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

BMW concept X5 eDrive hybrid to debut at 2013 Frankfurt Show

BMW has released details of a new ultra-efficient prototype version of its X5 off-roader. Called the concept X5 eDrive, the plug-in hybrid SUV will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It seems as though Frankfurt 2013 is going to be a battle of the luxury hybrids, with the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid and the Range Rover hybrid both making their first appearances in Germany, too.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 gets $54,995 base price

The high-performance Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will carry a base sticker price of $54,995 including shipping charges when it goes on sale next spring as a 2012 model. That's more than double the sticker price of a base 2012 Camaro coupe, which starts at $24,100 including shipping charges, and more than a base 2012 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, which starts at $50,500. The 2012 Camaro ZL1 packs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 rated at 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque.

Design Services: Car Menu launched

Within almost every automotive design department throughout the world, their comes a time when a junior designer is dispatched to find a picture of some new model's tail lamp, the side view of a particular class leading competitor or examples of several new cars' colour and trim packages. Whilst looking at the competition is not necessarily a healthy way of finding ideas, it is often essential to demonstrate what is feasible, check in-house proposals are not too derivative, or show how advanced a design theme is relative to the same type of cars on the market. But even if the particular aspect of a car can be found, press packs and magazines typically show cars in the flattering light of an exotic location or being drifted around a corner on opposite lock; rarely are these images particularly useful.