Carlson H7301 Parking Brake Hardware Kit on 2040-parts.com

Lada X-Ray

Russian automaker AvtoVaz has unveiled the Lada XRAY concept at the Moscow motor show. It's the first concept to emerge from under the direction of AvtoVaz's new design chief, Steve Mattin. Previously Design Director of Volvo, Mattin has a strong history with the SUV breed – it was under his direction that the XC60 was developed while at Volvo, while in his role prior to that at Mercedes-Benz, he also worked on the ML-Class.

Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up: secret plans revealed by CAR

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 06 August 2008 11:20 Aston Martin and Mercedes are plotting a wide-ranging tie-up that could see the two famous brands collaborate on engines, hybrids, transmission and even entire platforms, CAR can reveal. The top-secret partnership between Aston and Merc – dubbed Project Alligator by the Germans – is detailed in our exclusive story in the new September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine. The scoop includes the lowdown on: • How Mercedes engines could power future Aston Martins • AMG's 6.2-litre V8 tipped for Vantage models• Diesels and hybrids from Germany planned for Aston• Whole platforms to be shared by top-end models• Eight-speed Merc auto bound for British sports cars• Why Maybach and Aston could co-operate on future modelsWe speak to the engineers and insiders who are working on Project Alligator and spill the beans on the secret project that will reshape future generations of Aston Martins.

Toyota Avensis, Prius & Corolla recall affects 75,000 UK cars

Toyota is recalling 75,000 Corolla, Avensis and Prius models in the UK – and 2.7 million worldwide – to fix a steering fault. Last month, Toyota revealed a recall for the Auris, RAV4 and Yaris to fix a fault with electric window switches, and just to make sure those cars weren’t the only faulty Toyota’s, they’ve managed to find a fault with the steering on the Corolla  Avensis and Prius. Oh, and the Prius might have a water pump problem.