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

Classic vs. Modern, Part One: Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 or 2012 Kia Rio SX

A recent 220-volt shock administered by the $23K-plus window sticker of a loaded Ford Fiesta rental car made me think about what the same dollars would buy in a classic car, and what the relative cost of ownership would be. My favorite matchup doesn't even require as much coin as said fully accessorized rental Fiesta. The 2012 Kia Rio SX carries an as-tested-by-Autoweek price of $20,745.

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.

Saab 'to enter the WRC in 2012' with new 9-1

Saab is rumoured to be returning to rallying after a long hiatus. The new owners of Saab have reportedly been in negotiations with the organising body behind the World Rally Championship and hope to sign a deal to compete with their upcoming 9-1 small car.After the mass departure of many of the main players a few years ago, the WRC looked down and out. However, the 2012 season is shaping up to be a return to form.