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

Creature comforts now top car-shoppers' 'must-haves'

New technologies come with a learning curve, but once we tackle the initial challenge it's amazing how quickly new features become “must-haves.” From cars that unlock as we approach to those that keep themselves between the lines and a safe distance from what's ahead, we have already become accustomed to high-tech driving. So which features would most drivers refuse to live without? Surprisingly, it's the simplest creature comforts most people hold dear—at least for now.

Volt, Leaf win top safety rating in crash test

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars won the highest safety ratings in crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, putting them in the top 57 percent of models tested so far this year. About 80 of 140 vehicles tested among 2011-2012 models have received the Institute's "top safety pick," the group's award for state-of-the-art crash protection that exceeds federal safety rules, Institute spokesman Russ Rader said. The Volt and Leaf received a "good" rating -- the highest of four rankings -- on each of four crash tests, said the Institute, which is funded by auto insurers including State Farm, All-State and Geico.

McLaren P1 will smash Nurburgring & Top Gear lap records

Ron Dennis has said that the new McLaren P1 will smash lap records at the Nurburgring and at the Top Gear track at Dunsfold. But that’s as much about the run-up to Geneva as the Motor Show itself as Ferrari had managed to keep LaFerrari under warps until just a few hours before it debuted. So interest and excitement were high and LaFerrari did little to disappoint.