New Bosch Voltage Regulator, F00m144157 on 2040-parts.com

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.

Porsche Panamera convertible plans uncovered

A series of European and U.S. patent applications obtained by AutoWeek show that Porsche remains committed to building a four-door convertible version of its flagship Panamera, despite recent comments from Zuffenhausen insiders indicating the car had been canceled. The new car, depicted in official drawings that accompany the latest Porsche patent applications filed in February, eschews the two-door route taken by all of its upmarket rivals for a practical four-door body.

Sergio Marchionne’s Dodge Challenger to be auctioned for charity

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne will auction his personal 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach, Fla. in April. The Challenger is painted in Pitch black accented with charcoal racing stripes hand-laid by SRT designers, and all proceeds from the sale will benefit the United Way for Southeastern Michigan charity.