Auto News 5

I have now officially joined the ranks of those that have driven a 911 GT3. Let me tell you that it's sunny, warm, gorgeous and that it even smells good over here. Yes, the GT3 is an epic car. Epic given its heritage, its abilities and holy crap, its good looks. Full story...

Fast lines and slick interior; images of Dodge's new SUV can be viewed at www.dodge.com/2011Durango. The brand is revealing a few sneak peeks that highlight design characteristics of the 2011 Dodge Durango. Look for more of this all-new three-row performance SUV in the coming weeks. Full story...

Jorge Lorenzo proved he had what it takes to become the leader in the Yamaha factory team as he took another dominant win at Brno while team-mate Valentino Rossi confirmed his move to Ducati. Full story...

Frenchman Lionel Regal, one of the world' most successful and most spectacular hillclimb racers was killed sadly this past weekend during the Saint Ursanne Les Rangiers event in Switzerland. Full story...

After the Quail, many Porsches and countless super luxury rare expensive cars, it only made sense that we make our way to the increasingly popular second annual Concours d'LeMons! And so, we did and what a refreshing change of pace and, well, environment it was. Full story...

(Pebble Beach, CA) Bentley Motors is displaying the company's new limited-edition Continental GTC and GTC Speed 80-11 models, designed exclusively for the North American market, on the Concept Lawn at the 60th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Full story...

Korea's new Formula 1 circuit is scheduled to host its first motor races at the end of next month. Full story...

Bahrain International Circuit has announced on Monday that it will be returning to its original track layout in preparation for next year's season. Full story...

Organizers from Australia's Gold Coast event have announced an impressive list of drivers for the Gold Cost 600 race including Canada's Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Tagliani. Full story...

Seating and electronics supplier Lear Corp. on Thursday appointed director and former Ford executive Henry D.G. Wallace non-executive chairman, following an ongoing board review of its corporate governance practices. Full story...

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are making up for faltering sales at home by selling more cars in China even as industrywide demand cools in the world's largest auto market. Full story...

The appointment of Daniel Akerson as CEO of General Motors Co. may bode well for GM's future supplier relations, although it is unlikely to alter its its supplier strategy. Full story...

Transmission specialist Zeroshift has devised a multi-speed gearbox for electric vehicles (EVs) that needs no clutch - a damper inside the gear hubs and electronic control of the motor make ratio changes seamless. Having more than one gear ratio and the ability to shift without interrupting torque means the motor runs at higher efficiency, extending range and batteries' life expectancy by up to 10 percent. Full story...

First of all, let me fall on my sword by saying that despite my previous comments regarding the FJ's weird retro-appearance, the ugly ducking has grown on me like a stray mutt that relies upon personality to earn Milk Bones rather than looks. Full story...

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick finished 27th at the Michigan Speedway in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, concluding another tough outing in stock car racing. Full story...

Nico Rosberg was exhausted but happy after contesting his first full triathlon. The Mercedes driver, now a triathlon aficionado like Jenson Button, completed the full Olympic distance of the world championship round in Kitzbuhel, Austria. Full story...

Alex Ardoin claimed victory today in the Star Mazda race held at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres. Conor Daly made a rare mistake and finished third. Full story...

Quebec driver Andrew Ranger captured Sunday a spectacular win in the NASCAR Canadian Tire series in the streets of Trois-Rivières. Full story...

A unique 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupe (photo) with coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi, and an exceptional 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta, the fifth of only seven examples built, each sold for $4,620,000 US Saturday, August 14, at RM's 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' auction, leading an impressive group of 14 individual million-dollar-plus sales. The exquisite Talbot-Lago was part of the John M. O'Quinn collection, like the 1948 Tucker Sedan that reach a record-breaking sale price of $1,127,500 US during RM's second evening auction, on Friday. The French coupé, the only long-wheelbase Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupe in existence, was a 1948 24 Hours of Spa class winner. It found a new owner during a six-hour sale, which saw 84 motor cars cross the podium before a packed house. The fourteen Saturday auction million-dollar sales collector cars were: . 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe: $4,620,000 (picture); . 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta: $4,620,000 (lot 351); . 1949 Delahaye Type 175 S Roadster by Saoutchik: $3,300,000 (lot 353); . 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder: $2,612,500 (lot 360); . 1955 Jaguar D-Type: $2,090,000 (lot 347); . 2007 Full story...

Kevin Harvick's victory at Michigan has marked him as a real contender for the Sprint Cup in the upcoming ten-race Sprint Cup Chase. Full story...