Zf Hurth 280a Marine Transmission 2.0 on 2040-parts.com

2013 Nissan LEAF updated

Nissan has updated the LEAF EV in Japan for 2013 with better range, less weight and a new LEAF S entry-level model. Revealed in Japan – but likely to come to the UK from 2013 when the LEAF starts rolling out of Nissan’s Sunderland factory – there are significant upgrades to the powertrain which result in both less weight and better range. Nissan has had a play with the electric powertrain and made it both smaller and lighter with a new motor that uses 40 per cent less dysprosium (a rare earth metal) than before, and comes in 30 per cent smaller and 10 per cent lighter, and a new streamline battery case and a few other tweaks drops the LEAF’s weight by 80kg.

New commenting rules on CAR Online

CAR Online has a reputation for intelligent, friendly and informed debate – both in our forum and on the comments attached to each story. However, a minority of users has recently dragged the standard of conversation down, ruining the enjoyment of the majority. Today we launch new guidelines so our users know the ground rules; we hope to moderate more effectively and introduce a new three-strikes-and-you're-out-rule.'We have to act to protect CAR Online's quality debate,' said associate editor Tim Pollard.

Lambo man flies in to revamp Bentley design

Bentley is embarking on a new design era, steered by the man behind Lamborghini's stunning 21st century portfolio. Luc Donckerwolke, the Belgian who has held official positions at Audi, Bentley, Skoda, VW and Lamborghini, and worked in the background shaping the rest of VW Group's brands, is now getting down to business at Crewe. 'They told me: "You have to go to Bentley, move the brand forward and create a new design studio",' Donckerwolke told CAR in his first conversation since starting there five months ago.