Yamaha Big Bear 350 2x4 Rear Brake Lever 1998 on 2040-parts.com

[Updated] Apple CarPlay set for Geneva debut

Apple is set to launch its integrated in-car iOS CarPlay at this week's Geneva motor show, partnering with Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes. For the first time CarPlay Apple's iOS will linked directly to the car's built-in screen, with mirrored functions simplified for use while driving. Many functions are controlled by Apple's Siri voice command softwarre although if the car is fitted with a touchscreen and/or other control interfaces these can also be used.These will control major functions such as music, phone calls, iMessages and the controversial Apple Maps for navigation.

Mercedes launch new 9G-Tronic gearbox on E350 BlueTec

New Mercedes E350 BlueTec (pictured) gets 9-speed 9G-TRONIC auto It’s not exactly a million years ago that automatic gearboxes offered poorer performance and economy than manual gearboxes, and came as standard with just three gears. But now, automatic gearboxes are so good they can  change quicker than any driver and, with the proliferation of eight-speed auto ‘boxes, offer improved economy and performance too. The next logical step is even more ratios in an auto ‘box, and Land Rover has already revealed they’ll be fitting the Evoque with a 9-speed ZF ‘box from 2014, and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a nine-speed auto ‘box too.

LA Motor Show: Jaguar F-Type coupe to cost £7,000 less than convertible

JAGUAR’S stunning new F-Type coupe will cost from £51,235 when it goes on sale in the UK in the spring. The hard-top version of a car that has already taken the motoring world by storm will add a second model variant to the line-up, aimed not just at owners of the Porsche Cayman and even the 911, but also at previous owners of Jaguar’s own XK. Jaguar has used its media event at the Tokyo motor show to announce full pricing structures, with the entry-level F-Type coupe costing more than £7,000 less than the equivalent convertible.