Audi dropping Multitronic CVT gearbox

The Audi Multitronic CVT gearbox is being retired Audi make some great cars, but a number of them are spoiled by the woeful CVT gearbox. The theory is that as the CVT ‘box, which varies transmission ratios infinitely and keeps the engine working in the right rev range, is more economical and more efficient. But CVT boxes are horrible.

Pagani Huayra sets Top Gear lap record and places marker for McLaren P1

The Pagani Huyra set a stunning record time on the Top Gear track last week and in the process laid down a marker for the new McLaren P1. The return of Top Gear at the weekend for Series 19 saw Richard Hammond get to grips with the Pagani Huayra – successor to his beloved Zonda – and after a thoroughly positive test drive Hammond handed over to the Stig to take the Huayra round the Top Gear track. In the hands of the Stig, the 6.0 litre V12 AMG engine with 730 horses powered the Huayra to a time of just 1:13.8, beating the previous record for a production car, held by the Ariel Atom V8, by a sizeable 1.3 seconds.

Aston Martin signs Christian Klien as final factory driver

Ex-Formula One driver Christian Klien has completed Aston Martin Racing's factory driver lineup, the team said on Wednesday. He will join his new teammates in the all-new LMP1-class 007 AMR-One in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Klien competed in 49 F1 races since 2004 and drove for Peugeot in Europe's Le Mans Series, and in 2008, he had both the fastest lap and finished third in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.