1997.5 Seadoo Gsx Limited Oem Exhaust Pipe Complete Kit. on 2040-parts.com

Audi to buy Ducati – the four rings expands from four wheels

Audi has struck an exclusive deal giving it first rights to buy Italian superbike manufacturer Ducati, CAR can reveal.The exclusivity deal gives Audi until mid April when the deal will likely be finalised, according to high-ranking sources contacted by CAR. Ducati's liabilities are around €200 million [earlier report said €800 million, this has been corrected], and our sources suggest the total purchase price is about €250m-€300m. This is a bold move by Audi, which sees the long-term advantage in moving into two wheels as well as four.

Alfa Romeo 159 (2009): new engines and trims

By Tim Swietochowski First Official Pictures 28 August 2009 10:52 Alfa Romeo has announced two new additions to the Alfa Romeo 159 engine range, which will also find their way into the Alfa Brera and Spider later in 2009. New trim options for the 159 have also been revealed.The first new powerplant is a 16-valve, turbocharged 1.7-litre petrol, which features variable valve timing and direct injection, developing 200bhp and 236lb ft of torque. The new 1750 TBi, which takes its name from the Alfa 1750 Berlina, propels the 159 to 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.Joining the petrol motor is a new common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, the JTDM, which produces 170bhp and 265lb ft of torque to give the derv 159 a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.Are these new Alfa Romeo engines economical?The new petrol motor produces CO2 emissions of 189g/km (lowering the 159’s UK company car benefit-in-kind tax by six bands in comparison with the old 2.2-litre JTS engine) with the diesel pumping out 142g/km.

CAR interviews 'Mr GT3' Andreas Preuninger

The latest Porsche 911 GT3 boasts an all-new 469bhp 3.8-litre flat-six and is quicker than the legendary GT3 RS 4.0, but fans of this hardcore icon have voiced their concern over its new dual-clutch PDK gearbox and its steering (both the electric rack inherited from the 991-generation Carrera, and the new rear-axle steering).  Ahead of the 911 GT3's unveil at the 2013 Geneva show this week, CAR had exclusive access to the car, and to the man who headed the team that engineered it: Porsche's head of GT series production Andreas Preuninger. The controversial new Porsche 911 GT3 Preuninger built the first 996 GT3, and has been doing his  job for the past 12 years. We asked him all about the new GT3, including those controversial issues.