Autometer 2-1/16in S/c Shift Light - 1 Stage 3387 on 2040-parts.com

Bentley 6¾ litre V8 to end production – Diesels & Hybrid on the way

Bentley’s outgoing boss has revealed Bentley are planning to drop their trademark 6¾ litre V8 and introduce hybrid and diesel options. Bentley’s famed 6¾ litre V8 engine – in production since 1959, although it didn’t grow to 6¾ litre until 1970 - is as much a USP for Bentley as the badge and the history. BMW tried to bring production of the old iron lump to an end in 1998 – replacing it with a characterless BMW 4.4 litre V8 – but it was back a year later when VW took over as the motivation for the Red Label Arnage – and it’s stayed ever since.

McLaren MP4-12C Spider (2012) first official pictures

For the naysayers who continue to decry McLaren's MP4-12C for a supposed lack of visual and visceral drama, the British supercar maker has unveiled this: the new 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Spider. Mechanically identical to the newly updated MP4-12C coupe, the Spider gets a unique retractable hard-top to keep out the rain, just in time for its wintry lanch in November 2012. How is the McLaren 12C Spider's folding roof unique?

Jaguar considers a sedan to rival the 3-series

Jaguar may develop a small sedan to compete with BMW's 3 series--something it tried a decade ago with little success. Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's new global brand director, says Jaguar is considering a small sports car that could also be offered as a sedan. "We need different models.