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

Brits talk up new Bentley racer's chances

BENTLEY’S first mainstream racing team since 2003 has been talking tough about their all-new car’s chances as it runs through its race preparation. Guy Smith, who was part of the team that won the overall Le Mans 24-hour crown in a Bentley Speed 8 10 years ago, is leading another team of three as the Continental GT3 racer hits the track at next month’s Gulf 12-hour endurance race in Dubai. “After four months of hard work and development testing, we definitely feel ready to start focusing on our race performance,” Guy said.

AW survey: Honda Element won't be missed

Is Honda making a mistake by killing the Element SUV after the 2011 model year? AutoWeek readers think not. Our poll shows that 56 percent of voters indicated a readiness to wave good-bye to the “toaster on wheels.” On the other hand, 32 percent found the Element was supremely useful and cool, and 12 percent signaled they didn't know how to transport their dogs anymore in its absence (remember the “dog-friendly” Element?).

Gilles Vidal: innovative materials key to Peugeot's future

Future Peugeots will be defined by their use of materials in a bid to shift the brand upmarket, according to design director Gilles Vidal. Raw, unprocessed materials, he says, will not only prove more ecologically sound, but also more engaging. And his plans don't stop there.