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

2011 LA Design Challenge entries revealed

As the Los Angeles Auto Show rapidly approaches, the 8th international Design Challenge has been announced. Inviting studios from across the globe to compete, previous years have seen concepts created for environmentally conscious briefs that called for sub-1000lb vehicles through to ‘Motorsport 2025' concepts that reinterpreted motor racing in the semi-distant future. This year sees six design studios turning to the silver screen and creating the next ‘A-list automobile', those being: Honda Research and Development Americas, Inc; Hyundai Design North America; Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America inc.

Chevy Malibu Eco hybrid is a tough sell

Most prospective Chevrolet Malibu buyers at Castle Chevrolet in suburban Chicago quickly decide that they don't want to pay nearly $3,000 more for the Eco mild-hybrid version. "For most people, it's hard to justify the extra money based on the extra fuel economy" of a combined 3 mpg more than the base model, says Jeff Tuckman, the dealership's inventory manager. "You've got the base LS model sitting next to it that's just as nice and luxurious." It's a problem flagged by many Chevy dealers.

2014 Ford Focus facelift revealed complete with ‘Aston Martin’ grill

2014 Ford Focus facelift (pictured) is heading for Geneva It doesn’t seem five minutes since the latest Ford Focus arrived, but it’s facelift time already for the Focus and that can only mean one thing – an Aston Marin grill. Just as it has with all its new cars in the last year or two, Ford has bolted a new front end on the 2014 Focus with a new bumper, new lights and a grill that started life on an Aston Martin. The rest of the changes look to be minimal, with small changes to the rear lights and alloys about all the exterior has to offer.