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

Watch Tesla Model S testing new titanium armor

In a missive signed by Elon Musk himself, Tesla announced it would be adding titanium plates and aluminum deflectors to all new Model S sedans and offering free retrofits for the 20,000 or so existing EVs. The company earlier offered an over-the-air software update to raise the ground clearance of the Model S so the car would be more likely to clear dangerous road debris. The actions were in response to well-publicized fires in the electric luxury sedans.

MINI Countryman to be built in India

MINI sells worldwide – even in the US – and, despite claims it was a step too far for the brand, the MINI Countryman has been a big hit for MINI, offering as it does most of MINI’s charm but in a bigger, more family friendly package and with the option of All4 4WD for a degree of off-road ability (well, certainly the ability to treat boot sale car parks with disdain). Now, for the first time, BMW is to build the MINI outside Europe with a new MINi assembly facility coming on stream in Chennai, India, where BMW already makes 3 and 5 Series models as well as the X1 and X3. The plan is part of BMW’s plan of ‘Production follows the market’ where BMW aim to make their cars where they’re sold, so with the MINI brand showing strong growth in India since its launch it makes sense to build them there.

Kia Cross GT SUV Concept teased ahead of Chicago debut

A new Kia Concept for a larger CUV/SUV – the Kia Cross GT – is being teased ahead of a reveal at the Chicago Auto Show. Kia may have made big strides in the last few years – along with sister company, Hyundai – but there’s no sense they’re resting on their laurels despite declaring 2013 the year when brand perception is key rather than huge sales growth. We already know that the Kia pro_cee’d GT and the five-door Cee’d GT, both the with a 200bhp petrol turbo – are heading for the Geneva Motor Show in March and will sit alongside the the Kia Urban Concept, which appears to be Kia’s take on the Nissan Juke.