Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Aston gets ultra-quick paddleshift

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 28 September 2006 06:35 Aston Martin today unveils a new, Ferrari-style paddleshift transmission for the V8 Vantage. Dubbed Sportshift, the automated manual promises gearchanges in less than 200millisec, faster than you can swap cogs with the six-speed manual. Developed over the past 18 months with Magneti Marelli, the electro hydraulic six-speed box has numerous modes.

Jaguar XJ Review (2013 MY): 3.0 litre Diesel Portfolio

We’ve got the 2013 MY Jaguar XJ in Portfolio trim with the 3.0 litre diesel engine and the new eight-speed gearbox and stop-start in for review and road test. But even though it’s changed little in the three years since it debuted, the XJ has changed minds about what a big Jaguar saloon should be; no longer the staid old man’s carriage of choice with a pipe holder in the centre console, but instead a stand-out car in its sector with better dynamics than anything else. The looks have grown on a sceptical public too, and the XJ is now viewed as a real Jaguar; it doesn’t garner crowds as it did in the early days, but it’s still a car that passing strangers feel warrants comment, comments which have always been complimentary when the big Jag has been with us.

BMW's iconic Art Cars visit New York's Grand Central Station

New Yorkers were treated to a free exhibition of four of BMW's most famous Art Cars, which were part of a display in Grand Central Station last week. Over the years, leading artists have been commissioned to paint whatever they wish on a car and many have accepted, from Alexander Calder to David Hockney. There are 16 cars currently in the collection.