Original Parts Group Front Door Latch Assembly C980003 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?

New Kia Soul for 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

The new second-generation Kia Soul crossover will make its European debut at next month’s 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, boasting increased practicality and improved efficiency over its predecessor. Based on the latest Kia Ceed hatchback platform, the new car goes on sale in the UK early in 2014, with prices expected to start around £13,000. The 2014 Kia Soul will be available with the firm’s latest 133hp 1.6-litre petrol and 126hp 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines.

Nissan to close Michigan design studio

In a cost-cutting move, Nissan is shutting its design studio at its research-and-development complex in suburban Detroit and moving the work to its main U.S. design studio in San Diego. The design studio in Farmington Hills, Mich., opened in 2005.