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

Bentley uses 3D printing to prototype new designs [w/Video]

3D printing is changing the way the world makes things by helping people of all disciplines to enhance and refine their ideas cheaply, quickly and effectively.  Bentley is the latest carmaker to utilize the technology to fabricate and prototype different parts to see how they'll look and work on the finished design. Using 3D printers, designers can produce parts from the exterior and interior such as the grille, tires, headlamps and door handles as well as combine different types of contrasting materials, ranging from hard plastics to rubbers of different tensile strengths.  The technology allows the user to create a solid 3D object straight from a digital model by printing layers of material on top of each other. This process rapidly decreases the delivery time, as parts can be printed overnight, and allows designers to be more creative in their ideas because of the reduced cost. Bentley isn't the first carmaker to use 3D printing technology. Audi announced last year it was beginning to prototype vehicle parts using 3D printers.

Scion FR-S concept

Another day, another variation on the fabled Toyota FT-86. Following on from the FT-86 II at Geneva and the re-emergence of the original version at the Seoul Auto Show, New York played host to the Scion FR-S concept. Unsurprisingly, the FR-S boasts the same front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car demeanor - hence the name - but differs visually from the other variations from the long awaited Toyota.

Saturn has interested buyers, GM says

Saturn is attracting interest from a "few" parties that might want to acquire the brand, a General Motors spokesman said Thursday. GM has hired Steve Girsky, formerly senior auto analyst for Morgan Stanley, to help advise on any possible Saturn deals. Saturn spokesman Steve Janisse said, "There is interest from investors in doing a spinoff, and there are other entities interested in just buying it." He said he does not know whether the interested parties are other automakers.