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BMW 7-series hybrid due in 2009

By Nick Gibbs Motor Industry 07 July 2008 14:30 BMW will launch a hybrid petrol version of the newly unveiled 7-series in 2009, but admits it’s more for green-leaning V8 addicts than seriously eco-aware bosses. Even with the latest lithium-ion batteries, the forthcoming 4.4-litre V8 petrol-electric version will struggle to match the astonishing 39.2mpg and 192g/km of CO2 of the new six-cylinder diesel, especially when BMW will launch stop-start technology for the whole range within two years. The hybrid is likely to cost several thousand more than the £65,000 it’s estimated you’ll need to buy the regular, twin-turbo 750i that goes on sale in November 2008.

1960 Maserati Birdcage to cross the block at Mecum Monterey auction

Mecum Auctions is touting a 1960 Maserati Tipo 61/60 sports racer--a “Birdcage” series original--as part of its high-profile lineup for its Monterey sale this summer. The 1960 Maserati Tipo 61/60 Birdcage stands for a creative streak in Maserati's design. It was originally built for legendary Le Mans racer Briggs Cunningham, now a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and competed at Sebring in 1960.

The scramble for scarce tires

North American automakers are struggling with a nagging shortage of tires, caused in part by tire plant closings and rising demand for low-volume specialty tires. Automakers are paying much higher prices -- double-digit percentage increases from a year ago -- as tire makers gain pricing power. "We have been bombarded from every side for additional tires, and we can't keep up," said David O'Donnell, Continental Tire's vice president of original equipment in the Americas.