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

Volvo gives T6 engine the Polestar treatment

Just weeks after announcing its Polestar performance kits for the T5-engined cars, Volvo is now offering packages for the XC60, S60 and XC70 models fitted with its turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The T6 Polestar software package adds 25 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque, bringing totals to 325 hp and 355 lb-ft, respectively. Volvo says the added power won't result in greater fuel consumption, as the tuning of the engine only increases power when needed--though we'd imagine most drivers will feel the need often enough to significantly affect mileage.

Mazda MX-5 GT: A rather warm MX-5

The track only Mazda MX-5 GT Back at Frankfurt in 2009, Mazda revealed an MX-5 which had been put on a serious diet – the Mazda MX-5 Superlight – but which was sadly just a concept. And now we get a super-light MX5 that isn’t a concept but also can’t be bought for the road because it’s a track car – the Mazda MX-5 GT. MX-5 lovers the world over weep.

General Motors boosts output of the Cadillac CTS V6 for 2012

General Motors has reworked the 3.6-liter V6 engine used in the CTS for the 2012 model year, boosting output while maintaining the fuel-economy ratings of the less-powerful V6 from 2011. The 2012 version of the V6 delivers 318 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. That compares with 304 hp and 273 lb-ft for the 2011 version.