Sky takes Mazda powertrains to the next level

Mazda's next-generation of powertrains, called Sky, will feature a variety of new technologies that company engineers say improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent. The Sky engines--Sky-G for the gasoline version, Sky-D for diesel--coupled with a Sky-Drive automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, were offered for test drives during a technology day in Berlin. The Sky-G engine we drove was a 2.0-liter inline-four that made 160 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.

Audi dropping Multitronic CVT gearbox

The Audi Multitronic CVT gearbox is being retired Audi make some great cars, but a number of them are spoiled by the woeful CVT gearbox. The theory is that as the CVT ‘box, which varies transmission ratios infinitely and keeps the engine working in the right rev range, is more economical and more efficient. But CVT boxes are horrible.

Mercedes 300SL Gullwing – the return

Gullwing GmbH are to create a faithful reproduction of the iconic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing The 1950s Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is an iconic car. Remembered affectionately by those old enough to remember it first time round (which I actually don’t!) and associated in the minds of car nuts with Sir Stirling Moss and his exploits in the Mille Miglia (it seems every classic Gullwing that comes on the market is somehow miraculously ‘Driven by Stirling Moss’), it is the epitome of ‘Cool Car’. The huge appeal of the classic Gullwing is also responsible for the direction of the new Mercedes SLS, which pays huge homage to the design of the original.