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

Ownership costs of traditional versus alternative fuel vehicles

As gas prices remain high, and an increasing number of automakers roll out plug-in hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles, it's becoming easier to be tantalized with the idea of driving right past the gas station and simply "plugging in." The debate ensues when it comes to cost: These alternative fuel vehicles mean a larger outlay of cash at the onset, but the long-term fuel savings could make the purchase worthwhile. To help straighten out this numbers game, we use the Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts. For each scenario, we assumed that our hypothetical owner was able to get the full $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 state tax credit, such as is available in California.

German tuner Eisenmann repackages Audi R8

German exhaust tuner Eisenmann has developed a package of changes for the Audi R8 sports car, covering the exhaust system as well as several exterior additions made from carbon fiber, to create what it calls the Spark Eight by Eisenmann. Eisenmann says its aero package is more than just pretty looks and claims that it improves the car's driving dynamics and weight distribution. The changes include: -- Front fascia with grille and fins.

Mercedes SL65 AMG (2012) first official pictures

If you're wondering why Mercedes is persisting with a twelve-cylinder SL in this downsizing era, understand this: the new 2012-spec SL65 AMG exists purely because many buyers at this end of the market demand more of everything. So a Mercedes SL65 AMG with a hulking bi-turbo 6.0-litre V12 has been launched for customers in China, the Middle East and other emerging markets, where millionaires are numerous and fuel prices less of an impediment to sizeable sales. Over here, we'll just ogle the price tag well into six figures and stick with the big-selling SL350 or SL500.