Center Line Telstar Wheels/rims (front)15x7, (back)15x8 on 2040-parts.com

BMW looks to patent seven-speed lockout manual transmission

The intrepid Bimmerphiles over at www.e90post.com have uncovered a few drawings from BMW's latest patent request. The drawing shows a new transmission linkage and what looks to be a seven-speed manual transmission. Like the new Porsche 911, the BMW gear shifter has six gears in standard H pattern, with a seventh gear out to the right.

Car Design News launches global user survey

We've carried out CDN user surveys before, but this is the first one structured so that we can assess the needs of the different parts of the design community - by discipline, by region, by background, by price point, and more. Take a moment to give us feedback on what you like, what you don't and what you think we're missing. The survey is anonymous and will take 4-5 minutes of your time - maximum.  The results will be used to build enhancements or change some of the direction of Car Design News.

Brands Hatch drive 'was wicked fun'

A MAN WHO DROVE his girlfriend's car on to the former Formula One circuit at Brands Hatch during a race has boasted that the stunt was "wicked fun". Jack Cottle, 21, steered Saskia Fisk's white Volkswagen Polo into the middle of a Fun Cup race at the Kent circuit on Saturday. He was arrested yesterday on suspicion of false imprisonment after footage filmed from the back seat by his friend, Zac Copson, showed Ms Fisk apparently screaming in terror.