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

VW take control at Italdesign Giugiaro through Lamborghini.

Maserati Merak - by Giugiaro Perhaps it makes sense politically for an Italian company to takeover another, but the outcome is the same – VW has taken a majority stake in Italdesign Giugiaro – 90.1% – through its Italian subsidiary Lamborghini Holdings S.p.A. Just as we expected. And there’s a lot of sense in this move by VW – even if they are going back on their stated intent to end the acquisitions – as there’s a strong history with Giugiaro.

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept unveiled at Geneva motor show 2009

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 04 March 2009 06:57 Aston Martin shocked the Geneva motor show today when it unveiled the Lagonda Concept, a V12-engined SUV that’s designed to spearhead the expansion of the company into over 100 countries. And it's the first fruits of a new collaboration between Aston and Mercedes-Benz, which will provide the 4x4 hardware and engine tech - from the Merc GL SUV. Yes, or if you believe Aston Martin boss Dr Ulrich Bez, ‘the avantgarde luxury car of the future.’ The Lagonda Concept is based on the four-wheel drive chassis of the Mercedes GL (a fruition of the Aston Martin-Mercedes tie up first revealed by our very own Georg Kacher), so it’s four-wheel drive, but unlike like its donor car, the Lagonda version seats just four and features a V12 engine up front.

Adrian van Hooydonk named Director of BMW Group Design

In the wake of Chris Bangle's decision to resign from the top job, Adrian van Hooydonk takes over as Director of BMW Group Design with immediate effect. In his new position van Hooydonk will be responsible for the design development for the BMW, Rolls-Royce and Mini brands. "I am honored and extremely excited to take on this new responsibility," says van Hooydonk.