Mazda Az Wagon 2006 Ps Computer [0163500] on 2040-parts.com

Mazda unveils Miata special edition, (part of) the next Miata

See, Mazda did show the new Miata at the New York auto show. Just not all of it. Mazda unveiled the chassis that will underpin the next Miata, known as the ND Miata (the current model being the NC).

Lexus CT 200h Advance tops CT 200h range

Lexus has revealed a new range-topper for its smallest car – the Lexus CT 200h Advance – with extra equipment and small price premium. The new range-topping Lexus CT 200h Advance We’re not entirely convinced that Lexus has got their baby car quite right – we’d rather see it drop its rather harsh suspension setup and offer proper compact cosseting - but there’s a ready market from buyers wanting a touch of Japanese luxury in a more compact form. But it seems Lexus are at least heading in the direction they should with the CT 200h by launching a new range-topping model - the Lexus CT 200h Advance – with more toys as standard to appeal to the downsizer who wants their luxury setup ready-made.

Mercedes launch new 9G-Tronic gearbox on E350 BlueTec

New Mercedes E350 BlueTec (pictured) gets 9-speed 9G-TRONIC auto It’s not exactly a million years ago that automatic gearboxes offered poorer performance and economy than manual gearboxes, and came as standard with just three gears. But now, automatic gearboxes are so good they can  change quicker than any driver and, with the proliferation of eight-speed auto ‘boxes, offer improved economy and performance too. The next logical step is even more ratios in an auto ‘box, and Land Rover has already revealed they’ll be fitting the Evoque with a 9-speed ZF ‘box from 2014, and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a nine-speed auto ‘box too.