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Aston Martin US dealers could lose DB9 & Vantage – which could see many shutting up shop

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster (pictured) might not make the US The rules and regulations car makers have to conform to are both enormous and onerous, and different markets have different regulations. And it looks like new side impact regulation could scupper AML’s sales in the US. New side impact rules – due to come in to force in the US in September – means that two of Aston Martin’s big sellers – the DB9 and Vantage V8 and V12 – would have to be withdrawn from sale in the US as they won’t comply.

Audi Urban Future Awards 2010 - Phase 2

Imagine a utopia where digital technology allows for an uninterrupted traffic flow of autonomously driven pay-as-you-go ‘taxis' that liberate the urban landscape from the unnecessary clutter of road signs, traffic lights, parked vehicles and the pollution caused by street lights. This was the winning proposal from Berlin architect J Mayer H who has won the Audi Urban Future Awards. In this visionary cityscape for 2030, the car will transform from being a machine for maneuvering in traffic to a sensorial experience machine – the opened up urban space allowing its inhabitants to appreciate buildings and other monuments overshadowed by sheer traffic and its support systems.

Alfa Romeo plans 'affordable' halo car

Alfa Romeo plans to build a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe that would become the brand's halo car. Fiat's struggling sporty brand aims to complete a concept car for the innovative lightweight coupe for a planned Geneva auto show debut next month. The concept is set to be built as the 4C GTA and go on sale for about $55,000 (40,000 euros).