Chieftain (?) Trunk Lid Molding (lock). on 2040-parts.com

Jaguar tops J. D. Power Survey again in 2013

Even though the Jaguar XF actually slipped from 2nd to 3rd in the top cars section (although it was the ‘Best Executive Car’), behind the Skoda Superb and Skoda Yeti, it received five star ratings for performance, service and running costs and owners rated it as ‘Excellent’ across all categories. And it was more good news for Jaguar Land Rover as Land Rover was rated the most improved brand in 2013, jumping in to the top ten (in 6th place) for the first time, with Freelander owners noting an improved dealer experience and Discovery owners reporting 30 per cent fewer faults – and actually leading the SUV sector for reliability. That’ll help the still lingering perception that JLR’s cars can be ‘fragile’.

Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S racer (2013) first pictures

Aston Martin will race this hydrogen-powered, twin-turbocharged Rapide S at the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance race in May 2013. The radical Rapide is set to become the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international racing event, and the only car ever to complete a racing lap of the infamous Nordschleife without emitting so much as a gram of carbon dioxide. Read on for the under-the-skin tech lowdown.

BMW's yearlong Mini E trial exposes infrastructure problems

Early next decade, BMW of North America plans to sell an electric "megacity car" as a subbrand of BMW, similar to the brand's M high-performance cars. But further details are skimpy. BMW already is preparing for that launch.