Mercedes Convertible Top Handle Latch Oem 450sl Sl 560 290 380 on 2040-parts.com

Car of the Year 2013 finalists announced: do you agree?

The contest for 2013 Car of the Year is hotting up, with the shortlist for Europe's most prestigious new car award announced. The final eight contenders are: Ford B-max Hyundai i30 Mercedes A-class Peugeot 208 Renault Clio Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 Volkswagen Golf Volvo V40   This year, there are eight finalists instead of the usual seven, thanks to a dead heat between two contenders. According to the Car of the Year jury, the award's goal 'is to acclaim the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the [last] 12 months.' Not much fuel for enthusiasts in the 2013 CotY list...

De Tomaso sold by Rossignolo

De Tomaso sold to unknown investors De Tomaso – the ill-fated Italian supercar maker – has been sold by Gian Mario Rossignolo after a financially fraught revival attempt. De Tomaso seems fated to lurch from one financial crisis to another – as it has throughout its history – with the latest efforts by former Fiat executive Gian Mario Rossignolo to revive the marque floundering for investment. And it looks like Rossignolo has given up the fight and sold out to unnamed investors.

Alfa Romeo to launch 8 new cars in next 4 years – Alfa MiTo to be dropped

The Alfa Romeo Gloria (pictured) could point to a new Giulia Alfa Romeo has been stuck in the doldrums for quite a while, and is now in the sorry state of having just two cars on sale – the Alfa MiTo and Alfa Giulietta – both compact cars and both with front wheel drive. Not really Alfas, although they’re better than you might expect. But in a brave plan to turn Alfa Romeo in to a proper force again – a plan we reported was on the cards a year ago – Sergio Marchionne has revealed that Alfa is planning to launch eight new cars in the next four years and concentrate on proper RWD cars with proper driver appeal.