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

We sample Honda's car technology of the future

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show 2013 we’ve been to Honda’s research and development facility in Tochigi to see and experience some of the Japanese firm’s new and upcoming products and technology. We’ve covered the new Honda Civic Type R in some detail separately, but among the other cars driven here is the next generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in Japan), no less than three different types of Honda hybrid system, including one similar to that fitted in the forthcoming NSX supercar, and an all-carbonfibre CR-Z prototype. On top of which, we’ve also experienced a self-driving car, watched a crazy automatic-parking demonstration and sampled the latest version of the all-electric Micro-Commuter, Honda’s equivalent of the Renault Twizy.

BMW X1 at the Paris motor show 2008

By Ben Barry Motor Shows 02 October 2008 16:03 The new X1 and 7-series were the stars of BMW’s Paris stand, but there were plenty more treats for showgoers, including the subtly revised 3-series saloon and Touring – the Efficient Dynamics-fettled 3 now boasting the lowest carbon emissions in its class. The X1 is BMW’s smallest off-roader, sitting below X5 and X3 – and, let’s not forget, above the soon-to-be-production-ready Mini Crossover Concept. In the metal it doesn’t actually look much smaller than the X3, but it does look a hell of a lot lower.

Study: Distracted driving deemed socially unacceptable among young drivers

A new survey shows that young drivers think it’s socially unacceptable to drive distracted. This data is among the results of tiremaker Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s annual survey that polls more than 2,065 drivers aged 16 to 21 nationwide. Of those drivers, 80 percent said sending texts and emails is "unacceptable." But our distracted-driving epidemic isn't solved yet; 37 percent admit to still doing it.