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

Ferrari California: more power in 2012 update

Ferrari is updating the California coupe-convertible for 2012, CAR has learned. According to dealer updates provided to prospective owners, the new 2012 California will be more powerful, lighter and with a smattering of new tech to give it a second wind. The new Ferrari California will start production in January 2012, with first UK deliveries due in time for the new '12' plate in the UK next March.

2014 VW Passat Executive and Executive Style revealed

2014 VW Passat Executive and Executive Style revealed Volkswagen has decided that buyers of the Passat – not exactly the best-selling car in the VW range – want some extra toys on their new Passat, so they’re introducing two new trim levels for 2014. The new trim levels – executive and Executive Style – sit above the entry-level Passat S and BlueMotion and bring extra goodies for not a lot more money than the Highline trim it replaces. The Passat executive comes with 17″ Michigan alloys, extra chrome, matt black roof rails (on the Estate), VW’s RNS 315 touchscreen SatNav, Vienna leather, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat, Climate, auto lights and wipers, Cruise and rear parking sensors.

Multi-touch UI reduces touchscreen interaction to simple swipes [w/video]

Touchscreens have become widespread standard features in many cars over the last few years, consolidating the modern car's many functions into one interface. But despite their advantages there's the big downside of driver distraction, something user interface designer Matthaeus Krenn believes he has solved with his UI. Unlike most other touchscreens, Krenn's interface isn't organized into menus and small, hard-to-hit buttons, but instead makes use of multi-touch gestures, reducing the accuracy and attention needed to operate key functions.