03-07 Toyota Corolla Digital Dash Clock 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.

Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid gets 108 MPGe

Ford Motor Company announced that its C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid achieves an EPA-certified 108 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) city and 100 MPGe combined. The rating makes the C-Max Energi the most efficient plug-in hybrid by MPG-e according to the listings on the Environmental Protection Agency Web site. The only vehicles to rank higher were the all-electric 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV with a combined MPGe of 112, and the 2012 Ford Focus EV with 110 MPGe.

Mercedes-Benz buys naming rights to the Louisiana Superdome

New Orleans' Louisiana Superdome, home at one time or another to Super Bowl champions and Hurricane Katrina refugees, is now home to a luxury-car brand. The arena was renamed the Mercedes-Benz Superdome this week after the carmaker acquired naming rights for 10 years. "The investment being made by a premier international brand who believes in 'the best or nothing,' is a tremendous compliment to all of those who worked so hard to make the stadium what it is today," said Tom Benson, owner of the NFL's New Orleans Saints.