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

Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost wins engine of the year

Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine was named the 2013 International Engine of the Year on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive year it has done so. The engine also took home the highest score in the history of the awards, along with a “Best Engine Under 1.0-liters” category. The tiny engine packs a respectable punch for its size, producing 123 hp and 148 lb-ft or torque (Specs may be different pending specific model the engine is in).

For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage pricing announced

A couple of months ago, we noted that Aston Martin had upgraded the V8 Vantage for 2012. After all, even the entry-level sybarite doesn't want to feel abandoned by the luxe maestros in Gaydon, and Gaydon doesn't want them to feel slighted. We previously mentioned the upgraded self-shifting transmission, which receives a seventh gear, as well as the quicker steering ported over from the Vantage S.