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

Thinking Automotive Design

At a time when nine new automotive plants are being built in Brazil, the production of local design studios has acquired strong significance in the market. Significantly, the best-selling cars in the country are the VW Gol and the completely new Fiat Uno, both developed locally. It's therefore no surprise that car design gains more importance in the country's cultural scenario.

Major restrictions suggested for learner drivers

A NEW report on potential changes to young driver training could cut accident casualties by more than 4,000 a year. The report, from transport research group TRL, recommends teenagers should not be allowed to take their driving test until they are 18, rather than the current threshold of 17. They would have to have a 12-month "learner stage" beginning at 17 with a requirement for at least 100 hours of day-time and 20 hours of night-time supervised practice.

Porsche threatens to pull Boxster production from Magna

Porsche is considering canceling an existing contract with Magna to build the next-generation Boxster and Cayman in Austria starting in 2013 and may instead move production to Karmann in Germany. The move would be aimed at protecting Porsche's closely guarded engineering and production cost secrets for its upcoming entry-level roadster and coupe. Porsche insiders say plans established under former boss Wendelin Weideking to build the Boxster and the Cayman at Magna's Graz factory in Austria are now being heavily reviewed following the Canadian/Austrian company's bid to take control of financially embattled Opel from General Motors.