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

Where is Nissan and Infiniti design headed? Just look at the lamps

For a glimpse at future styling trends from Nissan Motor Co., look to the headlamps on the Nissan Leaf electric car and the sculpted rear of the Infiniti M. Front and rear lamps raised from the body surface and pronounced spoilers are two tricks Nissan will use more often to improve the aerodynamics and handling of vehicles--in addition to giving them a futuristic flair, global design chief Shiro Nakamura says. The goal: Win young drivers and bring sales of models such as the Nissan Altima in line with Japanese rivals "The important thing is the front end and the rear end," Nakamura said during an April 12 interview at the company's main design studio south of Tokyo.

Ford Euro tuning partner Mountune sets up shop in US

U.K.-based Ford tuner Mountune is opening up a satellite location in California. The company is not well known on this side of the Atlantic, but across the pond it enjoys the status of being Ford's official European tuning partner. Mountune will be offering high-performance racing components for a number of Ford vehicles in the states, and we're excited to see what they'll be able to do with the rabid Ford Focus ST and Fiesta ST models.

Kia Rio

The new Kia Rio made its debut earlier this month, at the 81st Geneva show. Falling in line with the new Kia identity, the Rio now sports the family DRG as well as certain design cues from other models in the range. The Rio is a significant leap forward over the outgoing car in all areas, adopting a more Germanic feel.