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

Saab's new 9-3 due in 2012 to set new Saab template

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 04 June 2010 10:13 Now the new 9-5 is launched, attention is turning to the next generation of Saabs. Speaking at the 9-5 launch in Trollhättan, Saab bosses told CAR that the new 9-3 would be the first model to bear the true hallmarks of the new independent Saab since the Detroit divorce.GM sold Saab to Dutch entrepreneur Victor Muller's Spyker group in February 2010 for $78 million and an equity swap – meaning that the 9-5 was done and dusted by the time Saab had become independent. Next year's new 9-4X crossover, paired with and built alongside GM's Cadillac SRX and due in April 2011, is also largely finished.

Hyundai SonataTransform

Hyundai has released the first photos of its Sonata Transform sedan, one of the most important vehicles in the carmaker's lineup. This is its first major facelift since it was launched in 2004. The new design is a departure from its predecessor and the styling language has shifted from what was geometrical to a more organic and softer form, with rounder bumper surfaces and softer edges at the radiator grille and around the headlamps.

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)?