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Mazda's rotary engine stalled, not forgotten

Development of the next-generation rotary engine from Mazda Motor Corp., first unveiled three years ago, is making slow progress despite missing emissions targets. A top Mazda powertrain executive said today that the 1.6-liter rotary engine, called the 16X, is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the current rotary engine used in the RX-8 sporty car. In fact, the 16X so far performs slightly better than Mazda's standard two-liter gasoline engine, said Mitsuo Hitomi, general manager of the Japanese carmaker's powertrain division.

Countach Sets Record Auction Price

A 1982 Lamborghini Countach was the highlight at a recent historics auction at the famous Brooklands Museum. The Countach was clearly the sale star, soaring to nearly three times its reserve price and settling at what is believed to be a UK auction record for this model, at £337,120 including commission and tax. The auction hall was treated to a struggle between bidders for ownership of the 8,500 mile car, which has been in professional storage for the last 23 years.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider at Geneva

By Mark Walton Motor Shows 07 March 2008 17:11 What’s new on the Alfa Romeo Geneva Motor Show stand?Alfa’s youthful new CEO Luca De Meo swept into Geneva like the heir-apparent he no doubt is, to unveil the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider. Even though this is now a well-known car that’s been previewed a dozen times at events around the world (including the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed and 2005 Pebble Beach) it still drew a big crowd for the official launch; and when the silky red cover was drawn off, there were still an audible gasp from audience, despite the familiarity. Shown in white with dark grey alloys and a deep tan interior, the Spider is an achingly beautiful car – a stunning, proper, drop-dead drop-top, arguably even more sensuous and dramatic than the 8C Competizione coupe that preceded it.