Cardone 54-74821 Power Brake Unit on 2040-parts.com

CAR scoop: BMW and Toyota's joint sports car plot

BMW is buddying up with Toyota on an all-new sports car platform, set to underpin the replacements for the Z4, 6-series and GT86. The unlikely collaboration stems from an alliance that began in 2011, where BMW and Toyota agreed to co-develop next-generation lithium ion batteries, and for Toyota to use BMW’s fourpot diesels in its European cars. An engineering team is beavering away on the project, with the clock ticking: the suits want to outline the car’s specification before the end of 2013. What does BMW get out of the bargain?

Intermot-IVM Design Award Competition 2004

A perception that young people are less and less attracted to motorbikes provides the theme for the first Intermot-IVM Design Award competition. The Motorcycle Industry Association of Germany (IVM e.V.) and the Trade Fair Munich/Intermot have decided to intensively take care of their young clients with several activities this year. As young people are no longer inspired by superb technology alone, but are impressed more and more visually, it is only logical to place a greater emphasis on the design of the bike in winning over young customers.

Toyota GT86 Convertible (the Toyota FT-86 Concept) at Tokyo with roof up

The Toyota FT-86 Open Concept (pictured) gets a roof and new paint job for Tokyo 2013 The Toyota FT-86 Open Concept (effectively a roadster version of the GT86) made an appearance earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, and now Toyota are lining up a new version of the FT-86 for their home show in Tokyo. The FT-86 Open may be billed as a concept, but it’s clear Toyota are keen to see the GT86 Roadster go in to production, and the latest FT-86 for Tokyo demonstrates that with a new paint job and the first views of the fabric roof in place. Complementing the FT-86′s new red paint job it gets door handles, windscreen surround and door mirrors in contrasting grey and the interior gets a set of red carpets.