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

Kia to launch a new range-topping V8 saloon dubbed K9

Kia will build their rumoured rear-wheel drive V8 saloon - but it won't come to the UK, sources in Korea have confirmed to CAR.Following the domestic badge hierarchy, this new range-topper would logically be called the K9. Perhaps that dog-inspired badge may explain why the car won’t come to Europe, but US sales are expected.  Kia’s new range-topper: the ‘K9’ The new large Kia saloon was scheduled to be shown in 2011, but it has now been pushed back to a 2012 launch. The new saloon would sit above the front-drive 3.5-litre V6 K7/Cadenza saloon in the Kia line-up. CAR understands the new exec will be ready by May 2012.   The K9 represents the first application of sister brand Hyundai's rear-drive technology from the Genesis and Equus. Expect Hyundai's 'Tau' V8 engine under the bonnet, along with the upcoming eight-speed automatic transmission which arrived in the Genesis R-Spec saloon at the 2011 Chicago auto show.

Volkswagen creates R division for sporty cars

Volkswagen is officially creating a company to develop sporty cars; it will be called Volkswagen R GmbH. This may sound familiar--VW already calls some of its specialty cars Rs--and now it's bundling sales and development all into one unit. VW has the Scirocco R and the Golf R for cars, as well as the dynamic R Line of design trims.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racer (2011): first pictures

McLaren has announced it will be building a GT racing car, based on the McLaren MP4-12C, with Leicestershire-based racing team CRS Racing. The two companies will supply and support a limited number of GT3 racing cars based for European-based privateers in 2012. A development programme will come first in 2011, with a limited number of European GT races.