Opel Astra H 2005 Spring Rear Diesel 66kw Rpg19457- on 2040-parts.com

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.

New Porsche Panamera GTS takes to the track (video)

New Porsche Panamera GTS takes to the track The new Porsche Panamera GTS is the latest Panamera variant to arrive – the ninth Panamera, no less – and is, as all Porsche GTS models are, a harder-edged take on the more mainstream variants. With its naturally aspirated 4.8 litre V8 producing 425bhp, and pushing those horses through a PDK ‘box to all four wheels, the Panamera can scoot to 62mph in a very respectable 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 179mph. Not bad for a big saloon car that eschews forced induction and can carry proper-sized passengers in comfort.

Bentley: We will overcome resistance to diesel engines

Bentley Diesel Engine - Bentley boss says it will happen We’re the first to admit that we are recent converts to the joys of a powerful diesel engine. But a Bentley Diesel seems perhaps a step too far. But according to Bentley boss, Wolfgang Durheimer, it’s not.