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

AC Mk VI: AC Cars return to the UK

Here's a blast from the past. AC has announced it's returning to the UK market and will exhibit the Mk VI version of its venerable roadster at the 2011 Geneva motor show. AC, a UK manufacturer that's 110-years-young in 2011 but with more regenerations than a Doctor Who convention, is establishing a new base at Brooklands.

Buick Verano

The Buick Verano will become the GM brand's smallest model when launched at the upcoming NAIAS in Detroit. Based on the same Delta II platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and Opel/Vauxhall Astra, it is also visually related to the latter, albeit to a lesser degree than its larger Regal sibling is to the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. The upper-C-segment Verano's DRG features the familiar 'waterfall' grille, finished in black chrome, blue-lensed projector headlamps and requisite portholes atop its hood.

The Hidden Work of Design Consultancies

Most major car companies carry out most of their design work themselves, with dedicated design departments increasingly capable of handling every aspect of the design process. But few car companies do not use the services of external car design consultancies for some smaller projects, and many smaller car companies use such consultancies to supplement their more limited in-house design facilities on larger design projects. Throughout the world there are numerous companies offering these design services to car companies.