Aston Martin Virage dropped – to be replaced by new DB9

Less than eighteen months since it debuted – and after just over 1,000 cars – Aston Martin is dropping the Virage. The Aston Martin Virage always seemed a bit of a stretch too far for Aston Martin, and so it has proved. After a lifespan of no more than eighteen months – and with just over 1000 cars built – Aston Martin has decided that there are just too few buyers who feel the Virage is enough of a step up from the DB9 to warrant the extra cost.

Toyota to launch 2 Prius variants in U.S. by 2013, report says

Toyota Motor Corp. reportedly plans to launch two variants of its Prius hybrid in the United States by 2013 as it ramps up plans to leverage its gasoline-electric drivetrain technology to meet stricter emissions standards. One of the new hybrids will be bigger than the Prius, the other smaller, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified dealers who attended this week's national dealer conference in Las Vegas.

Ford Fiesta sells 4 million in UK & Fiesta history in pictures

The 4 millionth Ford Fiesta sold in the UK (pictured) has arrived with it owner It’s 37 years since Ford launched the first Fiesta, and in that time it’s been the best-selling small car for 27 of those 37 years and the best-selling car in the UK overall since 2009. In that time Ford has managed to sell 4 million Fiestas in the UK, with the four millionth Fiesta – a Fiesta Zetec in Candy Blue with the excellent 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine – presented to its owner, Michelle Wardale, by her local Ford dealers in the North East today. Ford Fiesta production started in the days when Dagenham was a big builder of Ford cars, and the first 3 million Fiestas (bound not just for the UK) rolling out of Dagenham between 1976 and 2002.