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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.

Who's Where: Sielaff and Egger take on new roles in 2012

Both Wolfgang Egger and Stefan Sielaff will take on new roles in the latest move of car designer chess within the Volkswagen Group. Egger takes over the position of Head of Audi Brand Design from Sielaff, who will become Head of Interior Design for the Volkswagen Group as well as Head of the Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdam. Their respective roles will become operational on 1 February 2012.

Hamilton takes pole in F1 Spanish Grand Prix – and then loses it.

Hamilton takes pole in Spain - but starts at the back of the grid Lewis Hamilton has taken pole at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix but will have to start at the back of the grid after running out of fuel. It was an interesting qualifying for the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, with McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton taking pole position from the Williams of Pastor Maldonado. But it was all for nought for the McLaren.