Stop-Start Freelander on the way

Land Rover has announced that it will be introducing stop-start technology on its Freelander range from May 2009, thus saving around 8% on the Co2 emissions, and taking the Freelander down a group on VED, which should help move a few more Freelanders off forecourts next year. The technology for the stop-start was developed in-house, with a new engine management system coming from Bosch and an uprated starter from Denso. The stop-start option will be available on the 2.2 TD4, which accounts for nearly half of UK sales.

Aston Martin Zagato Centennials (2013) first official pictures

Aston Martin’s long-time coach-building collaborator Zagato has pulled the wraps off a pair of special edition Astons to celebrate the Newport Pagnell brand’s 100th birthday. Christened the DBS Coupe Zagato Centennial and DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial, the specially-commissioned cars combine typically striking Zagato styling cues with Aston mechanicals. Aston Martin DBS Zagato Centennial: the headlines The coupe car’s most eye-catching feature is the typically Zagato double-bubble roof profile, accentuated by a polished metal strip that swoops from the car’s beltline across the rear window.

Mazda refines lineup with SkyActiv technology

It turns out Mazda isn't simply shooting for the sky. Rather, the protagonists of zoom-zoom driving dynamics are taking an active approach to the brand's DNA: Put it all together, and it's called “SkyActiv.” Mazda is billing the suite of technologies as the pillars of its way forward. Much of these features--which enhance future products in nearly all areas including engine, transmission and chassis--have already been revealed.