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

This day in Autoweek history: The 1976 Chevrolet Chevette

Today in Autoweek history, we look back to the week of September 20, 1975, when Corey Farley gave us a look at the new 1976 Chevrolet Chevette. The B-segment (for 1976, anyway) newcomer weighed in at a scant 1,998 pounds and carried an equally lightweight MSRP of $2,899. Farley described how the Chevette handled some of the rigors of testing, which included hauling four journalists and their camera equipment around the Black Lake testing facility in Milford, Mich.

Volvo extends its range of DRIVe Eco cars

It really is remarkable what car makers can do when pushed. After years of thirsty cars, more and more manufacturers are showing us what can be done when they make a real effort in this direction (and not always at the expense of performance), and the latest is Volvo, which has extended its range of DRIVe cars to seven. Volvo DRIVe range extended to seven models - will show at Geneva '09 The full DRIVe range will be revealed at Geneva ’09, and includes the C30, S40, V50, V70, S80, XC60 and XC70.

Video: GM's Frank Saucedo, Niki Smart and Gael Buzyn on the Elmiraj concept

GM director advanced design Frank Saucedo features in a new video explaining the design process behind the new Elmiraj concept. Saucedo, who oversaw the concept's development at GM's advanced design studio in North Hollywood, California, talks about how the Elmiraj – the second in a series of three concept cars that began with last's year Ciel – is a study of how they can progress and evolve the carmaker's ‘Art and Science' design philosophy. GM's interior design manager Gael Buzyn and exterior design manager Niki Smart also feature, with Smart explaining how the Elmiraj concept is focused on the notion of ‘the drive' and has been designed to reflect dynamism while the Ciel was about ‘the journey', represented by a luxurious interior.