Seat's supersized Altea XL (2006): first official pictures

By Phil McNamara First Official Pictures 22 August 2006 00:01 The lowdown Seat has altered the Altea, with a redesigned rear end that boosts practicality. The Altea XL is similar in concept to Volkswagen's enlarged Golf, the Plus, but the Seat is an even better load-lugger. It goes on UK sale in February 2007.

Remaking the Ford Mustang

By the time the next-generation Ford Mustang debuts in 2014, it will have worn a decidedly retro look for nearly a decade. From the styling to the chassis to the raw power, the pony car remains a throwback and a simple, true American pleasure. Expect that mantra to continue, but the execution will evolve, moving the Mustang forward into a broader, potentially global audience as it nears a half century of performance.

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.