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

BMW-Toyota partnership may yield hybrid Z4, new Supra

The BMW-Toyota sports-car lash-up has been reported on for a couple of years now, but new information from a report in the U.K.'s Autocar sheds more light on the future of the BMW Z4 and what this year's Toyota FT-1 concept will ultimately herald. Like the current Z4, its predecessor and the Z3 before it, as well as every generation of Supra, the new platform will feature a front-mounted gasoline engine. From there, things look to be diverging wildly as technology marches forward.

Mercedes S-Class Maybach spied (video)

The Mercedes S-Class Maybach hits the Nurburgring The new Mercedes S-Class is already starting to proliferate, with a wide range of engines, two wheelbases and the CL Coupe’s replacement – the new S-Class Coupe – already hitting the market. But Mercedes are far from finished extending the S-Class franchise, and we’ve got two more versions of the S-Class Saloon – the Maybach and Pullman – still to come, and the arrival of the S-Class Convertible still to come. And now it looks like the S-Class Maybach – effectively a replacement for the ill-fated Maybach brand – is getting closer to debut with this S-Class Maybach spotted testing at the Nurburgring.

Nissan creates Spec Z series with National Auto Sport Association

Nissan is partnering with the National Auto Sport Association to create a new spec road-racing series for the 2003-08 Nissan 350Z. The company says the series will focus on close competition, parity and cost containment. NASA Spec Z will offer a contingency prize program, while Nissan Motorsports will provide technical support.