Transmission 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.

Subaru Impreza Concept at LA

The Subaru Impreza Concept revealed at LA Motor Show A new Subaru Impreza – or the Subaru Impreza Concept, to be precise – is not something we had on the radar for the Los Angeles Motor Show. In fact the only thing we really had on the radar for Subaru was perhaps the Subota Coupe; certainly not a new Impreza. Subaru aren’t calling the Impreza Concept the new Impreza, but I think we’ll assume there’s a clue in the name.

Who's Where: Felix Kilbertus appointed Fiat chief exterior designer

Felix Kilbertus has been appointed Fiat's chief exterior designer. Kilbertus' move sees him cross Turin, from his previous position as a lead designer at Pininfarina, to Centro Stile. In his new role he is responsible for the exterior design of Fiat-branded passenger vehicles.