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

Mercedes-Benz to cut production time, halve number of vehicle architectures

Mercedes-Benz is restructuring its global production network to cut the average production time for its models to 30 hours by 2015 from 43 in 2008. "We have increased productivity by 2 percent a year over the last few years. We will be accelerating our productivity efforts," Mercedes production boss Wolfgang Bernhard said during an investor conference that was part of the automaker's plant opening in Kecskemet, Hungary, on Thursday.

BMW Z4 M Sport Package released

BMW is to debut the M Sport Package for the Z4 at the Detroit Auto Show Back in September we brought you some pictures of what at first glance appeared to be a BMW Z4M, despite BMW making it clear that they are not going to build an M car this time round. But it actually turned out to be a Z4 with M Sport Package zapping round the Nurburgring looking, to all intents and purposes, like a new hot Z4. Almost three months on BMW has finally got round to revealing the M Sport Package for the Z4 which will – just like the BMW Z4 sDrive35is we reported on yesterday – debut at the Detroit Motor Show in  January 2010.

BMW Concept Active Tourer [w/Gallery]

BMW will be presenting its new concept, the BMW Concept Active Tourer, at this month's Paris motor show as part of the ongoing development of the BMW brand and its model range. With a length of 4,350 mm, a width of 1,834mm and a height of 1,560mm, the wedge-shaped BMW Concept Active Tourer targets the premium market along with families, and because of the car's long wheelbase of 2,670mm and a high roofline it allows for a spacious interior. The car's front face features the signature front-tilted BMW radiator grille and wraparound headlamps with two large air inlets underneath, designed to emphasize the car's width.