Audi Tt Quattro 1.8 2004 Coolant Bottle on 2040-parts.com

Italian firm buys stake in Aston Martin

The former owner of Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has bought a 37.5-percent stake in financially strapped British car maker Aston Martin. The move means future Astons could use modern drivelines and electric architectures from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, insiders with knowledge of the deal suggest. Private equity fund Investindustrial has signed a memorandum of understanding with current Aston Martin owner Investment Dar of Kuwait that will see it pay $240 million (150 million pounds) for the ownership stake.

Volkswagen Nils concept

Volkswagen will give its newest concept vehicle, named Nils, its public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. The single-seat electric concept vehicle, which has been designed to be economical and production feasible, features an aluminium space frame, wing doors and free-standing wheels. Though its inspiration may come from Formula 1, the styling has its origins at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Berlin.

One Lap of the Web: The fabulous Lockheed Buick Electra, and how to change a tire

-- Did you know Zagato once designed some concept cars for Volvo? Ah, there's nothing more romantic than that blend of Italian passion and Swedish melancholic efficiency. The first car came about in 1969 and was named the GTZ, and its obscurity might owe to being hidden in favor of more popular Zagato GTZs.