Suzuki Eiger 400 4x4 05 Brake Master Cylinder Front on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up: secret plans revealed by CAR

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 06 August 2008 11:20 Aston Martin and Mercedes are plotting a wide-ranging tie-up that could see the two famous brands collaborate on engines, hybrids, transmission and even entire platforms, CAR can reveal. The top-secret partnership between Aston and Merc – dubbed Project Alligator by the Germans – is detailed in our exclusive story in the new September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine. The scoop includes the lowdown on: • How Mercedes engines could power future Aston Martins • AMG's 6.2-litre V8 tipped for Vantage models• Diesels and hybrids from Germany planned for Aston• Whole platforms to be shared by top-end models• Eight-speed Merc auto bound for British sports cars• Why Maybach and Aston could co-operate on future modelsWe speak to the engineers and insiders who are working on Project Alligator and spill the beans on the secret project that will reshape future generations of Aston Martins.

One lap of the web: Arizona auctions edition

-- Pink was not a color offered for the Chevrolet Corvette -- a fact you're probably aware of. But one example was finished in (a rather nice, we think) shade of pink right at the factory for Harley Earl's wife. Hemmings Daily has the story on this rare car, which is heading to auction this week.

Audi A5 Sportback

Audi has officially revealed the Sportback, adding yet another model to the A5 range. Blurring the line between a sedan, a coupe and a conventional wagon, the emotional, progressive design measures 4711mm long and 1854mm wide, yet stands only 1391mm high (12mm shorter than a Mercedes CLS). With front and rear ends characterized by horizontal lines, the automaker's characteristic proportions are evident when viewed in profile.