Hyundai Reveals New Six-Speed Auto Transmission

Set to be rolled out on selected models in 2009 onwards, Hyundai's new six-speed automatic transmission promises to boosts fuel economy by 12% and is 12kg (26.5 lbs) lighter and has 62 fewer parts than a 5-speed auto transaxle. With the introduction of the new transmission, Hyundai becomes only the third company in the world to develop its own six-speed automatic transaxle after Toyota and a GM/Ford joint venture.

Designed for transverse engine applications in cars and SUVs, the new compact transaxle that went into production in December will be offered in a total of five variants to accommodate a wide range of petrol and diesel engines. Overall, 16 different Hyundai models will get this transmission.

"The strength of our design is its completely unique layout, which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed on the market today," said Hong-Min Kim, the project manager of the transaxle at Hyundai R&D Centre.

The new tranny will make its debut in the new Hyundai Grandeur equipped with a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine. Hyundai said that in this application, the new gearbox delivers a 12.2 percent gain in fuel economy and is 2.5 percent quicker in zero to 62mph (100km/h) acceleration times (7.8sec versus 8.0 sec).It also delivers an 11 percent improvement in 60km/h to 100km/h overtaking performance (4.0 sec versus 4.5 sec).

Original 1965 Lamborghini Miura Turin Salon Chassis Found by Collectors

A one-off 1965 Turin Salon Lamborghini Miura chassis equipped with the Italian company's first-ever transverse mid-mounted V12 engine (0293) has resurfaced thanks to the discovery of a group of unnamed, Los Angeles based, collectors. The historic chassis that was designed by Gian Paolo Dallara, represents the very first mid-engined supercar theme for all marques. The show chassis had been stored for the past 30 years in Cyprus by the country's original Lamborghini concessionaire, Marios Kritikos, who had acquired the historic unit in April 1978.

The original invoice for the chassis survives together with unpublished period photographs of the chassis being built in 1965, on display at the December, 1965 Turin Salon, and at the Lamborghini factory in July, 1966. Mr. Kritikos documented his collection of the car on April 7th, 1978.

A month after its discovery and sale to the LA collectors, the one-off chassis has been imported to the US and now resides in the restoration facility of Miura specialist Gary Bobileff, where it will undergo a complete refurbishment to bring it to its former show glory. According to Lamborghini, the chassis will make its USA debut in the summer of 2009.

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid: New Set of Teaser Photos

Another week, another set of teaser pictures of Toyota's worst kept secret, the 2010 Prius Hybrid. This time, the Japanese automaker has released shots of the new compact hybrid's engine compartment, headlight, the Lexus Hybrid inspired illuminated Toyota logo and what appears to be a door handle. The third generation Prius will make its physical debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. From what we know up until now, the new car is going to be bigger than the outgoing model and it will feature a more powerful yet more fuel efficient and tightly packaged hybrid drivetrain system. Hit the jump for the full image gallery.