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

Keyless ignition trends toward standardization

A federal plan to require automakers to standardize keyless ignition systems in the wake of Toyota's unintended acceleration problems is likely to mirror industry guidelines issued in January, an automaker group said. Large automakers except Toyota said they already comply with the guidelines crafted by SAE International or plan to do so. These "recommended practices'' seek to counter the variation, driver confusion and safety problems that have ensued since automakers started installing push-button ignition in luxury models.

Tesla planning self-driving car

Tesla are planning a self-driving car Now that car makers have been fitting radar and sensors to their cars for some time, which allow stuff like adaptive cruise – which automatically slows behind traffic and can even bring the car to s stop on its own – the race is on to make cars even more autonomous. We’ve reported recently on the Mercedes Intelligent Drive S-Class that negotiated its way – more or less – on a 60 mile route in Germany, and on Volvo’s self-parking system which will take your car in to a multi storey car park by itself, park, and meet you when you return. Google has also been playing with self-driving cars and has even gained permission to run its autonomous cars in California, and now Tesla are joining the fray with plans for an autonomous car in the next three years.

Land Rover Defender Black Pack and Silver Pack options revealed

The Land Rover Defender (pictured) gets new options Whilst Land Rover are busy deciding exactly what the next generation Land Rover Defender will offer when it arrives – probably in 2016 now – they’re not forgetting the current Defender. Heading for s debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month are two new option packs for the Defender – Black Pack and Silver Pack – as well as new extras and options on other Defenders in the range. The new Defender Black Pack comes with a Santorini black paint job for the roof, grille, wheelarches and headlamp surrounds, ‘Defender’ script on the bonnet, Privacy glass, Alston headlining and a choice of gloss black Sawtooth alloys or gloss black heavy duty wheels.