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

Mazda 3 saloon (2009): first photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 09 October 2008 12:20 Mazda is replacing its 3 family of hatchbacks and saloons and we'll see this US-market sedan at next month's Los Angeles motor show. It's a four-door for the notchback-obsessed Americans, but we'll see the five-door Euro-style Mazda 3 hatch a few weeks later at the 2008 Bologna motor show. The new Mazda 3 is believed to be based on the engineering skeleton of a Ford Focus, so expect a front-wheel drive layout and a wide spread of diesel and petrol engines.

BMW 1-series M Coupe (2011) MotoGP safety car

BMW's M Division has unleashed a track version of its upcoming 1-series M Coupe, which made its debut as the 2011 MotoGP safety car at the season-opening MotoGP race in Qatar on 20 March. BMW 1-series M Coupe MotoGP safety car – the lowdown Visually there have been some changes over the roadgoing 1M, which is due to go on sale in April 2011. The new louvred bonnet is made from carbon fibre, there’s an additional front splitter fitted to the bumper, plus polycarbonate side and rear windows, and an adjustable rear wing. There’s a light bar on the roof for official signaling duties and the package is wrapped in a suitably-loud M colour scheme Inside there's a partially stripped-out interior with a bolt-in roll cage replacing the rear seats, a pair of lightweight Recaro racing buckets up front with six-point harnesses, and a fire extinguisher.

Adrian van Hooydonk named Director of BMW Group Design

In the wake of Chris Bangle's decision to resign from the top job, Adrian van Hooydonk takes over as Director of BMW Group Design with immediate effect. In his new position van Hooydonk will be responsible for the design development for the BMW, Rolls-Royce and Mini brands. "I am honored and extremely excited to take on this new responsibility," says van Hooydonk.