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

BMW ready to shift small coupes, convertibles to even-number nameplates

Reports in Europe say that BMW is planning a shake-up in the naming strategy for its smaller coupes and convertibles, as well as planning to shift its 1-series cars onto a front-drive platform. The nameplate shake-up will have coupe and convertible variants of the 1-series become the 2-series, while coupe and convertible variants of the 3-series will become the 4-series. The changeover is expected to start in 2013, according to a report on the Web site of Car magazine.

Porsche Design creates Shisha pipe

Porsche has designed a Shisha pipe as part of their Porsche Design World Collection. The Shisha will be the latest addition to the collection, which already ranges from chopsticks to a tea and soup set as well as fashion items such as a polo shirt, a jacket and a silk scarf. The pipe, made in Germany, stands at 55cm tall and is made up of materials such as glass, aluminum and stainless steel.

Gert Hildebrand on his new challenge at Chinese startup, Qoros

Qoros Auto, a new start-up luxury automaker which launched in China late last year, is poised to take on the established German firms in the increasingly competitive luxury segment. The company was formerly known as Chery Quantum Auto Co. Ltd (“CQAC”) and is a 50/50 joint venture between Chery Automobile and Israel Corporation.