Big Jon Dual Heavy-duty Diver Rod Holder W/pedestal Base - Silver -rh02424 on 2040-parts.com

New design boss for Alfa

By Jack Rix Motor Industry 14 June 2007 11:42 Frank Stephenson, the man credited with designing the new Mini and Fiat's retro 500, has been appointed to head up Alfa Romeo's design centre. He replaces Wolfgang Egger, responsible for the swooping 8C Competizione, who left earlier this year to join Audi. Stephenson joins Alfa at a crucial time, prior to its re-entry into the US market.

Aston Martin Lagonda SUV still moving forward

New reports suggest Aston Martin is still pushing forward with the Lagonda SUV, with underpinnings from the Mercedes GL. Last year we reported the Lagonda SUV was back on (although we’re not sure when it was actually off – just MIA) and that it was Aston Martin’s hope they could raid Mercedes parts bin for the underpinnings of the SUV, and take on the building of a new Maybach for Mercedes in the process. But as we now know, Mercedes has decided a Pullman S Class has more cachet (and less build cost) than  the glitter ball Maybach, so Aston Martin’s hopes of a nice profitable design and build deal evaporated with the last roll of the dice for the Maybach brand.

Russians show great interest in Corvette legend Zora Arkus-Duntov

It wasn't until recently that Russians understood that Chevrolet Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the patron saint of the America's sports car, was a Russian. Now, there seems to be intense media interest in this fact in a country that is waking up to all things automotive related. Arkus-Duntov's life and work is on display at the Alexander Solzhenitsyn Center for Russian Emigres in Moscow.