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?

Pricing announced for 2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line

Pricing for the 2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line four-door will start at $33,020—about $2,000 more than the base-level CC Sport. The newly created R-Line trim package adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; a modified front fascia that features more aggressive styling cues; stainless-steel scuff plates; and R-Line badges to the base-level CC. VW's RNS 315 navigation system also comes standard on R-Line vehicles.

Mercedes S400 Hybrid – and a facelift as well

Mercedes S400 Hybrid launched - and a facelift for the S Class Range [ad#ad-1] Mercedes has long held the ‘Best Luxury Car’ mantle, despite build quality issues in the early part of this century, but the competition, particularly from Audi and BMW has got stronger with each model change, so they have to keep upping their game (and the new Jaguar XJ may make them up it even further before long). So we knew it time for a facelift for the current S Class, but Mercedes has decided to link that with the launch of the first S Class Hybrid – the S400 Hybrid. The S400 Hybrid gets a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, which on its own delivers 279bhp, but linked to an electric motor it gets a 20bhp boost and a big jump in torque.