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

Chris Bangle begins work with Changan Automobile on its design strategy and methodology

Chris Bangle is to consult with Changan Automobile to help develop its design strategy and processes in his first official automotive project since leaving BMW in 2009. Bangle – through his company Chris Bangle Associates (CBA) – will work with Changan's team in its European design center in Turin, Italy, reporting to design director Chen Zheng. And while his role will be linked to the brand's Chinese products, his focus will be on the design team's methodologies and philosophy; its management and its process of critique, rather than the hands-on design of its products.

BMW Z4M? Sorry, it’s the Z4 M-Sport

BMW are testing a Z4 with an M-Sport package round the Nurburgring I suppose that at least this way you can have a Z4 that looks the part- with bigger wheels and bumpers and maybe even a suspension tweak or three – without having to bother with the big price ticket or the not inconsiderable running costs. To be fair, the Z4 sDrive35i is not particularly slow. It will manage to get to 60 mph in around 5.0 seconds; handles well and looks so much better than the Z3 did.

Remember this day in GM history: The next century of automotive success starts now

President Obama's administration made history today with what some see as nothing short of government meddling in the affairs of big business. What I see is something else: I see the administration showing that it is serious and raising the level of concern from yellow to orange. Now there is a firm deadline and a message to bondholders, United Auto Worker union members and the American public: Do not be surprised if in the next 30 days--or even sooner-General Motors files for a controlled bankruptcy.