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

It looks like Aston Martin could be getting AMG/Mercedes platforms too

Mercedes/AMG platforms would make the Lagonda SUV a reality We’d been expecting Aston Martin to get access to Mercedes platforms ever since the Lagonda SUV – based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes GL - arrived in all its ‘beauty’ in 2009. The Lagonda SUV was met with wails of anguish from lovers of Aston Martin’s timeless beauty but, despite the horror at the looks of the SUV, the prospect that Aston Martin could be heading down a collaboration route with Mercedes was welcome. It was welcome because without the support of a major car maker – and access to its technology – Aston Martin would have little chance of a bright future; there is no way a minnow like Aston Martin could afford the development cost of new engines and platforms.

Kia Kue concept

Kia has released a design sketch of its newest concept car - the Kue. With distinctly grand SUV styling, Kue majors on greater driving dynamics and performance.  The focus is very much about an exciting driving experience, as opposed to the typical SUV or CUV [Crossover Utility Vehicle] lifestyle and is the first major new concept launched under the guidance of new design chief Peter Schreyer. Kue is based around a dynamically focused monocoque chassis and features large seven-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels and doors that feature a distinctive sill-to-waist door crease which can be clearly seen on the all new cee'd. Size wise, the Kue measures up with an overall length of 4,720mm and a 2,900mm wheelbase.

MG 3 arrives in the UK next month – price from £8399

All the UK models of the new MG 3 (pictured) will cost under £10k MG revealed the UK MG 3 back in June as their design centre in Birmingham, and it’s not a terrible looking thing – at least from some angle. But whether the relatively low tech and the implication that this is the rebirth of MG Motors will be enough to persuade UK buyers in remains in doubt. What will help is a relatively modest entry point, and the MG3 is starting at £8,399 when it goes on sale in the UK in September.