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

Cars & Coffee: Two ingredients to start off your SoCal weekend just right

Cars & Coffee is not yet on the FDA's list of the four basic food groups--but it really should be. It started out as a word-of-mouth gathering of eclectic and cool cars at a spot called Crystal Cove just south of Newport Beach, Calif., but it quickly outgrew that home. “Some of the guys got together, just a spontaneous gathering of, ‘Well, let's bring our cool cars,' ” said Pebble Beach judge, Ferrari collector and well-loved Ford PR guy John Clinard, one of, if not the main driver behind the event.

Datsun set to launch new car on July 15

Datsun -- that's right we said Datsun -- revealed teaser sketches on Tuesday of its first new generation car, which will be unveiled in New Delhi, India on July 15. Normally we don't go much for teasers, but when it's a “new” car brand, we take notice. Datsun operated worldwide starting in 1914, until the last badge was peeled off a car in 1986, being replaced by Nissan.

2012 Mercedes SL Spied

2012 Mercedes SL caught testing When the fifth generation Mercedes SL hit the headlines back in 2002 it was a revelation, offering as it did the best of a coupe and a convertible and a completely bonkers performance version in the SL55. But eight years is a long time in the life of a car – even with a cosmetic facelift in 2008 – and the SL has lost its way as the flagship of the Mercedes range. More powerful cars like the SLS have put the SL in to the shadows, and even its little brother – the Mercedes SLK – is probably more desirable.