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

2012 Mercedes A-Class: The Concept-A Videos

Mercedes Concept-A Video We had the first proper details on the Mercedes Concept-A earlier this week, which points the way – as a slightly tamed-down version – to the 2012 Mercedes A-Class. That Mercedes A Class will not just arrive as a hatch but will – in cojunction with the new Mercedes B-Class that will also utilise Mercedes new MFA platform – spawn models as diverse as a shooting brake, crossover, coupe and cabriolet. It seems – with all the derivatives that appear to be planned – that Mercedes are looking to out-MINI MINI in the variations on a theme game.

Hyundai makes Kia’s Peter Schreyer Hyundai design guru too

The newly appointed Kia President, Peter Schreyer, has now been made Hyundai President in charge of design too. Peter Schreyer’s success in making Kia a real design force led to him being appointed a Kia President at the end of 2012, handsome reward for the changes he’s wrought at Kia since leaving VW, turning Kia’s range of cars from stodgy to convincing in a few short years. But Kia is the junior partner in the Hyundai-Kia business, so Hyundai are obviously not totally thrilled that Kia managed to snaffle a designer who’s eye manages to so convincingly hit the Zeitgeist firmly on the head.

Opel/Vauxhall Cascada [w/gallery]

The Opel/Vauxhall Cascada effectively replaces the Astra Twin Top, but attempts to move the model upmarket as a separate product line. It has moved up a size to reflect its prestige aspirations: at 4,697 mm long and 1,840 mm wide, it's longer than an Audi A5. Like many of the latest generation of convertibles, the Cascada ditches a folding solid hardtop in favor of a lighter, more space-efficient and cheaper soft fabric set-up.