Mercedes-Benz courts Renault for new Smart model based on Twingo

Mercedes-Benz is set to join forces with Renault in a deal aimed at providing its underdeveloped Smart division with a contemporary-engineered front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform as the basis for a frugal new Forfour model. The new Smart, due out in 2013, is planned to sit on a lightly modified version of the Renault Twingo’s underpinnings, complete with a 93.3-inch wheelbase. Speaking about the new car over the weekend, a highly placed Mercedes-Benz official told AutoWeek: “It’s a key component in plans to grow the Smart brand.

1933 Alfa Romeo wins 'Gold Cup' at Villa d'Este

A 1933 Alfa Romeo that its owner longed for as a youngster growing up in South Africa took home the "Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este" honors at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The award is voted on by the attendees at the first day of the event, on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. David Cohen said he often saw the Alfa Romeo 6C GS 6th Series when he was riding his bicycle as a boy in South Africa and could only dream of one day owning the car.

Kia to unveil Cub concept at Seoul motor show

Kia will unveil its new Cub compact four-door coupé crossover concept at this week's Seoul motor show. Designed by Kia's Namyang Design Center in Hwaseong, South Korea, the concept measures in at less than four meters long and is the latest in a series of explorations into Kia's B- and C-segment future models, following last year's Trackster concept and the Provo concept shown at the Geneva show earlier this month. From the single released image, the Cub features another possible direction for Kia's now-familar tiger-nose DRG with a slim, horizontal air intake running underneath two-point LED headlamps.