Westerbeke 35740 on 2040-parts.com

BMW looks to patent seven-speed lockout manual transmission

The intrepid Bimmerphiles over at www.e90post.com have uncovered a few drawings from BMW's latest patent request. The drawing shows a new transmission linkage and what looks to be a seven-speed manual transmission. Like the new Porsche 911, the BMW gear shifter has six gears in standard H pattern, with a seventh gear out to the right.

EV car maker Aptera shuts down

Automotive startup company Aptera Motors, promoter of the weirdly styled, three-wheeled 2e electric car, shut down on Friday, saying it was out of money. The company said it was unable to raise funds from private investors that would have kept it going until it received a $150 million loan from the Department of Energy's Advance Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. "This is a difficult time for everyone connected with our company because we have never been closer to realizing our vision," CEO Paul Wilbur said in a statement.

Chrysler rolls out 'No Payments for 90 Days' incentives

As worries grow of a second-half sales slowdown, Chrysler Group announced new incentives this week for 2011 and 2012 models. Under the “No Payments for 90 Days” promotion, buyers of 2011 or 2012 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram Truck vehicles who finance their purchases through Ally Financial won't have to make payments for three months. The promotion runs through Sept.