Auto Trans Filter Kit Parts Master 88996 on 2040-parts.com

Volvo XC60 (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 19 February 2008 12:10 Volvo has finally sanctioned official shots of the XC60 – a junior version of the XC90 SUV that has helped turn around the fortunes of the Swedish company. Yes, it’s another crossover entering an increasingly congested marketplace, but Volvo hopes this one will appeal to buyers wanting the versatility of a 4x4 without the heft. Key points worth noticing are the Swedes’ gently evolving design – this is the first model developed under Steve Mattin’s watch as design director.

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.

EBay exotic: 1991 Aston Martin Virage

Here we have what could best be described as a transitional model for Aston Martin. The Virage in 1989 replaced Newport-Pagnell's ancient Aston Martin V8 models, which themselves were replacements for the ancient DB series. However, it's still a hand-built Aston much in the mold of earlier models.