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

New BMW 1-series bows with turbo four-cylinder power across the lineup

Meet the next-generation BMW 1-series. The upcoming baby Bimmer will sport all twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engines burning either gasoline or diesel, hauling around a car that's grown in every dimension except height. BMW also is expanding its use of eight-speed automatic transmissions to the 1-series lineup and making the BMW EfficientDynamics technology package standard.

First Sight: BMW at the 2012 London Olympics

Director of BMW i design Benoît Jacob showed Car Design News the i Pedelec bicycle alongside a new version of the i3 concept at the company's new Park Lane ‘i store' in London. The compact bike folds artfully into the boot of the car, recharging its batteries when stowed. Made in limited numbers, a few i Pedelecs will run outside its contractual fleet of 4,000 vehicles at the London Olympics.

Daimler, Renault are set to share vehicle platforms and engines

Following a year of intensive high-level talks and secretive, behind the scenes strategy meetings, Daimler AG and Renault SA have agreed on plans that will see their car-making divisions--Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault and Nissan--share resources on a wide range of products. The move signals more consolidation within the European automotive industry. Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche and Renault president Carlos Ghosn have set out three primary areas of cooperation that will see the carmakers share small-car and light-commercial-vehicle platforms, small gasoline and diesel engines, and electric drive systems.