One Lap of the Web: Brazilian Volkswagens and unnecessary Volkswagens

-- Ever seen a Volkswagen SP2? It's a Brazil-only model made between 1972 and 1976 because, at the time, the Brazilian market was closed to imports. Just over 10,000 examples were made, and some have made their way to the U.S.

New Nissan Juke revealed: Geneva Motor Show

The 2014 Nissan Juke revealed at Geneva A new Nissan Juke has been teased by Nissan over the last week or so, and although the idea that this is a ‘New’ Juke is way off the mark, Nissan has managed to make the 2014 Juke better by offering more of the same. Sensibly, Nissan has kept the Juke’s quirky ‘Ugly is appealing’ looks intact and the new Juke is very much a Juke but it does get the usual facelift fodder of restyled bumpers and lights, front and back, with LED running lights and LED tail lights and a new grill. New personalisation options come in to play for the Juke too, with three levels offering coloured splashes to the front and rear bumpers, alloys and cabin, all of which can be retro-fitted in case subsequent owners aren’t thrilled with how it looks.

Aston Martin sells 38% stake to Italians to raise cash

Aston Martin today announced a deal with Italian private equity fund Investindustrial, securing a £150m investment to own a 37.5% stake in the business. Aston Martin hopes this should secure the long-term future of the beloved but hitherto financially wobbly sports car maker. Together with the new owners, it announced a £500m investment in future product.