Polaris 700 / 1050 Cylinder Hurricane Slx Sltx on 2040-parts.com

Plans for Smart’s three-seat sports car uncovered in patent drawings

Mercedes-Benz is developing a three-seat sports car for Smart. Depicted here in a series of European patent-application sketches obtained by AutoWeek, the radical new sports car forms part of an extended range of new Smart models planned for introduction by the middle of the next decade, including a more conventional four-seater to be produced in cooperation with Renault. Mercedes-Benz is reacting to increased competition from Toyota in the form of the iQ and the impending arrival of similar urban-based offerings from premium-brand rivals Audi and BMW.

Volkswagen's New DSG Gearbox

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 26 May 2007 06:27 Volkswagen has unveiled its next-generation seven-speed DSG transmission - and as you’d expect, it’s lighter, smaller and more efficient. The new paddle-shift gearbox, codenamed DQ200, uses a pair of dry organic-bonded friction linings that don't require cooling in preference to the six-speed version’s twin wet clutches. The system also requires less power for the gear selection and clutch servo system, boosting fuel efficiency and powertrain performance.

Chrysler says it has Wrangler hard-top shortage covered

Chrysler Group says it has solved the problem that caused a shortage of hard tops for Jeep Wranglers. Michael Manley, CEO of the Jeep brand, said there will be two production increases of the hard tops--one in early April and the second in late April. “We’ve been working to increase hard-top capacity,” Manley said at a Jeep event Thursday.