Mercury Ignition Plate 42968t, 70hp-90hp 1987 - 1990 on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster arrives with 565bhp – the quickest Aston Roadster ever

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster arrives The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S – revealed in 2013 – has lost its roof and turned in to the quickest open-top car Aston Martin has ever produced. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster gets the same 5.9 litre V12 as the tin-top model, which means a 0-60mph of 3.9 seconds (0-62mph 4.1s) and a top speed of 201mph, both figures just below the coupe but enough to make this the fastest production Aston Roadster ever. The V12 engine also offers delicious lumps of torque, with 457lb/ft – and most of that available almost from tickover – all delivered to the back wheels through the Graziano 7-speed automated manual ‘box.

Mini Beachcomber concept

BMW's Mini division has revealed the Beachcomber concept, which is set to make its public debut at the NAIAS in Detroit early next year. Inspired by the Mini Moke from the 1960s, the four-seat Beachcomber concept features a removable hard and soft top and removable doors. Measuring less than four meters long, it is said to preview the forthcoming Mini SUV due in 2010.

General Motors Europe opens new Design Center

Being a car designer is often percieved as a glamourous occupation, but few people realise that this typically means working in some of the least inspiring places. Wolfsburg, Detroit and Birmingham are just a few of the locations that are home to some of the largest populations of car designers around the world. GM Europe's location in Russelsheim, Germany is also one of the less glamourous locations but the new design center building opened this week aims to redress the otherwise rather industrial feel of the place where tomorrow's Opels and Saabs are created.