Frame Guard 2005 Yamaha Ttr125e Metal Oem 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?

Kia Provo upsets Northern Ireland

The Kia Provo Concept for a funky urban car has run in to trouble in Northern Ireland as its name evokes the Troubles. Looking like a Kia take on the Juke – although we think Kia see it more as a take on the MINi Countryman / MINI Paceman – it looks like a perfect direction for Kia to take with a ready market for butch little cars for blatting round town growing all the time. But you can’t please all the people all the time, and Kia has run in to trouble with the Provo already, as Unionist MPs in Northern Ireland have taken exception to the name.

Shelby American celebrates the GT350's anniversary with a modern Mustang

Shelby American is marking the 45th anniversary of the legendary Shelby GT350 Mustang with a new version, designed for Ford's new 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 Mustang. For those willing to plunk down $33,995--plus the cost of a new Mustang--the team at Shelby American in Las Vegas will crank out a modernized GT350. On the outside, that calls for white paint with the blue racing stripes down the center of the hood, roof and deck.