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

Visual arts students vs. in-car technology

The automobile's natural technological evolution has gone from basics like wipers and headlights to high-tech infotainment systems that map your route, locate the nearest Starbucks, report weather and traffic, and stream personal music libraries. Yet many of these systems are difficult and distracting to use. So we wondered: Of the infotainment systems out there, is there even one achieving its connectivity goals better than the rest?

Volvo XC60 gets R-Design package

The Volvo XC60 is the next in line to get the R-Design treatment, and it will debut in September at the Frankfurt auto show. The R-Design brings sporty looks to the XC60 with a vamped-up style, a specially tuned sports chassis and a more direct steering gear ratio. The exterior resembles R-Design features on the C30, the S40, the V50 and the XC90.

Vauxhall Ampera: Try for 30 days – and then give it back

Vauxhall are offering buyers of the range extender Ampera the chance to buy risk free for 30 days and return the Ampera. So in an effort to get more car buyers looking seriously at the Vauxhall Ampera range-extender, Vauxhall have come up with a scheme to allow Ampera buyers to grab a new Ampera, try it for 30 days and then give it back if they don’t get on with it. It’s a clever scheme, because the Ampera is a good car.