Dodge Dakota Getrag G238 6 Speed Transmission on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes-Benz considering Aston Martin buyout

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly considering a deal to buyout sports car manufacturer Aston Martin, which would increase the firm’s current 5% stake in the British brand. Following a deal to supply AMG engines to Aston for its next generation of vehicles (hence the current 5% share), a buyout or even further investment in Aston Martin could be beneficial to both brands. On Bing: see pictures of the Aston Martin Lagonda SUV concept Find out how much a used Aston Martin costs on Auto Trader With Mercedes technical expertise and existing model range, it opens up potential new models to Aston Martin.

Audi shifts to eight-speeds for most models

A formal press conference probably won't happen until this summer, but we hear that Audi dealers have received their 2011 order guides, and it looks as though the company will be going from 0 to about 70 percent of U.S. sales being eight-speed automatic transmissions. Beginning this fall, the eight-speed will replace today's six-speed automatic in the A4 2.0-liter turbo sedan and wagon, the A5 2.0-liter turbo coupe and cabriolet, the Q5 2.0-liter turbo, the Q7 3.0-liter turbo, the Q7 diesel, the Q7 with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and the all-new A8 and A8L with the 4.2-liter V8.

Kia Rio

Another car set to be unveiled at Geneva is the Kia Rio. Debuting alongside the Picanto, the Rio's new look brings it inline with the rest of the Kia family. The B segment car has grown in all directions and sports a longer wheelbase, whilst sitting around 15mm lower than the existing model.