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

Next generation BMW 6 Series Preview

Rendering of the next generation (2010) BMW 6 Series - a sleeker and lower car than the current generation Not due until late 2010, the next generation 6 Series looks set to be a lower, sleeker car than the current model. In fact, it looks like BMW may have found a use for a lot of the work they did on the shelved BMW CS project, which was to be BMW’s A7/CLS challenger until the project was shelved a few months ago. Current opinion is that the next generation Convertible will stick with the rag-top, but recent spy shots seem to show a pretty bulky roof camouflage, leading to speculation that BMW may go the folding tin-top roof with the next generation 6-series.

2010 Lincoln MKZ gets more power, noise insulation

For 2010, Lincoln hopes to lure more entry midsize-luxury shoppers to its fold with increased optional content and improved performance in the revised MKZ. The 3.5-liter V6 is unchanged with its 263 hp, but the six-speed automatic transmission with manually selectable gears is new. Thanks to lower early gears, the '10 MKZ slashes its 0-to-60-mph time from 7.7 seconds to 7.1 seconds over the outgoing model.

Carbon-fiber parts and a software fix help create a lighter, faster Fiat

Chrysler Group's Mopar parts brand and Italian supplier Magneti Marelli have teamed up on a design exercise based on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth that shaved weight and added horsepower. The vehicle, called the Venom, has a number of carbon fiber components -- hood and side mirrors, for example -- that makes it about 200 pounds lighter than the 2,512-pound Abarth. The Venom uses software updates and additional exhaust components to boost the Abarth's standard 160-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged engine's output by as much as 25 percent.