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

AW Design Forum: Icon Aircraft banks on design and performance

Icon Aircraft is hard evidence that design can be a difference maker. The startup company plans to launch the Icon A5 amphibious aircraft by late 2011, and its eye-catching design and versatility--it can bank on water and fly--has created a stir among enthusiasts of all stripes. Its philosophy is simple: "Is it badass?

RM Auctions' Icons sale brings good return on customs

Hot-rod and custom-car enthusiasts came from across the country for RM Auctions' Icons of Speed and Style sale in Los Angeles on Saturday, which offered the entire collection of the Flying A Garage. Collector Ralph Whitworth had big plans to open a car museum in his native Winnemucca, Nev., and had assembled one of the greatest rod, custom and racing-car collections ever to make it happen. He housed it in a new, climate-controlled building in Winnemucca called the Flying A Garage and had plans to open a museum to draw interest to his hometown.

Design Contest: LA Design Challenge 2008

The entrants for the fifth annual Design Challenge, part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference, have now been announced. Nine Southern California automotive design studios - including Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen - have been pitted against one another and asked to develop a concept which best answers a brief entitled 'Motorsports in 2025'. "Automotive designers have always been fascinated with motorsports and this year's Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talent to look at these cars with new eyes, using innovative technologies and approaches," said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc.