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

Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

Punchy diesel bound for Mini Cooper

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 07 November 2006 09:00 Mini is planning the first ever diesel Cooper – and the common-rail unit will have almost 50 percent more power than the outgoing Toyota engine. The Mini Cooper diesel will run the 1.6-litre HDi four, which features in Peugeot-Citroen and Ford cars. Peak power is 110bhp, with 180lb ft of torque on tap.

Conquer summer with this custom 1977 Dodge Tradesman van

Vanning never died, man. While fair-weather vanners ditched their groovy Plymouth Voyagers for front-wheel drive imports, hard-core custom freaks have been keeping the fire burning all these years. While we're not ready to proclaim a full-on custom van renaissance, we can feel the revival coming: It's a subtle yet noticeable rocking emanating from certain corners of the American and Swedish car scenes.