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

Final second-generation Mini leaves production line

THE FINAL Mini hatchback of the current generation has left the production line in Oxford, after more than a million were made for customers around the world. There’s no time for production staff to rest, though, with assembly of the new Mini hatchback already under way alongside the many other Mini model derivatives. In total, more than 1.8 million hatchback Minis have been built at the factory since 2001, of which 1,041,412 were the currently outgoing model.

Japan quake threatens to delay U.S. output of Nissan Leaf EV

The March 11 earthquake in Japan could force Nissan to delay the start of U.S. production of its Leaf electric vehicle, now scheduled for late 2012. “The earthquake is putting us in a very difficult situation,” said Hideaki Watanabe, head of Nissan's Global Zero Emission Vehicle Business Unit.

Lexus LS (EU version)

The fifth-generation Lexus LS is the latest full-size luxury sedan to wear the badge since Toyota's premium brand was introduced in 1989. It continues the model's gentle evolution, this latest version reflecting the brand's L-finesse design language.  This is best seen in its inverted trapezoidal 'spindle' grille and L-shaped DRLs. The EU model measures in at 5,090mm long – 30mm longer than the outgoing model – while the wheelbase remains 2,970mm in length. The front and rear overhangs have increased by 10 and 20mm respectively.