Polaris Snowmobile Drive Belt #3211059 on 2040-parts.com

German brands off to strong start in 2011

Robust U.S. car sales this year are helping drive German automakers to significant gains. The Volkswagen division did especially well in April, with 28,542 vehicles sold--a 23 percent increase from the year before.

Aston Martin Cygnet & Colette (2011) first official pictures

Aston Martin have teamed up with French fashion retailer Colette to produce the Aston Martin Cygnet & Colette. It's a 14 unit limited edition produced through the Aston Martin Works Tailored customisation programme, and available through Colette's Paris store. Aston Martin Cygnet & Colette: the fashionista's Aston Martin Colette (it's supposed to be lower-case, like Audi's spelling of Quattro) stylists have left the unfashionable mechanical parts alone and concentrated on the colour and trim selection on the Cygnet. Outside, the Cygnet gets 'Colette blue' highlights over silver paint, including what Aston Martin refers to as 'Colette blue grille lipstick and body stripe'. You'll unlock your Cygnet & Colette with a custom enameled aluminium key, and keep it pristine when parked under its bespoke car cover.Inside, it's 'bitter chocolate' leather and quilted alcantara trim with Colette blue contrast stitching, and decorative cushions- I'm sorry...

Renault/Lovegrove Studio Twin'Z concept

The Renault Twin'Z concept is a collaborative project with British designer Ross Lovegrove, filling the fifth stage in Laurens van den Acker's 'lifecycle' – Play. It's currently on display at the Milan Salone. Essentially previewing the all-new, rear-engined Twingo co-developed with Daimler, the Twin'Z takes this relatively humble city car and, thanks to the input of Lovegrove, it appears to have taken on an organic nature, which shouldn't be unexpected to those familiar with his work.