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

BMW X3 gets a turbo four-cylinder

BMW is expanding the use of its N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine by making it the base powerplant for the 2013 X3 SUV. The X3 xDrive28 will use the twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Twin-scroll turbocharging means that the exhaust stream of cylinders one and four follow a separate path to the turbine wheel from cylinders two and three.

Vauxhall & Opel could merge with Peugeot Citroen.

GM Europe (Opel and Vauxhall) could extend their deal with PSA (Peugeot Citroen) with a Joint Venture or merger. When GM Europe and PSA announced they were forming an alliance earlier this year, we asked if this was an admission that the mainstream car market in Europe had changed forever, and an alliance between Opel, Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen was the only way to keep the brands viable. But we did also question what use a projected annual saving of €2 billion by sharing suppliers and co-developing platforms would be to PSA and GM considering their woeful losses.

MG Icon concept

The MG Icon concept will be unveiled at the Beijing motor show next week in order to test public reaction to a small crossover, as well as suggesting a new design direction for the brand. Similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Icon – as its name suggests – plays on MG's back catalogue of classic cars, something the company hasn't done since its takeover by Nanjing and subsequently SAIC in 2005. Despite clearly different proportions the Icon pays homage to the MGB GT sports coupe via its lamp and grille graphics, bumper overriders and fastback tailgate.