Blue Marble 2-cycle Oil 1gal Fg0007-gallon on 2040-parts.com

GM bets on new four-cylinder family in Europe; U.S. plans unclear

General Motors' European subsidiary, Opel, has revealed a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine that will be offered from early 2013 across its lineup, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible. The aluminum block unit, the first in a new range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) ECOTEC engines, forms the centerpiece of the company's downsizing strategy for displacement. The engine is claimed to have improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption compared with its predecessor.

Vauxhall launches powerful 1.0 petrol engine

OLD-FASHIONED 1.6-litre petrol engines in Vauxhall cars are about to be replaced by a clever new 1.0-litre alternative. The tiny newcomer has only three cylinders, but thanks to a turbocharger it coughs up more power and torque than many normal 1.6-litre equivalents. It’s set to debut in Vauxhall’s funky Adam supermini, although the new engine will be display-only when it emerges at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Autoweek America Adventure: Thar be treasure out there

OK, truth: It's kind of hard to not care. Yeah, yeah, that's the Honey Badger credo (and for those who think I've just spouted some kind of odd Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom gibberish, please go to YouTube and check out the Honey Badger video.) But being competitive sorts, Team Honey Badger--Tommy Kendall and I--do care. I have to say the second day of rallying is starting to bring out the competitive spirit.