Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez on the Mercedes tie-up, the rise of turbo cars and the end of the Lagonda SUV project

MSN Cars is in Palm Springs, California, to drive the new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante and V12 Vantage S. Aston Martin, voted the second coolest brand in the world behind Apple, is celebrating its 100th year. Over an informal dinner, MSN Cars was given an exclusive chance to talk shop with Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez to see what the future holds for the Gaydon-based company.

New MINI teased again ahead of next week’s reveal (video)

The new MINI is being teased again ahead of its debut The all new MINI for 2014 is due to be revealed next week on the anniversary of the birth of its creator, Sir Alec Issigonis, and MINI are squeezing in another tease for their new baby ahead of its official debut. We’ve already had a couple of teases from MINI in the run up to the reveal – including a good look at the new MINI with the MINI Vision Concept – so we’ve got a good ideas of what’s in store for MINI buyers. What we get this time is plenty of moody shots in low light of the new MINI’s features to keep the interest going, although much of the DNA of BMW’s MINI are carried forward from the current MINI.

Nissan talks future plans at Detroit auto show

Nissan Sports Sedan Concept The name pretty much tells you what this creature is. Nissan officials confirmed that the Sport Sedan Concept is also the basis for a production car due in 2016, and while they wouldn't specify which one, it isn't too hard to guess. The SSC gets power from a V6 generating roughly 300 hp, and its dimensions approximate those of the current Maxima sedan.