Afco 64001-24 Shifter Rod, 24 Inch Long on 2040-parts.com

MINI Cooper S under investigation in U.S. over fires

MINI Cooper S investigation in US over Fires The MINI has been a big success in the US, and an even bigger success when you consider the American penchant for cars the size of a small aircraft carrier. And one of the favourite MINIs in the US is the hottest version of the MINI – the Cooper S. But following a spate of reports about the MINI Cooper S catching fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has set up an investigation to try and see if there’s a common problem.

BMW Alpina B7 gets power boost for 2013

The 2013 BMW Alpina B7, the performance version of the German automaker's 7-series sedan, gets an additional 40 hp--and a more costly sticker price--for the new model year. BMW plans to roll out the 2013 model at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August and begin sales soon thereafter. Under the hood, power from the 4.4-liter V8 has been increased from 500 to 540 hp with the addition of BMW's throttle-less Valvetronic intake system.

ANALYSIS: The incredible shrinking Alfa stand at the Geneva motor show

When he talks, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne conveys high hopes that the Alfa Romeo brand soon will be a huge business success, but actions often speak louder than words. Fiat has massively reduced the size of the 100-year-old sporty brand's stand at the forthcoming Geneva show. In March, Alfa's stand will shrink to 639 square meters from this year's 979 square meters, which was the second-largest display space among Fiat Group's portfolio after the Fiat brand.