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Aston Martin V12 Vantage and DBS Carbon Black Editions: first official pictures

Aston Martin has unveiled rather aggressive-looking special versions of its V12 Vantage and DBS supercars, under the Carbon Black Edition banner. No prizes for guessing they're black and laced with carbonfibre trinkets. The Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage and DBS are coated with black metallic paint that takes 50 man-hours to apply, says Aston.

Ford Fiesta retains eco marathon title

A FORD Fiesta has been crowned the winner of the ALD Automotive/Shell Fuelsave MPG Marathon for the second year running. The 1.6-litre diesel Fiesta Econetic achieved 88.69mpg over 339.3 miles on what some observers say was the toughest course yet for the annual event. Hills, bad weather and heavy traffic were all obstacles faced by the 46 competitors who set out from Tankersley Manor, near Sheffield.

Why we love Maximum Bob: A column by Dutch Mandel

In announcing that he will leave General Motors at the end of this year, product czar Bob Lutz bows out gracefully and elegantly and does it in the style that forged his legend. It's also a move made none too soon and if not hastened by Beltway functionaries, then punctuated by it. But make no mistake: Bob Lutz is not running from the fight engulfing Detroit and the rest of the automaking world.