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

MINI Countryman to be built in India

MINI sells worldwide – even in the US – and, despite claims it was a step too far for the brand, the MINI Countryman has been a big hit for MINI, offering as it does most of MINI’s charm but in a bigger, more family friendly package and with the option of All4 4WD for a degree of off-road ability (well, certainly the ability to treat boot sale car parks with disdain). Now, for the first time, BMW is to build the MINI outside Europe with a new MINi assembly facility coming on stream in Chennai, India, where BMW already makes 3 and 5 Series models as well as the X1 and X3. The plan is part of BMW’s plan of ‘Production follows the market’ where BMW aim to make their cars where they’re sold, so with the MINI brand showing strong growth in India since its launch it makes sense to build them there.

Ford's young driver training proves a hit

FORD'S new young driver training programme, dubbed Ford Driving Skills for Life, has proved an instant hit with the first two sessions being substantially oversubscribed. Over 500 applications were made for the 300 free places available at Excel in London and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, and the participants aged between 17 and 24 received tips and guidance in the controlled environment of a purpose-built track. Manchester University student, Ryan Harrison, who took part in the free driver training, said: “I’ve learned so much today, especially in the skid car, learning what I’ve done wrong in the past without realising it and where to put my hands on the wheel.

Audi puts a price on its 2012 V8 S Models – S6, S7 & S8

2012 Audi S8 - costs £78k Audi’s new V8 – shared with Bentley – arrives in the UK in the guise of the 2012 models of the S6, S7 & S8. Prices from £53,995 to £77,900. Audi, just as most other car makers are doing, is down-sizing its cylinder count and upping its reliance on forced induction as it seeks to cut emissions and improve fuel economy (well, official figures, anyway), which has meant the end of the 5.2 litre V10 in its ‘S’ models.