Hyde Nip Utility Knife on 2040-parts.com

Hyundai puts Michel Nandan in charge of WRC effort

Hyundai has appointed former Peugeot WRC technical director Michel Nandan to head up their assault on WRC. As Hyundai matures in to a credible mainstream force, improving brand perception is crucial to its long-term goals and 2012 is all about improving Hyundai’s brand experience and perceptions of the brand. A part of that focus is to take Hyundai back in to WRC rallying with a much modified i20, where Hyundai are hoping for a better experience than they had when they went rallying a decade ago – which should be a given considering the big strides Hyundai has made in its cars in the last few years.

Hoon Small! Fiat 500 Abarth to start at $22,000

Fiat's U.S. arm is hoping that the Abarth-tuned antisocial edition of its diminutive 500 will inject some heat into the model's disappointing sales figures. Pricing it starting at $22,000, not including destination charges, should make the heated, tiny Italian more compelling to hot-hatch enthusiasts.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta – UK prices and models

Alfa Romeo has announced prices for the Alfa Giulietta Its little brother – the Alfa Romeo MiTo – started the ball rolling. For the first time in my lifetime an Alfa Romeo – albeit a little one – was not just reliable, but it was also a sensible buy. So you could buy your little runaround with your heart and your head wouldn’t blow a gasket.