Lw-15071 Lycoming Gasket-oil Sump on 2040-parts.com

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.

Super-rare Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Shooting Break up for auction

The growing trend for shooting break estates is nothing new. Sleek estate versions of high-end, luxury limousines have been produced at the behest of their ultra-wealthy owners for years – just like this bespoke Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Shooting Break. And this example could be yours for a snip – it’s going up for auction with Bonhams at the Beaulieu Sale on 7 September 2013 with an estimated price of £12,000 to £16,000.

CDN Interior Motives Student Design Awards 2012 deadline this Friday

The CDN Interior Motives Student Design Awards 2012 competition deadline is fast approaching, with entrants having until 11 May to submit their entries. The theme of this year's competition – which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year – is ‘What Comes Next? Make your mark on the car of tomorrow' and is comprised of the following four briefs, devised in collaboration with Volkswagen and Peugeot: The Next Icon Considers the legacy of cars that have achieved iconic status in the car design automotive industry as a result of technological advances and improvements in construction and ergonomics among other things.