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

BMW works hard to avoid gas-guzzler tax

BMW AG hopes to get out from under the gas-guzzler taxes that are tacked on to the sticker prices of some of its high-performance models in the United States. Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, says the company is studying fuel-efficiency improvements that could eliminate the gas-guzzler taxes on its vehicles as early as the launch of their redesigns in the next few years. The 2010 550i GT incurs a $1,000 gas-guzzler fee, for example.

BMW DesignworksUSA Intermarine 55 Yacht

Following on from their alliance with Siemens on the Metro Inspiro train, BMW DesignworksUSA have collaborated with Intermarine, Brazil's leading luxury yacht brand. Having previously designed sea-going vessels for Bavaria Yachts, a manufacturer of entry-level yachts, the Intermarine 55 is a move into the upper segment of the yacht market for the consultancy. "Intermarine is a famous connoisseur brand with a rich history, and to evolve its design forward with the Intermarine 55 is an honor," said Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA.

Seat celebrates 60 years of production

SPANISH car maker Seat has this week celebrated its 60th anniversary, releasing pictures dating back to its very first model, the 1400. Six decades have now passed since the first 1400 rolled off the production line, when the brand new company was inundated with 10,000 orders following the end of petrol rationing in Spain. With so much production demand Seat was able to drop the initial price of 121,875 to a more reasonable 117,000 pesetas, or what would have been about £590 at the time.