98 Bmw E39 528i Inclination Indicator White Trunk Module 65.75-8367604, 57762110 on 2040-parts.com

Ford Fiesta eWheelDrive gets wheel hub electric motors

The Ford Fiesta eWheelDrive – a driveable research vehicle built by Ford and German specialists Schaeffler – may be a regular supermini in size, but it points towards a potential future EV which is much more compact and very manoeuvrable. Ford has taken a regular Fiesta and dumped its powertrain, replacing it with a battery bank where the engine would be and fitted a pair of in-hub electric motors on the rear wheels. But the plan is to build new cars with the batteries under the floor which frees up the space under the bonnet which can then be all but removed to create a very compact urban car that still has space for four.

Aston Martin Virage dropped – to be replaced by new DB9

Less than eighteen months since it debuted – and after just over 1,000 cars – Aston Martin is dropping the Virage. The Aston Martin Virage always seemed a bit of a stretch too far for Aston Martin, and so it has proved. After a lifespan of no more than eighteen months – and with just over 1000 cars built – Aston Martin has decided that there are just too few buyers who feel the Virage is enough of a step up from the DB9 to warrant the extra cost.

Spyker Venator – First photo and details of Spyker’s B6 Concept arrive

The first photo of the Spyker Venator – Spyker’s new car concept for the Geneva Motor Show – has arrived ahead of a reveal next week. If the modern history of Spyker (and of Saab) has taught us anything, it’s that you should never doubt the ability of a dapper, self-confident, deal-making Dutchman to bounce back from adversity. Many would have expected Victor Muller to be down and out after the Saab Saga, with his grip on Spyker forsaken for the Swedish odyssey and his pot of gold imprisoned in Vladimir Antonov’s Mayfair penthouse.