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

Cash for clunkers: Is it ready for prime time in America?

One proposed solution to prop up new-car sales in the United States involves paying bonuses to owners of older vehicles who send their cars to the scrapyard and buy new ones. Proponents say that not only does the auto industry benefit, but so does the environment, as emissions decrease and fuel economy typically improves in newer models. Critics, however, say that scrapping older vehicles hurts collectors by reducing the number of older models available and also hurts those least able to afford to buy newer vehicles by driving up the price of used cars.

Restyled 2014 Mazda 3 preens in Frankfurt

The new Mazda 3 made its first auto show appearance on Tuesday in Frankfurt. It's the first time we've seen the hot hatch since its five-city launch in June that coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the first 3. It's the third member of the family to use the Kodo design style, which means “soul of motion.” Here in the States, the 3 will offer two gasoline engines, both with direct injection.

Detroit auto show 2012 - a video review of the NAIAS

It's CAR's traditional three wise-ish men in a car video review of the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Hear the analysis from our European editor Georg Kacher, contributing editor Ben Oliver and anchorman associate editor Tim Pollard, as they chew over the new cars, surprises, delights and disappointments from the Detroit auto show. NAIAS 2012 was a more sober affair than the previous era of showmanship; there were no herds of cattle being steered down Detroit's streets or wild parties hosted by Chrysler in the old Firehouse.