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

When car design meets Art Nouveau

Gray Design has revealed a new concept car called the Nouvair, inspired by the Art Nouveau design movement. The Nouvair, a retro-looking coupé complete with a long hood and trailing rear end, takes inspiration from the techniques and flowing lines favored by one of the pioneers of the movement, Czech painter and decorative artist Alphonse Mucha. Despite the release of five pictures, Gray Design didn't reveal any technical details, just confirmation of its name and its inspiration.

Two LaFerraris test at Fiorano Circuit

We don't need to say much about this video of two Ferrari LaFerraris testing at the Fiorano Circuit in Italy --caught by spy videographer extraordinaire Marchettino --except for “turn it up to 11.” In fact, we recommend you use a headphone-to-RCA converter and plug it in to the loudest stereo you have. That's the only way you can truly appreciate the Italian-opera wail coming from the 963 hp, 6.3-liter V12 as it boogies around the 1.8-mile, 12-turn test track. Marchettino said the camouflaged car must have a different exhaust because it sounded so much louder.

Akio Toyoda waves family flag, heir makes crisis personal challenge

The reclusive Akio Toyoda is taking the rare step of waving the family flag, as the scion to Toyota Motor Corp.’s founding dynasty tries to steer the world’s largest car company out of a spiraling safety crisis. In testimony prepared for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, President Toyoda pursues a rare personal tack on the emergency, saying “my name is on every car.” “As you well know, I am the grandson of the founder, and all the Toyota vehicles bear my name,” Toyoda says in prepared comments circulated ahead of Wednesday’s committee hearing in Washington. “For me, when the cars are damaged, it is as though I am as well.” The intimate reflection is a departure for Toyoda, who has spent most of his career sidestepping public discussion of his lineage.