1981 82 83 Lincoln Town Car Script Emblem (original) on 2040-parts.com

Public urged to give view on A9 plan

THE PUBLIC have been urged to have their say on the design of the most expensive road project in Scotland's history. The £3 billion upgrade of the A9, which runs from central Scotland to the north coast, to full dual carriageway will cost more than the M74 completion, the new Forth road bridge and the Aberdeen bypass combined. The first public displays setting out the logistical and environmental impact of the first £40 million section of the upgrade, from Kincraig to Dalraddy in the Highlands, will be unveiled this month.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept

The Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept has been built to celebrate the centenary of the British brand at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race. Apparently inspired by the beautiful 1959 DBR1 racecar, the CC100 apparently also gives some clues as to Aston's upcoming design language, particularly around the grille, with its prominent insert and the treatment of the side strake, which here becomes a more integral part of the wheel arch and fender. The car was designed in Aston Martin's studio in Gaydon, with its bodywork the responsibility of chief exterior designer Miles Nurnburger.

Mercedes-Benz courts Renault for new Smart model based on Twingo

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal aimed at providing its underdeveloped Smart division with a contemporary-engineered front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 93.3-inch wheelbase. Speaking about the new car over the weekend, a highly placed Mercedes-Benz official told AutoWeek: “It’s a key component in plans to grow the Smart brand.