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

2015 Volkswagen Touareg unveiled prior to Beijing motor show debut

Volkswagen has given the second-generation Touareg an update, and it's bringing the refreshed SUV to the Beijing motor show next week. The Touareg has been a solid global success for Volkswagen with over 720,000 units sold, despite all the ink expended discussing its pricing (especially compared to the rest of the automaker's range), and the company has spent quite a bit of time and money updating the Touareg for the 2015 model year. So what's new inside and out?

Maeda named new Mazda design boss, replacing van den Acker

Ikuo Maeda is the new head of design at Mazda Motor Corp. The man who is credited with styling the Mazda's flagship sports car takes over for Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, 43, who has decided to leave the company "to pursue other interests," the automaker said in a statement today. Van den Acker, who joined Mazda in 2006, will remain at the automaker until April 10 to ensure a smooth transition for Maeda, Mazda said.

Miko's high performance material with an ecological edge

Italian company Miko specializes in the development and production of Dinamica, a high quality ecological microfiber that can be used for anything from car door panels or upholstery to fashion accessories. The faux suede material is produced from a combination of recycled polyester and polyurethane fibers, and is also 100 percent recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. Lorenzo Terraneo, CEO of Miko, says: "Our priority has always been to invest in the research and development of recycled and eco-compatible materials with special characteristics that go far beyond existing qualitative standards." It is a testament to Terraneo's commitment that his company achieved its early aspirations and eco credentials long before concern for the environment and the reduction of carbon emissions was high on the political agenda or prevalent in the public conscience.