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After expressing doubts about the inaugural event less than two weeks ago, Bernie Ecclestone now insists the Korean grand prix "is on". He also said Saturday he is only now waiting for organisers of a Russian grand prix in 2014 to sign a contract. Meanwhile, organisers of the 2012 US grand prix are facing a race against time to obtain planning permission to begin work on the Austin circuit. Full story...

Doing used car overviews on a weekly basis for a number of years can sure be an eye opener. Your correspondent scours owner's forums, consumer complaint threads and reliability resources regularly to help ascertain what owners of a used model can expect-- and what key issues to check for on a test drive. As time passes, a few things have become apparent: Korean cars are built better than ever, you can't beat a well-maintained Honda, Toyota or Subaru as a used small-car buy, and when it comes to pricey premium machines, the Germans offer a tremendous driving experience but fall slightly short on reliability. Full story...

Nissan is considering a deal-sweetener as it prepares to launch global sales of the all-electric Leaf: free rental car use for trips beyond the Leaf's 80-100 mile battery range. Full story...

Ford has released prices for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab and SuperCrew pickup trucks. Full story...

Ford Motor Co.'s credit rating was raised two levels by Moody's Investors Service, which said the automaker's operating performance 'significantly exceeded' expectations. Full story...

EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: The front end styling is blocky for a sports coupe, but if you can get past that, the rest of the car is a Honda highlight reel. Full story...

Tom Ganley, an Ohio dealer running for Congress against Rep. Betty Sutton, faces two new lawsuits about his professional conduct. Ganley, a 67-year old Republican who sits on the National Automobile Dealers Association board, is contesting the suits. Full story...

Owners of the Chevrolet Volt looking for convenience and speed will have the option of buying the Voltec 240-volt home charging unit, General Motors announced this week. Full story...

New-vehicle buyers are having an easier time getting credit, signaling U.S. auto sales may continue to accelerate after last month reaching the fastest pace since the government's 'cash for clunkers' program. Full story...

Jaguar is planning production feasibility studies of up to 2,000 cars a year for its new 780-hp supercar, sources say. Full story...

In today's News Brake, Audi considers producing the quattro concept, Ray LaHood thinks the car is a no-phone zone, and there will be plenty of Fiestas at SEMA . . . But Wait, There's More! Full story...

Cadillac is recalling 3,996 copies of the 2010 SRX crossover to check for possible damage to a power steering line, which could result in a fire. Full story...

Honda Motor Co. is not planning to bring the hybrid version of its Fit small car to North America -- for now -- amid doubts drivers will pay more for its gasoline-electric drivetrain. Full story...

The quattro lives! Full story...

So that was Paris for another two years, time to move on this week to.... Antwerp? Yup, it's home to a long-serving General Motors Europe plant, currently making Opel Astras and, while GM says it's for the chop, unions and the Flemish government are saying, 'hang on a mo'. Full story...

Jaguar is planning production feasibility studies of up to 2,000 cars a year for its new 780-hp supercar, sources say. Full story...

Every day seems to bring a wild swing in the see-saw of the Opel saga that is gripping Belgian politicians and unions. Full story...

Mitsubishi Motors North America, in an effort to rekindle its image as a technologically innovative brand -- and generate a bunch of buzz in the process -- on Thursday announced what it claims is the first online test drive of its kind. Full story...

First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Smaller, not sportier.

Don't confuse the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with the Mitsubishi Outlander. They share a name, but these two vehicles are distinctly different. If you're familiar with Land Rover's Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, Mitsubishi's naming scheme might make sense. The Outlander Sport isn't necessarily sportier than it's bigger, older brother. Rather, it's a significantly smaller vehicle that competes in an entirely different segment. With two rows of seats, available all-wheel drive, and a frugal four-cylinder, the Outlander Sport is entering the crowded compact crossover market as a serious latecomer.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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I've always seen the Legacy as the car that Impreza owners eventually graduate to when they need more space but want to maintain respectable performance chops. For people with WRXs or STIs, they have the 2. Full story...