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

MINI Countryman to be built in India

MINI sells worldwide – even in the US – and, despite claims it was a step too far for the brand, the MINI Countryman has been a big hit for MINI, offering as it does most of MINI’s charm but in a bigger, more family friendly package and with the option of All4 4WD for a degree of off-road ability (well, certainly the ability to treat boot sale car parks with disdain). Now, for the first time, BMW is to build the MINI outside Europe with a new MINi assembly facility coming on stream in Chennai, India, where BMW already makes 3 and 5 Series models as well as the X1 and X3. The plan is part of BMW’s plan of ‘Production follows the market’ where BMW aim to make their cars where they’re sold, so with the MINI brand showing strong growth in India since its launch it makes sense to build them there.

Bugatti takes a pair of Veyrons to Shanghai show

The growth of manufacturing in Asia has minted more than a few wealthy people--the target audience for Bugatti. The French-based boutique carmaker took two examples of the Veyron to this week's Shanghai motor show--the Asian debut for the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport and an individually customized 16.4 Grand Sport. The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport in Shanghai wears black-colored carbon-fiber bodywork, accented with polished and anodized aluminum trim such as the badges and wheels.

Audi A1 by Damien Hirst (2010): first official picture

British artist Damien Hirst has helped Audi produce this art car: an Audi A1, which sold for €420,000 (£350,000) at a charity raffle. The Audi A1 Damien Hurst was shown at pop star Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Ball and the money raised goes to his AIDS foundation. ‘That’s the most exciting object we’ve ever had on auction at the White Tie,’ said Sir Elton.