New Idler Pulley Gates 38043 on 2040-parts.com

Are the Mini Coupe and Roadster on their way out?

The slow-selling Mini Coupe and Roadster could be replaced by an all new sports model soon, Australian site CarSales is reporting. The pair haven't fired up the Mini faithful as some other recent models from the brand, and a refreshed Mini lineup is on the horizon including 18 new cars based on Mini's two platforms. Knowing Mini's ability to spin off models, that number doesn't sound too far-fetched.

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept: The GT86 Convertible arrives early + video

The Toyota GT86 Convertible – in the guise of the FT-86 Open Concept has arrived earlier than Toyota would like ahead of a Geneva debut. Toyota teased the convertible GT86 with a sketch of the FT-86 Open Concept a few weeks ago – with a promise that all would be revealed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show – but it’s arrived a bit earlier than Toyota wanted. The intrepid folks at FT86Club have managed to come up with photos of the FT-86 Open Concept (above) – and video – ahead of the official reveal by Toyota – and it looks pretty good.

Renault buys Caterham stake in Alpine as Anglo-French deal collapses

By Michael Karkafiris Motor Industry 10 June 2014 10:36 The collaboration between Renault and Caterham officially ended today, with the French company acquiring Caterham’s remaining stake in Alpine. It marks the end of the road for the Anglo-French collaboration, leaving Renault the sole owner in Société des Automobiles Alpine. Today’s announcement terminates the 50-50 partnership signed in November 2012 between the two companies, a partnership that started with the promise of building two sister sports cars, one from Alpine and one from Caterham.