pounds-feet of torque. That power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission.

VW Golf R leaks ahead of Frankfurt

The 2010 VW Golf R with 265bhp and 4Motion It won’t surprise you to learn that VW has dropped the heavy and thirsty (though quick) 3.2 litre V6 in the last hot Golf in favour of the 2.0 litre turbo found in the Scirocco. This engine deliver 265 bhp and should give the Golf R a 0-60mph of around 6.3 seconds – or less with the DSG ‘box. The Golf R will also get VW’s 4Motion all wheel drive to add to the mix, and a raft of styling changes.