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

BMX X1 invades U.S. this fall priced at $31,545

At the New York auto show last month, we learned that the BMW X1 compact SUV would be coming to the United States. Now we know that it will arrive on our shores in fall 2012, with a base price of $31,545 including $895 destination. According to BMW, the X1 has been a tremendous success, with more than 275,000 copies sold worldwide.

Lexus ES350/ES300h

Lexus has unveiled its ES350 and ES300h luxury sedans as part of the 2013 generation of the brand's ES lineup since its introduction over twenty years ago. The new ES remains front-wheel drive but has a lower, longer profile than its predecessor and also incorporates the brand’s signature spindle grille, with the "L" design motif reflected in the LED daytime running lights and rear lamps. The 2013 ES is 25mm longer at 4895mm, with a wheelbase of 2819mm, up 46mm.

Design Contest: LA Design Challenge 2008

The entrants for the fifth annual Design Challenge, part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference, have now been announced. Nine Southern California automotive design studios - including Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen - have been pitted against one another and asked to develop a concept which best answers a brief entitled 'Motorsports in 2025'. "Automotive designers have always been fascinated with motorsports and this year's Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talent to look at these cars with new eyes, using innovative technologies and approaches," said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc.