2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Dodge Durango Center Console Cup Holder Insert on 2040-parts.com

Driven: Mini Countryman

There has been no more contentious a car launched this year than the Mini Countryman. It's been labeled by some as sacrilegious to the very essence of the Mini brand, of 'selling out' and, yes, of being ugly. But does the concept of a four-meter Mini translate to use in the real world?

Jaguar XJR returns – 542bhp XJ to debut at New York Auto Show

A new generation Jaguar XJR is being launched at the New York Auto Show later this month, signalling the return of the range-topping XJ with 542bhp. We’ve been heralding the arrival of an all new Jaguar XJR for four years and now, finally  Jaguar is about to deliver with a new XJR sporting Jaguar’s 542bhp version of the supercharged V8 under the bonnet. Jaguar are being a bit precious with the full details of the new XJR, but they’re calling the new XJR the ‘Dynamic Flagship‘ of the Jaguar range – which is promising when you consider how fluid and able the XJ already is.

Italian firm buys stake in Aston Martin

The former owner of Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has bought a 37.5-percent stake in financially strapped British car maker Aston Martin. The move means future Astons could use modern drivelines and electric architectures from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, insiders with knowledge of the deal suggest. Private equity fund Investindustrial has signed a memorandum of understanding with current Aston Martin owner Investment Dar of Kuwait that will see it pay $240 million (150 million pounds) for the ownership stake.