Volkswagen Golf Engine Brain Box Electronic Control Module; Htbk, Vin J (8th D 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.

Concept Car of the Week: Toyota EX-7 (1970)

Imagine the roads of today filled with colorful mid-engined two-seaters. That would make your daily commute a lot more exciting, wouldn't it? This was Toyota's optimistic vision in 1970 when it presented the EX-7 concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, a high-speed touring car designed for intercity transportation in the near future.

BMW launches mobile app for gaming, social media

BMW is launching a multipurpose mobile application called the "Ultimate Drive" for social-media users and gamers. The app helps users find the best roads to drive in more than 50 countries. It enables them to then rate those roads and comment about them via Facebook, e-mail or other GPS devices.