Yamaha Headlamp Assembly 01-503-01 on 2040-parts.com

Early Mercedes sells for £720,000

ONE OF the oldest surviving Mercedes cars has sold at auction for an astronomical fee. The Mercedes Simplex 28/32 HPs Phaeton eventually sold for £720,000 at the Coys auction house True Greats sale in London. Still in complete and roadworthy condition, the car was reported to be in superb, drivable condition before its sale, which was the first time it had been auctioned in its near-109-year life.

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.

Viva La Viva

VAUXHALL is to resurrect the Viva name as it plans to launch an entry-level car to sit alongside its Mini rival the Adam and soon to be launched new Corsa supermini. For now the car maker isn’t giving much away, although it has revealed that the new car will be a five-door model. And while the new Viva will be a significant step up in terms of refinement and sophistication over its 1963 namesake, it’s clear that Vauxhall is keen to tap into the current trend for producing low cost cars that’s proved so successful for the likes of Dacia.