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

MINI Roadster / Speedster spied

The MINI Roadster caught on a poster at a MINI 50th Event We had a whole heap of information earlier on this week on the MINI Coupe Concept that BMw are bringing to Frankfurt. But we had nothing on the MINI Roadster / Speedster, even though we know that MINI has produced a roofless version of the MINI Coupe. But a quick witted visitor managed to grab a snap of the poster you see above at a MINI 50th private party, which at least proves that the MINI Speedster is coming to the party in Frankfurt next month.

Toyota Auris Hybrid, FT-86, RAV4, Prius plug-in (2010): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 15 February 2010 14:50 Toyota has confirmed its line-up for the 2010 Geneva motor show – and it's fighting back from the throttle recall crisis with a handful of new launches in every which market sector.The Toyota Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) gets its world debut in production spec; it's the first mainstream hybrid car to be manufactured in the UK – and you can read all about it in the new March 2010 issue of CAR Magazine on sale on Wednesday 17 February. CAR went up to the Burnaston factory in Derbyshire for a deep dive on the new mass-market hybrid car from Toyota.The second hybrid on show will be the new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which will be exhibited in full production guise for its European debut.It's also the European debut of the FT-86 sports car concept – and the first time we've seen the facelifted Toyota RAV4, which adopts a distinctly grown-up face. Is it just us, or there are equal shades of Toyota Landcruiser and VW Tiguan in the new 2010 RAV4 model?

Design Contest: Michelin Challenge Design announces 2008 theme and call for entries

Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world's fastest growing transportation design programs, has announced it will continue its focus on safety in 2008 under the central theme of 'Safety over Size.' The 2008 theme was announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit showcased works from vehicle manufacturers, students, as well as the first full-size concept to be submitted by an independent entrant. Rising energy costs, urban congestion and environmental concerns are all contributing to an increased interest in smaller vehicles, but consumers are often hesitant to consider smaller vehicles due to safety concerns that are both real and perceived. Participating designers are encouraged to 'throw away the book' and to present ideas that enhance the real and perceived safety and security of smaller vehicles through design innovations in areas such as accident avoidance, enhanced driver controls, survivability and visibility.