B&m 81040 Magnum Grip Pro Stick; Automatic Shifter on 2040-parts.com

McLaren MP4-12C gets 616 bhp

The McLaren MP4-12C is about to get some upgrades – including an extra 25bhp – which will also be offered to existing owners free of charge. On balance, what McLaren has achieved with the MP4-12C is nothing short of remarkable. Yes, there have been a few glitches along the way, but in truth they have been little more than the sort of hiccups almost any new supercar suffers as it escapes in to the wild and has to deal with the real world and real drivers.

Italy auctions government cars

OFFERS started rolling in on unneeded government Alfa Romeo, Lancia and BMW cars, which prime minister Matteo Renzi is auctioning off on eBay as a sign of his seriousness in tackling government waste. Renzi has pledged to sell 151 vehicles by April 16, saying he was taking a cue from the former mayor of Florence - himself - who auctioned off four cars early in his term. Besides cashing in, the government will save on upkeep, maintenance and running costs.

BMW M550d, X5 M50d & X6 M50d Official

BMW M550d - it's official As expected, the BMW M550d, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d have been revealed as the first models in the new BMW M Division range. After speculation going back a couple of years, BMW has finally revealed a triumvirate of mighty diesel-powered M Division cars, with the unveiling of the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d, all of which will debut officially at Geneva 2012 before going on sale later this year. First to arrive will be the X5 M50d and X6 M50d in the summer, with the M550d Saloon and M550d Estate probably not hitting the UK until close to the end of the year, but the UK won’t be getting the M550d xDrive – our cars will be RWD.