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

E85 makes inroads on cost and availability

Three years ago, we embarked on a Midwest road trip in search of what was then the Holy Grail of fuel: E85. Our findings weren't too positive--there were far more E85-compatible vehicles on the road in 2006 (5 million) than there were E85 pumps to fuel them (about 700 out of some 200,000 fuel stations nationwide). In addition, those burning the mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol were paying a pretty penny for their earth-friendly ways, losing about 15 percent in fuel economy while often paying the same price as regular unleaded.

Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series confirmed

Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Confirmed As long ago as September 2009 we had word from a Mercedes source who told us that AMG planned to build a Black Series version of the SLS, with as much as 700bhp mooted as a possibility. But then nothing for a year about the arrival of the ultimate SLS. We speculated at the time that Mercedes could well choose to endow the SLS Black Series with a V12 – something similar to the setup in the SL Black Series – and churn out an SLS Black with truly awesome power.

British team aim for electric world record

A BRITISH team headed by Lord Drayson is seeking to set a new World Land Speed Record with its electric racing car. The Drayson B12 electric Le Mans racing car is heading to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA in a bid to raise the current record for electric cars weighing less than 1000kg. Recently, the team set a new British record of 204.185mph with the same car.