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

BMW makes 1,000 workers permanent

AROUND 1,000 agency workers at car giant BMW are to be made permanent employees, guaranteeing job security for years. The change, being made in two phases, was warmly welcomed by the Unite union, describing it as a great Christmas present. The announcement covers workers across a number of BMW sites including the Mini plant in Oxford, pressings plant in Swindon and Hams Hall engine site near Birmingham.

2014 Kia Soul “Red Zone” takes it to the house

Kia Motors America announced its first special edition for the second generation 2014 Soul, dubbed “Red Zone.” This quirky, boxy compact car will get a head-to-toe makeover, taking inspiration and design cues from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show favorite, the Track'ster concept. The exterior of the Soul gets bright white paint, accented by pops of red. The grille, front and rear fascias and side skirts also will receive the distinguished red embellishments, adding to what Kia describes as “the aggressively styled body kit.” Custom 18-inch alloy wheels complete the “Red Zone” makeover.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe, the AutoWeek Drivers Log

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: There are some cars that look good, and then there are a few cars that look downright gorgeous. Astons fall into the latter category (except for the DB9 Volante). This Vantage coupe with its DBR9 racing green paint job is hard to miss--not for being an over-the-top, outlandish-styled car like a Lambo, but because it's just so beautiful.