Yamaha Vx110 Crankshaft With Flywheel on 2040-parts.com

Aston Martin in talks with Mercedes for engine supply

It has seemed for some time that Aston Martin’s wish-list for future engines revolved around Mercedes. They currently use a V12 developed from Ford’s Mondeo V6 and a V8 that’s a development of the 4.2 litre that was in Jaguars (and Range Rovers) until a few years ago, but new engines (and new platforms) are vital if Aston are to remain competitive. Before the recent investment in AML by Investindustrial, there were plans for Aston to use both engines and platforms from Mercedes (the Lagonda SUV was built on the underpinnings of the Mercedes GL) and even the possibility that Aston Martin would design and build the next generation Maybach.

New Mercedes B-Class (2012) exterior photo leaks

2012 Mercedes B-Class - it's the one on the left (click for bigger image) We did wonder if Mercedes were trying to keep exterior photos of the 2012 Mercedes B-Class under wraps until it launches at Frankfurt next month. Not much chance of that now the first official exterior photo has leaked out. In case you’re wondering, the 2012 B-Class is on the left, with the 2008 B-Class on the right.

Nissan Titan still has a future

Even without a deal to team up with Chrysler Group on a new pickup, Nissan Motor Co. plans to keep the Titan truck in its lineup and develop a new range of models on its own. "We will do the next-generation Titan in-house," Larry Dominique, Nissan North America Inc.'s vice president for product planning, told Automotive News last week at the Detroit auto show.