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

Armadillo-T electric vehicle concept folds up for easy storage

From postwar Packards to Beetles old and New, there are no shortage of cars that vaguely resemble the armadillo. Yet none, so far as we know, have mastered the shelled mammal's impressive vertical leap -- and none possess that oh-so-armadillian trait, the ability to curl up into a little protective ball. Not more than once, anyway.

Last summer of speed?

If you want to enjoy driving on the unlimited-speed German autobahn, you might want to get in gear. If the opposition Social Democratic Party wins in this September's elections, party leader Sigmar Gabriel promises to form a coalition with the Green Party -- and both say they'll limit autobahn speeds to 120 kmh (about 75 mph), the German publication Bild is reporting. Not so fast, says the SDP's actual candidate for German chancellor, Peer Steinbrueck, who said he saw “no reason” to reignite the long-running debate over autobahn speeds, Bild reported.

Ford rolls out 2010 model line

Ford's big stars for the 2010 model year are obviously the Mustang and Taurus. But less flashy--and perhaps nearly as important--are more subtle improvements throughout its product portfolio, including nicer interiors and a fine-tuned version of Sync that could help the Blue Oval win customers and improve its image in the marketplace. The idea is to fortify its lineup with refinements "experienced immediately in a five-minute test drive," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development.