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

One Lap of the Web: Mock the Week Edition

-- Mazda Europe designer Peter Birthwhistle talks about the future of Mazda: potential hybrid and electric powertrains for the Skyactiv-obsessed company, and how we'll all be driving Mazda-branded pods in the 22nd century. But he also mentions, rather interestingly, how certain Mazdas capture a quintessentially long-hood, RWD look -- and not just the Miata, either, which is RWD. No, it's the exhaust systems on those Skyactiv engines that force a longer, larger hood compartment, and the "long, flowing looks" not usually found on FWD engines.

Citroën invites design ideas via Facebook

Citroën has launched a Facebook app calling for users to select design features for what it calls a special edition car, the first crowdsourced car in the UK. Rather than the genuinely design-led competitions we've seen recently from Renault (Twizy) and Citroën's own DS3, ‘You Like It, We Make It', offers six configurations such as exterior and interior color scheme, technology options like Bluetooth and SatNav, alloys, and the number of doors the vehicle has. The Citroeën C1 Connexion special edition will be kitted out with the most popular ideas and those participating via the app will be in with a chance of winning the car when it goes on sale later in the year.

GM considers flagship sedan for Cadillac

Cadillac is considering a large, flagship sedan to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series, a top General Motors official says. Mark Reuss, GM's president for North America, told Automotive News last month that a new flagship is on the table as GM maps its go-global strategy for Cadillac. A flagship would be a continuation of how GM has been positioning Cadillac's lineup to go head-to-head in each segment with BMW, Mercedes and Audi.