Djm Suspension Lower Control Arm Ca2007l-2 on 2040-parts.com

BMW set to go front-wheel drive

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German carmaker will introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model positioned and priced below the existing 1-series as part of plans to help increase part sharing and to bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear- and four-wheel-drive-only BMW models. Speaking to AutoWeek at the Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that despite the downturn in the world's economy, there was continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small-car class, before officially acknowledging plans that will see BMW produce a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at Mercedes-Benz. "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small-car segment with new models and variants," he said.

Audi dropping Multitronic CVT gearbox

The Audi Multitronic CVT gearbox is being retired Audi make some great cars, but a number of them are spoiled by the woeful CVT gearbox. The theory is that as the CVT ‘box, which varies transmission ratios infinitely and keeps the engine working in the right rev range, is more economical and more efficient. But CVT boxes are horrible.

Ferrari 550 Barchetta Zagato GTZ sells at Bonhams

The Ferrari 550 Barchetta Zagato GTZ - fetched £350k at Bonhams Regular readers may remember that we exclusively reported that Zagato were working on five Ferrari 550 Barchettas to create the Ferrari 550 GTZ just over a year ago. That report caused all sorts of grief as Zagato and their photographer threatened us with all manner of hellfire and brimstone for spoiling their secret. The resulting grief meant we had to take down their photos, but our story stood.