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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.

Who's Where: Christopher Reitz appointed Director of Design at Alfa Romeo

Christopher Reitz has been appointed to the top job at Alfa Romeo, replacing Frank Stephenson as Director of Design. A relative of Wolfgang Porsche, Christopher Reitz graduated from Art Center Europe in Switzerland and began his career at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg in 1993. Reitz joined Audi in Ingolstadt from 1996 to 1998, where he was in charge of Advance Design.

Rinspeed iChange (2008): first pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 15 December 2008 12:05 After the Rinspeed Squba – the Lotus Elise that went underwater – Frank Rinderknecht’s latest concept car seems almost tame by comparison. Called the iChange it’s a ‘1-2-3-seater’ with moveable bodywork. 'It's exciting and sporty and really different from the Squba,' Rinderknecht told CAR.