Reports of a potential liason between Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin have been bouncing around for a while now. We heard that Aston Martin might build a new Lagonda SUV on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class platform, then we heard that Aston Martin might be called in to lend their expertise to building future Maybachs (which, obviously, is out of the question now that Maybach is dead). But the rumors of a collaboration have taken an interesting turn now that Italian equity firm Investindustrial has bought a big chunk of Aston Martin, as Investindustrial has close ties with Mercedes-Benz and AMG. And we think that's a good thing. In fact, we think an AMG/Aston Martin team-up might be the best thing for both brands. Here's why.

[060gallery]

Update: We've received word that the Aston Martin DBS Ultimate coupe will sticker for $287,576, while the Volante convertible version sells for $302,576—roughly $15K more than the base versions of each model. But when you think about it, that's only like a five percent price hike.

At some point in the near future—probably later this year—the last Aston Martin DBS will roll off the production line, to be replaced with something newer, presumably faster, and possibly just as sexy.

If you missed out on your chance to buy an Aston Martin One-77, first off, we're sorry. Not that sorry, because now you have about $2 million to spend on cars lying around, but a little sorry.

[060gallery]

The Chinese zodiac says it's the year of the dragon, but for exotic automakers, it's the Year of the Chinese Market Special Editions.

The next time you're at a bar and some Eurotrash drunkard starts bad-mouthing the Mustang Boss 302 as a "crude, unbalanced American gas guzzler," take a deep breath and politely inform him that the Boss 302 a well-balanced sports car capable of lapping one of the world's great racetracks faster than many European sports cars. Then you can punch him in the teeth.