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

New Kia Cee’d GT Turbo: First photo arrives

We have the first photo of the 5-door Kia Cee’d GT – a Cee’d with the engine from the Hyundai Veloster Turbo – ahead of a 2013 Geneva reveal. We already know that Kia are planning to launch the 3-door Pro_Cee’d GT with the engine from the Veloster Turbo because they’ve told us, and they’ve sent us some details of its specification and photos too. We also know that there will be a 5-door Kia Cee’d GT – with the same Turbo engine – although so far Kia hasn’t sent us details or photos.

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 640d xDrive announced

On Thursday, Greg Kable waxed effusively about the new BMW M550d xDrive coupe, suggesting that it was the ultimate 5-series for everyday use. On Friday, Munich announced that the 5's two-door sibling will receive an AWD diesel variant: the 640d xDrive. While not quite as high-zoot as the 5-series' top oil burner, the 640d's 3.0-liter, twin-turbo straight-six cranks out a respectable 465 lb-ft of almighty torque between 1,500 rpm and 2,500 rpm, plus 313 hp at 4,400 rpm—numbers that, according to BMW, will carry the 6-series to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.