Johnson Evinrude Bombardier Lowerunit Bearing Assy 377135 on 2040-parts.com

Ford builds it, you test it

Only a select few usually get the opportunity to test out upcoming vehicles. Ford is bucking that trend by allowing customers to sign up at BuiltToughTest.com, and get the chance to explain how they would put the aluminum reinforced 2015 Ford F-150 to the test. Product development does extensive testing to the extremes, going as far as disguising the F-150 and running it through the 2013 Baja 1000.

Land Rover Defender Special Edition set for U.K.

The 2012 Land Rover Defender Special Edition will join the growing list of cool cars that aren't coming stateside. At least we aren't getting our hopes up—not only did they snub the Detroit auto show, but Land Rover hasn't brought a Defender SUV here since 1997. The latest iteration of the go-everywhere off-roader will wear one of two colors, Orkney grey or nara bronze.

New Honda CR-V: First new CR-V photos appear on Honda’s Japan site

Firts photo of the 2012 Honda CR-V We first got a proper look at the new Honda CR-V (the 2012 model) in concept form back in  July, and at the time Honda told us that they were planning a US release by the end of 2011, but no European release until Autumn of 2012. So the seemingly unheralded reveal of the new CR-V on Honda’s website in Japan is a bit of a surprise. The photo has suddenly appeared in a gallery of teaser photos of the new CR-V on Honda’s website and as far as we can see Honda has done nothing to trail it.