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

2012 Volkswagen Beetle to launch with Black Turbo edition

Volkswagen is borrowing a page from sister company Porsche and will turn to the color black to sex up the soon-to-arrive 2012 VW Beetle--and to draw attention to a preorder program launching this year. The Beetle Black Turbo edition follows in the lineage of Porsche 911s augmented with Black editions, and the VW will sticker for $25,720, including shipping. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, which is the same as the regular turbo Beetle--and VW's hot hatch, the GTI.

Nissan Sentra wrings out 1 mpg more to sweeten payout

Engineers at Nissan Motor Co. are scurrying to eke another mile or two per gallon out of their vehicles to win customers who come looking for federal cash-for-guzzlers money. "We want as many of our products as possible to pop up on the shopping list," Nissan North America spokesman Brian Brockman says.

One Lap of the Web: Used car deals, Audi A7 and the Lamborghini Veneno

Flat Sixes is looking into a Porsche 914 for sale. The project car has a few questionable mods, and is selling for $10,000. Flat Sixes thinks it's a little overpriced considering the black painted windshield surround and body color bumpers, check it out at Flat Sixes or Los Angeles Craigslist.