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

BMW wins engine of year

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 09 May 2007 05:51 BMW’s twin turbo 3.0-litre engine – the mighty 306bhp straight six from the 335i - has taken top honours at the 2007 International Engine of the Year Awards, the engineering equivalent of the Oscars. This is an unprecedented third year in a row that BMW has clinched the title of International Engine of the Year Award – in 2006 it was the M6’s V10 that took the title, and the M5’s V10 claimed gold in 2005. Other winners, judged by the panel of 62 motoring journalists from 30 countries across the globe, included Porsche for its biturbo 3.6-litre flat six (unbelievably, the first time Zuffenhausen has won an IEYA award), Toyota for the Prius’ 1.5-litre hybrid unit, and Volkswagen’s TSI twincharger 1.4-litre unit.

New Mercedes A Class: 90,000 orders and counting

Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche has revealed that Mercedes already has 90,000 orders for the new A-Class just months after its reveal. It’s a credible, good looking and clever car that’s a serious offering in the premium compact market and, if the order book for 70,000 A-Class Mercedes already had by the end of October is anything to go by, it’s going to be a roaring success. That sales figure has now jumped to 90,000 A-Class – according to Mercedes boss, Dieter Zetsche – and stands at double the order book Volkswagen has for the new MK 7 Golf.

BMW 4-Series Coupe concept [w/Gallery]

The BMW 4 Series Coupe concept will make its debut at next month's NAIAS in Detroit, when it will become the first model to wear the new 4er badge as it distances itself from the 3 Series sedan. While billed as a concept it is believed to be virtually production-ready. It offers little in the way of surprises in the wake of the F10 3 Series and larger 6 Series with traditional short front and long rear overhang proportions.