O-ring Tech Tray (dorman #80022) on 2040-parts.com

New Mercedes SL 400 replaces SL 350

The new Mercedes SL 400 (pictured) replaces the old SL 350 It’s a little over two years since the latest Mercedes SL arrived, and Mercedes has now decided to add a little zest to sales by dropping the old SL 350 and replacing it with a new Mercedes SL 400. The new SL 400 gets its power from the new E400 which means a twin-turbo 3.0 litre V6 with 328bhp and 354 lb/ft of torque – 26bhp and 81 lb/ft more than the old SL 350 – enough to let the SL 400 scoot to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds – 0.7s better than the 350 -= and on to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The new SL 400 has to make do with Mercedes tried and tested 7-speed auto – despite a new 9-speed now being available in Mercedes’ arsenal – which gives the SL 400 official economy of 38.6 mpg and emissions of 172g/km – not that you’ll come close in the real world.

2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible Price & Specs – costs from £29,180

The new BMW 2 Series Convertible arrives – and there’s an M235i version too As BMW changes its nomenclature, the BMW 2 Series Convertible arrives as a replacement for the old 1-Series Convertible and becomes the third BMW in the 2-Series range, joining the 2 Series Coupe and the FWD 2-Series Active Tourer. Due to go on sale in February 2015, the new 2-Series Convertible is looking to build on the success of the old 1-Series Convertible with a wide range of specs and powerplants – from the 220i and 220d to the range-topping M235i – and prices starting from £29,180 for the 220i Convertible rising to £37,710 for the M235i Convertible. Four power plants will be available in the 2-Series Convertible, with the 220i getting 184bhp, 228i with 245bhp, 220d with 190bhp and the range-topping M235i Convertible gets 326bhp.

Who's Where: GM's new Asian and European design studio appointments

New additions have been made to the design management teams at General Motors, both in Asia and in Europe. Effective today (August 1), Friedhelm Engler begins his new role as Director of Design for the Pan Asian Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), based in Shanghai, China.  He is responsible for all design related activities in the joint venture between General Motors and the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC).