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

Honda CR-Z Mugen arrives February 2012

Honda Mugen CR-Z will cost under £24k Honda told us that the Mugen CR-Z was just a concept, but now we learn that the hot CR-Z will arrive in the UK in February 2012 from ‘under £24k’. The Honda CR-Z is a decent enough little car; it has sporty handling and sporty looks, but it’s a real anti-climax to drive thanks to its 1.5 litre hybrid setup. Stung by criticism of the CR-Z’s performance, Honda got Mugen to have a play with its sporty little hybrid this year, and they did what Honda should probably have done from the start – strap on a supercharger to the hybrid lump.

Who's Where: GM Design announces major global restructuring of design executives

GM Design has announced a major reshuffle of its global leadership team, with Mark Adams, current executive director of Global Cadillac and Buick Design and GME vice president of Design, amongst the movers. Designed to boost the emphasis of the carmaker's various brands, including Buick and Opel, the restructuring – which comes into effect on 1 September – will focus on improving joint strategies, theme development and innovation. Mark Adams will head back to Germany to take up the position as GME vice president of Design and champion for Opel/Buick brand strategies and design language.

BMW X5 (F15)

This is the new, third generation BMW X5, the biggest-selling SUV in its segment with over 1.3 million sold since the first was launched in 1999. While the previous versions have sat more in the high-riding wagon space (BMW prefers to call them Sports Activity Vehicles), this latest F15 model appears to have shifted closer to a more traditional SUV, appearing taller and less ‘squat', certainly than the car it replaces. This is partly due to the DLO, which dips down behind the A-pillar, creating a deep window.