Corvette Torque Tube Coupling, 2001-2004 on 2040-parts.com

BMW M7 coming after all?

Despite BMW’s stating they will never make an M7, BMW’s American boss Ludwig Willisch says it will happen. Three years ago the BMW ‘M’ anoraks got excited when they thought BMW was about to produce a range-topping M7, but it turned out the photos that elicited their excitement were simply a 7 Series with an M Sport pack bolted on. In answer to the M-anorak’s disappointment BMW pointed out – very sensibly in our view – that the market for an M7 would be tiny and that you could already have a 760i M Sport with a stunning V12 and 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds.

Bentley planning big model expansion

It looks like the last Bentley Brooklands (pictured) will not be the last after all We already know that the Bentley SUV is on the way shortly to take on the might of the new Range Rover, and it seems certain there’s about to be Bentley Mulsanne Speed as Bentley rolls out its ‘Speed’ moniker to its most prestigious car. But there’s more to come. When we reported the Mulsanne Speed was on its way last week, we noted that if Bentley were adding a Speed version of the Mulsanne to their range to expand it then it surely made sense to launch a Mulsanne Coupe and Convertible too.

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi appointed president of Lexus

Toyota's global design chief Tokuo Fukuichi will be the first designer to sit on the company's board of directors when his appointment comes into effect on 1 April. Fukuichi will retain his position as global head of design for the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and will join the board after the general shareholders' meeting. His influence on Toyota's design direction over the last few years has been noticeable, particularly with Lexus, as the company strives to make its traditionally very conservative products a little more exciting.