Kimpex 08-477 Front Suspension A-arms on 2040-parts.com

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.

Lee Noble returns with Fenix Automotive

Lee Noble is returning to car making, with a new car due in 2010. Noble M12 pictured We’ll resist telling you that Lee Noble is returning ‘Fenix’ like to the realm of specialist car makers. But he is, with a new company – Fenix Automotive Ltd.

New Ford C-Max revealed

Ford has released first details of the new C-Max which will debut at Frankfurt Ford has released some detail of the new C-Max, which is the first car from Ford to use the next generation Ford Focus platform, and will come as either a five or seven seat car. Not only will the new C-Segment platform be used here in the C-Max, but it will also see use in not just the next generation Focus, but also in the eventual replacement for the Ford Kuga. The C-Max will very sensibly stick with the multi-link rear suspension that has given the current generation Focus such great driving dynamics, and it will also feature Ford’s 1.6 litre Ecoboost engine, which is equipped with a turbo and direct injection for improved economy and efficiency.