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

VW developing 10-speed transmission to save fuel

Volkswagen is developing a 10-speed dual-clutch transmission to help reduce fuel consumption in its vehicles, CEO Martin Winterkorn said. The transmission is one of a number of drivetrain technologies that the automaker is focusing on for the mid- and long term, he said. Others include plug-in hybrids and a high performance diesel engine.

EBay exotic: 1974 Alfa Romeo Berlina 2000

I'm a sucker for a four-door Alfa, and this bright red Berlina 2000 posted by our friends at Bring a Trailer has yours truly all aflutter this morning. Formerly owned by an Alfa Romeo employee in the United States, this car shows just a tick less than 89,000 original miles and wears fresh paint as of a few years ago. The seller, himself an Alfisti, claims that the gauges and mechanicals are all in correct working order, and the original factory air conditioning apparently operates as well as it did when new--which likely isn't very well, but still, it makes an interesting conversation piece.

2013 Ford Kuga: Price from £20,895

The 2013 Ford Kuga will cost from £20,895 for the entry-level Kuga 1.6T EcoBoost  150PS Zetec, rising to £29,545 for the Kuga 2.0TDCi  163PS AWD Titanium X. The starting point for entry in to the new Kuga is the  1.6T EcoBoost  150PS Zetec with FWD, which costs £1,000 less than the equivalent outgoing model, rising to the range-topping Kuga 2.0TDCi  163PS AWD Titanium X with all its bells and whistles for a shade under £30k. In fact, Ford say that all the like-for-like models in the new Kuga range actually come in at a lower price than the old model, citing the best-selling 2.0-litre TDCi 163PS model which, at £25,545, is £355 cheaper than in the current Kuga.