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

Mini auctions Kiss Countryman cars to fund global relief efforts

If Dad's Gene Simmons poster is starting to lose its luster, you should probably sign on to eBay to try to win him a custom-painted Mini forever emblazoned with that tongue. Mini and the rock bank Kiss partnered to auction four Countrymans (Countrymen?) that are custom-painted with the iconic likeness of each band member, in a 10-day Father's Day charity auction that started on May 29. Kiss band members joined Mini at the New York auto show in April to unveil the four vehicles now up for auction.

Porsche says Panamera avoids gas-guzzler tax

Few expenses were spared in conceiving the Porsche Panamera, but consumers will avoid at least one cost of ownership: the ignominious gas-guzzler tax. Porsche has announced ratings for the 2010 sedan; it will get a combined figure of 18 mpg or 19 mpg from the EPA, depending on the model. This means Porsche’s four-door foray will avoid a fairly substantial cost of ownership--a tax of up to $7,700 is levied on the most prolific guzzlers.

MINI First introduced

MINI has a new budget model - The MINI First With all things Eco the flavour of the month, and with budgets stretched in households everywhere, a cheap, entry-level budget MINI is a tempting prospect. You still get the iconic shape, and you still get a very good chassis – which translates in to good handling and a decent ride – but you’re not paying a fortune for the fripperies. After all, there are MINIs that will set you back £25k (the MINI JCW Cabriolet), but the new MINI First is a very tempting £10,950.