00-06 Mercedes W220 S430 S500 Speedometer Cluster 230k Miles 220540764787 on 2040-parts.com

Design Essay: The two-tone selector of style

Not since the heady days of rude boy rule has two-tone black and white made such a comeback. The first showing was at the winter 2004 fashion catwalks, which then reached the stores in spring 2005. This trend was swiftly followed and endorsed by the furniture and product designers that showed their wares at the spring 2005 Milan Furniture Fair.

Aston Martin in talks with Mercedes for engine supply

It has seemed for some time that Aston Martin’s wish-list for future engines revolved around Mercedes. They currently use a V12 developed from Ford’s Mondeo V6 and a V8 that’s a development of the 4.2 litre that was in Jaguars (and Range Rovers) until a few years ago, but new engines (and new platforms) are vital if Aston are to remain competitive. Before the recent investment in AML by Investindustrial, there were plans for Aston to use both engines and platforms from Mercedes (the Lagonda SUV was built on the underpinnings of the Mercedes GL) and even the possibility that Aston Martin would design and build the next generation Maybach.

Subaru’s WRC Impreza rally car (2008): first pictures

By Nick Gibbs First Official Pictures 21 May 2008 09:37 Subaru has surprised the rally world by announcing it will launch its new WRC Impreza at next week’s Acropolis Rally in Greece, two events earlier than expected. The Prodrive-developed five-door WRC car, which is based on Subaru’s hatchback Impreza, uses the same 2.0-litre turbo engine that powered the old rally car, but does away with the traditional yellow lettering in favour of Subaru’s silver and white corporate logo. Hardcore fans panic not: the blue paintwork and iconic gold wheels stay.