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

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.

BMW releases videos 'outlining' 3 Series history

The BMW 3 Series has been a mainstay within the range for nearly 40 years, embodying the values and design direction of the German brand to become the perennial bestseller in markets worldwide. Over the course of the last four decades, the company has launched an all-new model fitted with advancements in not only mechanical componentry, but also design and safety, to coincide with the needs and desires of customers at the time. The compact executive class car, available in no less than five different body styles at one point, is still considered the benchmark in many design studios, not to mention those thriving to replicate its dynamic driving attributes.

New Nissan Note production starts in Sunderland

The New Nissan Note goes in to production The new Nissan Note arrived at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and has turned in to a proper compact hatch – with plenty of kerbside appeal – instead of the rather bland small MPV it used to be. With better looks, some nice styling detail and lots of technology on offer – like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection, the new Note looks set to have much more impact when it arrive’s in Nissan’s showrooms than the old Note ever did. That point of view is given extra credence by the 14,000 orders Nissan has received for the new Note in Europe since it went on sale in July, and now the first Notes are ready to start rolling off the production line at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland.