Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin make Nissan’s Andy Palmer their new CEO

Andy Palmer (pictured) is taking the reins at Aston Martin Lagonda Aston Martin has effectively been without a boss since Ulrich Bez stepped down from the role last year, but that changes with the announcement that Andrew Palmer – until now, Chief Planning Officer of Nissan – is to step in to the role. There’s no specific start date for Andy Palmer at Aston, but Nissan has announced that Philippe Klein will take up Palmer’s role at Nissan on 15 September, so it shouldn’t be long before Palmer holds the reins at Aston Martin. But what exactly has persuaded Andy Palmer to jump from a big corporate behemoth like Nissan to a struggling luxury car maker with owners who either want to tug the operating strings (the Kuwaitis) or are looking for a quick return (Investindustrial)?

Strand-Craft 122: It's a boat and a car

Feel like boating this holiday weekend? Here's what every AutoWeek reader needs: Mega-yacht builder Strand-Craft has introduced its extravagant 122, which the company calls a "high-performance streamlined Open super yacht." The art deco interior can be designed to suit your individual needs and includes a four double staterooms, heads, reception and salon areas. There are 52-inch LED televisions and Bang & Olufsen sound systems in all rooms.

Kia Picanto (2011): the first design sketches

Kia will replace the Picanto city car in spring 2011 - and these are the first pictures of the new 2011 small car. The production Picanto will be shown at the Geneva motor show in March, with UK sales slated to begin soon after 'from late spring 2011.' It's yet another design from Kia's European styling studio in Germany led by ex-Audi man Peter Schreyer. This time a three-door will be sold alongside the five-door Picanto.