Honda Partner 2006 Left Fender Panel [2010700] on 2040-parts.com

Mini is 50: a Mini celebration by CAR writers and readers

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 13 October 2009 12:45 Mini is 50 this year and we've published a 33-page Mini special in the new November issue of CAR Magazine – packed with memories, drives and analysis of and with the cars and people that made Mini great.  Here we've asked some of CAR's top writers to remember their personal highlights from the past five decades. Gavin Green explains why he recently drove across Australia in a modern Mini, while Anthony ffrench-Constant recalls why crashing a classic Mini caused him to start a lifelong nicotine habit. Click on the links below for our new Mini stories – and don't forget we want YOUR Mini memories too.

VW to build engine plant in Mexico to supply Tenn. factory, source says

Volkswagen AG plans to announce Wednesday that it will build an engine plant in Mexico to supply vehicles assembled in North America, a source at the company's assembly plant in Puebla said. A VW spokesman confirmed that the company will make an announcement but declined to say what it will concern. The new plant will supply an existing VW plant in Puebla, 75 miles southeast of Mexico City, and one being built in Chattanooga, Tenn., the source said.

2013 BMW X6 gets more LEDs, more options

BMW released details about the changes to the X6 crossover. The 2013 model gets light-emitting diodes front and rear, an optional third-row bench seat and choices in engine power, leather and wheel size. Upgraded models will sport LED headlights up front with BMW's signature luminous rings.