Auto News 5

From GMM

Two British newspapers on Sunday reported an explosive rumour about F1's reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel.

The Independent, and the Sunday Times, separately said the Red Bull driver has signed a pre-contract to join Ferrari in 2014.

"Insiders are adamant that the German has signed an option with Ferrari for 2014, subject to competitive form from the Prancing Horse stable for the rest of 2012," said the Independent.

The Sunday Times agreed, adding that Vettel's current teammate Mark Webber could also be moving to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa, but only for a single season in 2013.

Fernando Alonso's Ferrari contract runs until 2016.

"It is not known whether the Vettel option is binding on either side, but if there is a one-year Ferrari vacancy for 2013, it strengthens the case for Webber being the man to fill it," said the Times.

General Motors knows how much today's car drivers crave the latest gadgets, which is why it launched a new smartphone app for Opel Astra OPC owners that displays preselected data from the CAN bus (Controller Area Network). GM becomes the first automaker to offer this technology.

Photo: General Motors

Up to 60 different data, including engine boost pressure, throttle position, lateral acceleration and engine torque, are readily available in real time and can also be stored and later compared with friends. The app costs just 0.79 Euros ($1.02) and promises hours of fun for technophiles.

The new Opel Astra OPC is the most powerful compact in the brand's lineup. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, it will hit the European market this summer with a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 280 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque - good for a top speed of 250 km/h.

A 1933 Alfa Romeo that its owner longed for as a youngster growing up in South Africa took home the "Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este" honors at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

Michael Schumacher was fastest in qualifying, but a penalty means Mark Webber will start the Monaco Grand Prix from pole

Michael Schumacher was fastest in qualifying, but a penalty means Mark Webber starts the Monaco Grand Prix from pole

New Aston Martin supercar concept revealed at Villa D’Este in Italy

New Aston Martin supercar concept has been spied at Villa D’Este in Italy

New Aston Martin supercar concept revealed at Villa D’Este in Italy

Dany Bahar, the CEO with ambitious plans for British-based sports car maker Lotus, has been suspended by the new Malaysian owners of Group Lotus.

Dany Bahar, the chief executive with ambitious plans for British-based sports car maker Lotus, has been suspended by the new Malaysian owners of Group Lotus.

Fuji Heavy Industries is making a contrarian bet: The maker of Subaru cars is cranking up domestic manufacturing at a time other Japanese automakers are expanding overseas to escape the strong yen.

Defunct auto supplier Cambridge Industries got ensnared in the Obama campaign's recent attacks on Republican Mitt Romney over his time at Bain Capital.

From GMM

Mark Webber has moved to rubbish speculation he might be in line to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari.

The Australian has only a one-year contract with Red Bull, although team figures have indicated a new deal for the 35-year-old is likely.

Webber scoffed at the Ferrari rumours.

"It's like someone clicks a switch in May and says, 'Oh, Mark's off to Ferrari'," he said, with the Evening Standard revealing Webber shook his head whilst answering.

"I'm used to this stuff ... I'd say 80 per cent of what you hear is bulls**t."

Webber admitted he might have been close to retirement at the end of last season, following a difficult campaign when his teammate Sebastian Vettel utterly dominated.

"I was cooked, mate," he said. "At the end of last year, I needed to recalibrate and reset.

"As a sportsman I was a bit burnt out."

His season-ending victory in Brazil, however, was a good foundation to bounce back.

"The best winter I've ever had, mate," said Webber. "I felt like I was flying after it."

As for who will be champion at the end of topsy-turvy 2012, he insisted: "Not a clue mate. Me."

Model: 1996 to 2005 Jaguar XK

Vehicle Type: Performance Coupe / Convertible

History/Description: The 1996 to 2005 Jaguar XK series might be the most popular used model to satisfy shoppers after a classy-as-heck British performance coupe or convertible. Strikingly elegant styling, standard V8 power and an interior packing more wood and leather than a furniture store were all part of the package.

This sophisticated model debuted with a 4.0L V8 generating 290 hp, and eventually gained a supercharged version of that engine with 370 ponies in the XKR model, which hit dealer lots in 2000. In 2003, both engines gained some horses — bumping output to 294 hp without the supercharger, and 390 with. Five- or six-speed automatics were standard on all models, depending on the year.

Look for leather seating, automatic climate control, a CD changer, heated mirrors, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers and plenty more.

2005 Jaguar XKR (Photo: Jaguar)

What Owners Like: Styling, performance, exclusivity and comfort were all highly rated here. XK owners taking to the web say they feel like they're driving a piece of art, and comment positively on the available acceleration and handling capabilities. With a kid seat-ready back seat and usable trunk, the XK has a delightfully practical side, too.

What Owners Dislike: Numerous owners wish for more comfortable seats, a ‘richer' and higher-quality cabin feel, and less wind and road noise at speed. Some interior control placements are awkward, and larger owners wish for easier entry and exit to the cabin. Finally, many drivers note that the XK is a large, heavy car and handles like one — albeit crisply and with plenty of grip.

Common Issues: Used Jaguars are largely bought for performance, looks and exclusivity first, and for reliability and low running costs a distant second. No difference here.

2005 Jaguar XKR (Photo: Jaguar)

Continue reading 1996-2005 Jaguar XK Pre-Owned

A Consumer Reports survey indicates that our American cousins rate fuel economy as the most important factor when it comes to changing cars.

37 % of respondents agree that consumption figures are a priority when picking a vehicle.


Almost 75 % of them also went as far as saying they would consider buying an alternative fuel vehicle because of the energy crisis. Other factors taken into account by potential buyers when looking for a new vehicle include quality (17 % rated it the most important factor), safety (16 %) and resale value (14 %).

Performance (6 %) is the least important factor of them all.

All Americans are increasingly worried about the environment - but those aged below 55 even more so apparently. A larger share of them is seriously interested in buying alternative-powered vehicles.

However, Consumer Reports' Jeff Bartlett pointed out that changing your vehicle right now may not be the wisest choice. If it is less than 3 years old, depreciation alone will cost you more than you would save in gas money.

The automotive racing world lost yet another character this week with the passing of and#8220;Bigand#8221; Willie Robinson. He was 70 years old.

First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima

Gunning for number one.

Although enthusiasts don't seem to pay much attention to the Nissan Altima, buyers in the fiercely competitive mid-size segment certainly do: the five-year-old sedan emerged as last year's second-best-selling car in America. But before you attribute the Altima's big sales numbers to Toyota's post-tsunami supply problems or to the Camry's model changeover, know that the Camry retained its best-seller crown.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima - Automobile Magazine

First Drive: 2013 Nissan Altima | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Also in this episode: Porsche joins Forza, Gooding and Co.

Italian flair, German precision and a somewhat sobering dose of realityand#8212;that's the ethos behind the striking

The picturesque town of Woking, Surrey, in the south of England is home to the McLaren Technology Center (MTC), the McLaren Automotive factory that builds the