New Fel-pro Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set Header, Ms94471 on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin Vantage gets V12, but we won't get the car

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the hottest version of the two-seat coupe, is the latest step in the automaker's new-model offensive for 2009. Revealed just days after the Rapide four-door, the V12 Vantage is the second of four major reveals from Aston this year. Also coming is the DBS convertible, which will share stand space at Geneva with the V12 Vantage and a concept for a new Lagonda, the dormant brand that Aston plans to bring back to life as a super-luxury Rolls-Royce/Maybach challenger.

Video: Gorden Wagener on the Mercedes Aesthetics S sculpture

Daimler AG's design chief, Gorden Wagener, explains the details of the Aesthetics S sculpture, revealed at the recent Paris motor show, in a new video interview. The latest addition to the ‘Aesthetics' sculpture series, which already consists of Aesthetics No. 1 (2010), Aesthetics No.

Smart's $99 loan deal has big balloon payment at end

Hoping to benefit from the federal cash-for-guzzlers program, Smart USA has set up a $99 monthly payment for buyers who use their $4,500 rebate. But there's a catch--and a hefty balloon payment disclosed only as a note to an asterisk in Smart's press information announcing the offer. The Smart financing is for $99 a month for 36 months, with a balloon payment of $6,667 due at the end.