Pertronix Ignitor Conversion Kit 1162a on 2040-parts.com

BMW 7-series hybrid due in 2009

By Nick Gibbs Motor Industry 07 July 2008 14:30 BMW will launch a hybrid petrol version of the newly unveiled 7-series in 2009, but admits it’s more for green-leaning V8 addicts than seriously eco-aware bosses. Even with the latest lithium-ion batteries, the forthcoming 4.4-litre V8 petrol-electric version will struggle to match the astonishing 39.2mpg and 192g/km of CO2 of the new six-cylinder diesel, especially when BMW will launch stop-start technology for the whole range within two years. The hybrid is likely to cost several thousand more than the £65,000 it’s estimated you’ll need to buy the regular, twin-turbo 750i that goes on sale in November 2008.

Six-door Mercedes 600 Pullman Landaulet barn-find sold for £450k

Oh goodness, this Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet is quite possibly this author’s favourite car ever to come up for auction. Pinpointing exactly why we love it so much is hard, probably because there are just so many reasons. But when we saw it featuring in the top 10 sales at this week’s RM Auctions Paris sale, we couldn’t move on with our lives without giving it a gallery all for itself.

Who's Where: Karim Habib appointed Head of BMW Design

Karim Habib has been promoted to the position of Head of BMW Design, a role that will see the 42-year-old Lebanon-born Canadian oversee the design of all BMW cars. Habib has held the position of Head of Exterior Design since March 2011 and will take up his new role at the start of next month. Habib is perhaps best known for his major contribution to the development of the current BMW 7 Series and Concept CS.