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

BMW set to go front-wheel drive

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German carmaker will introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model positioned and priced below the existing 1-series as part of plans to help increase part sharing and to bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear- and four-wheel-drive-only BMW models. Speaking to AutoWeek at the Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that despite the downturn in the world's economy, there was continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small-car class, before officially acknowledging plans that will see BMW produce a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at Mercedes-Benz. "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small-car segment with new models and variants," he said.

Fuel prices 'still number one concern'

FUEL DUTY freezes have done nothing to stop the public worrying about the price of filling up their cars, according to research from British Car Auctions. More than 70% of the 400-person sample cited fuel prices as the number one concern when it comes to motoring costs, despite reports from the AA that pump prices have actually fallen over the last year. Second place in the survey was taken by the cost of road tax, which reflects that the survey was taken among used car buyers.

Lotus takes the top off Exige S

Lotus is adding an Exige S Roadster to its lineup, based on the new Exige we saw at the Frankfurt auto show. Unfortunately the road-car version will not come to the United States. The Roaster is powered by the same 345-hp V6 as in the hardtop Exige, as well as in the bigger Evora.