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New C-Class Breaks Cover

MERCEDES has released the first details of its hotly anticipated new generation C-Class. The compact executive model is expected to hit showrooms in mid 2014. As with an increasing number of cars, this new C-Class is lighter than the model it replaces, and Mercedes engineers have increased their focus on lowering CO2 emissions and fuel consumption through a series of weight reduction and engine upgrade programmes.

It looks like Aston Martin could be getting AMG/Mercedes platforms too

Mercedes/AMG platforms would make the Lagonda SUV a reality We’d been expecting Aston Martin to get access to Mercedes platforms ever since the Lagonda SUV – based on the underpinnings of the Mercedes GL - arrived in all its ‘beauty’ in 2009. The Lagonda SUV was met with wails of anguish from lovers of Aston Martin’s timeless beauty but, despite the horror at the looks of the SUV, the prospect that Aston Martin could be heading down a collaboration route with Mercedes was welcome. It was welcome because without the support of a major car maker – and access to its technology – Aston Martin would have little chance of a bright future; there is no way a minnow like Aston Martin could afford the development cost of new engines and platforms.

Dakar Rally 2012 Day 3 update

American Robby Gordon continues to hold second place overall at the completion of day three of the 2012 Dakar. Hummer driver Gordon, vying to make up for the delays suffered on Monday, completed the 129 competitive miles between San Rafael and San Juan in the Argentine Andes with the fifth-fastest time. His teammate and defending Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah was third-quickest and moves into sixth position overall, having dropped precious time on day one with a loss of oil pressure.