7/16"-20 Serrated Wheel Lug Stud - .487 In. Knurl, 2-1/8 In. Length #157 on 2040-parts.com

The Mini is 50 years old today

  Today - 08/05/2009 - is the 50th anniversary of the first Mini rolling off the production line. To celebrate, and for a bit of free publicity (see, we’re playing the game) BMW has shipped the first Mini to roll of the production line back to Cowley to celebrate (picture at the bottom). 621 AOK, a Mini Minor, in Old English White, looks as fresh as the day it rolled off the production line half a century ago (although I wouldn’t mind betting it doesn’t have it’s original sills – they always rusted through – or copes with its original distributor and leads – one splash of rain and the car ground to a halt!).

Hyundai and Rhys Millen extend deal for 2012

Hyundai Motor America and Rhys Millen will continue their partnership into the 2012 Global RallyCross season that starts on May 26 in Charlotte, N.C. He'll return to drive the hopped-up Veloster hatchback in all seven races, including two at ESPN's Summer X Games. “I'm thrilled to represent Hyundai and the Veloster in the GRC series for a second season,” Millen said.

Acura TL

Honda has released the very first image of the all-new redesigned TL, which will be sold under the company's luxury nameplate. Though only a single front quarter image has been made available, the profile of the new Acura TL is distinctively coupe-like, displaying an overall athletic stance. Apart from the familiar brushed aluminum Acura grille and single surface front bumper, new styling cues include sharp edged bodyside character surfaces anchoring down the design at the shoulder and the rocker panel, and the shoulder character lines' edge looping the front wheelarch surface and running down to the headlamp all the way to the front fascia.