13 Kx450f Kx 450f Kx450 Stock Seat 89 on 2040-parts.com

GM to build eight-speed transmission in Toledo

General Motors is directing $204 million of a $2 billion investment in its U.S. plants toward building an eight-speed automatic transmission in Toledo. Automakers are turning to transmissions with more gears to meet more stringent fuel-economy regulations.

Caterham launches surprise motorbike division

CAR MAKER Caterham has created a motorcycle division in a shock announcement that sees the brand break new ground. The company, which as well as manufacturing the famous Seven roadster operates one of Formula 1 racing’s 11 teams, has revealed three prototype bikes to kick its two-wheeled ventures off. These prototypes, two of which look more like bicycles, have been scheduled for production in 2014, sparking surprise and debate among bikers and sports car fans.

Exclusive First Sight: Pininfarina Sergio concept

Upon receiving the call from Pininfarina's PR man, asking if Car Design News would like to head to Torino for a preview of its latest concept car (not a hard offer to accept), we had no other information than its name – Sergio – and an abstract teaser shot of a detail. Driving through lovely, crumbly Turin, and out into the zona industriale towards Pininfaina's Cambiano base, the fear strikes: what if the car's a disappointment? What if it's simply some unremarkable supermini – maybe even an electric one?