1957 Cadillac Dash Clock--standard on 2040-parts.com

Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid design sketches leak out

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 19 February 2009 09:28 These pictures allegedly reveal the production-spec Opel/Vauxhall Ampera a fortnight ahead of its Geneva show debut. A Spanish website claims to have stumbled across the technical design sketches at a European patent office and – if authentic – they spill the beans on the new plug-in hybrid electric concept car that’s bound for a showroom near you within two years. The Ampera is Opel/Vauxhall’s version of the Chevrolet Volt, the breakthrough car that could just save GM if it survives its current crisis.

Autoweek in review: What you might have missed

The automotive racing world lost yet another character this week with the passing of “Big” Willie Robinson. He was 70 years old. May marks the 40-year anniversary of the BMW M division.

Bentley Continental GT & GTC get 8-Speed ZF ‘box

The new Bentley Continental GT, GTC and GT Speed with the W12 engine are getting the new 8-speed ZF gearbox. Improved economy and performance. When Bentley revealed the Continental GT V8 they did so complete with a new 8-speed ZF auto ‘box rather than the 6-speed ‘box the W12 GT and GTC get. But now they’ve managed to get the new 8-speed box bolted on to the W12 GTs to improve performance and economy.