Both Aston Martin and Mercedes are only about 18 months removed from their respective divorces from Ford and Chrysler. Now the two luxury automakers are looking to settle a partnership with one another.

Aston Martin has terrific brand value, but the independent British marquee can’t touch Daimler’s vast cash and engineering might. For that reason, Aston is reportedly interested in Mercedes for its engineering prowess. The next generation S-Class will feature a choice of mild, full, and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as smaller petrol engines to increase efficiency. Those powertrain combos will reportedly end up under the bonnet of the 2010 Rapide sedan, as well as the rumored Lagonda lineup.

A €300 million Aston/Daimler collaboration could wind up being yet another bad idea, but there’s also a good chance this Euro luxury hook-up could result in some good-looking offspring. We may find out sooner than later, too, as the first Lagonda concept is rumored to be unveiled next year, and under that beautiful Aston sheet metal may well be some fine German engineering.

[Adapted from: Autoblog]

Daniel Craig has found out that playing James Bond provides him with exceptional bonuses. He has been given a free pass to drive the British sports cars any time he likes. As Bond, the actor drives the sporty British cars - and Aston Martin bosses have told him he’s always free to go for a spin in one of their top motors. Craig, however, doesn’t seem to have plans to purchase one for himself, as he says, “I could drive it faster and more furiously (on the track) than anywhere on the road. I live in London (and) it doesn’t make any sense to drive an Aston Martin there. I’ve nowhere to park it.”

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