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

U.S. seeks 5 percent annual fuel-economy gains through 2016

The Obama administration today proposed gasoline mileage and greenhouse-gas pollution standards for new vehicles for model years 2012 to 2015, filling in the blanks for manufacturers en route to a 35.5 mpg national target in 2016. The Transportation Department and EPA proposal calls for fuel economy to increase by about 5 percent each year, starting from an average of 27.3 mpg for the 2011 model year, the agencies said in a statement. The average car buyer would save more than $3,000 in fuel costs over the life of a vehicle, the statement said.

Toyota's Akio Toyoda flies solo at media event, in change of style

It was as much a change for Akio Toyoda as it was for Toyota Motor Corp. In unveiling the company's new mid-term business plan this week, the media-shy president flew solo at a news conference without the usual safety net of being flanked by his top brass. The move was a departure for Toyoda, who -- in his two years as president -- has tended to divert technical or detailed questions to a panel of executives sharing stage with him.

Lexus Detroit Concept tease 2. Could this be an LFA derivative?

Lexus Detroit Concept tease 2 (click image for full size) Lexus has sent us the second teaser photo of a new concept showing a new design direction heading for the Detroit Auto Show. Last week Lexus came over all enigmatic and sent us a teaser photo of a concept car heading for the Detroit Auto Show in January which, they say, heralds a new design direction for Lexus. All we got was a tight front three-quarters shot of the new car showing a car which appeared to be dynamic and sporty, and with more than the odd design cue from the LFA.