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

Porsche 918 Spyder races toward production

OK, let's put the usual arguments to rest first: The Porsche 918 Spyder is going to be even faster than the Carrera GT in a straight line. That's based on Porsche's own computer simulations in anticipation of the production version of the gasoline-electric-powered 918 Spyder, which is due to roll off a dedicated line within a decommissioned paint shop at Porsche's Zuffenhausen, Germany, headquarters next year. The claimed 0-to-62-mph time is 2.8 seconds; 0-to-124 mph is 8.9 seconds, and top speed should be about 202 mph, thanks in part to series of active aerodynamic functions, including a multistage rear wing.

Porsche 918 infotainment system to be based on HTML5

While some automakers, like Ford and General Motors, are beginning to open up their code to outside developers via application programming interfaces, Porsche's taking a very interesting route for the 918 Spyder's infotainment system. The the hybrid supercar's dashboard interface uses the same code that the modern Internet runs on: HTML5. Germany's AutoBild reports that Porsche cites the ease of programming as part of their rationale for the system; smartphone integration is another.

Tata is leading JLR bidder

By Ben Pulman Motor Industry 03 January 2008 13:16 Ford looks set to sell Jaguar/Land Rover (JLR) to Tata. In a statement to JLR workers today, Ford of Europe chairman Lewis Booth said: ‘Ford is committed to focused negotiations at a more detailed level with Tata Motors concerning the potential sale of the combined Jaguar Land Rover business.’ This is the first time that Ford has publicly revealed the identity of any bidder for JLR.   JLR has been up for sale since June 2007, and other potential bidders include rival Indian vehicle maker Mahindra Group and private finance group One Equity fronted by former Ford CEO Jac Nasser. Tata itself already owns a few famous names, including Tetley Tea and Corus (formerly British Steel).