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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone's next headache could be in the form of former Williams chairman Adam Parr, according to a report in the German language Speed Week.

Earlier this year, Briton Parr - Williams' de-facto team principal - suddenly quit.

His shock departure from the famous team and the sport was met with cynicism, as it coincided with the end to an impasse with F1's chief executive over Williams' stalled Concorde Agreement negotiations.

Adam Parr. (Photo: Williams F1 Team)

We reported in March that Adam Parr never saw eye-to-eye with Bernie Ecclestone.

The Telegraph hinted at the time that he "was the victim of a power play", while Speed Week journalist Peter Hesseler has now gone one step further.

He repeated rumours that "a former team official" could be set to commence legal action against Ecclestone, because the F1 chief executive earlier this year threatened to call off Concorde Agreement negotiations if he didn't quit.

Writing in Speed Week, Hesseler said the unnamed team official is almost certainly Adam Parr.

Mercedes-Benz is known for building some exquisitely engineered luxury cruisers, but the 2012 S 350 takes the cake -- while managing to eat it, too. Even at this stratospheric level, nobody wants to be thought of as a resource-gobbling pariah, and yet there's no way this demographic is going to be caught dead trundling around in a Prius.


Looking at such a large, luxurious sedan, you'd be forgiven for thinking it the epitome of self-indulgent, ozone-destroying decadence, running on tankards of dinosaur juice, while dozens of rare species perish in its foul wake.

However, under the aristocratic snout of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is a fuel-sipping diesel that, while emitting about as much noxious gas as a bumble-bee fart, makes the S 350 BlueTEC as close as you're likely to get to guilt-free automotive indulgence.

Privilege has its perks
My tester, in deepest black, is of the understated elegance favoured by old money, mobsters, and New England politicians. Instead of screaming "expensive!" it whispers of discretion and privilege. Honestly, climbing into the cockpit of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC -- redolent of leather, indulgence and riches only imagined -- my sense of well being is instantly elevated.

It's not just the knowledge that I'm piloting almost $130,000 of German-engineered luxury saloon. But once that door closes with a solid thunk, I'm isolated from all the distasteful trivialities of the world outside, safe and secure in a vault-like chamber of serenity that is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC.

Of course, there are the plump, fragrant leather seats that not only heat, cool and massage the tender backsides of its occupants, but also gently grip to hold them in place while cornering. One suspects that many owners of a car like the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC don't drive, but are driven, thus the rear seats are equalling cosseting and offer plenty of legroom. Further pampering is provided by electronic minions who, at the touch of a button, raise the rear window blinds or open and close the trunk.

Honestly, climbing into the cockpit of the S 350 BlueTEC -- redolent of leather, indulgence and riches only imagined -- my sense of well being is instantly elevated. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Mind-numbing brace of safety technology
There's a host of confidence-inspiring safety systems to further cushion privileged occupants from harm in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC: Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, which sense either an impending collision or unintended lane departure and apply gentle corrective braking inputs to counteract the vehicle's course and nudge it back on track. In the case of an unavoidable accident, Pre-Safe Braking activates maximum braking pressure and significantly reduces the impact's severity.

Although I'd initially considered myself one of the stalwart holdouts when it comes to technological nanny systems, I have to admit it's easy to become reliant upon them -- as I was to find out.

During a torrential downpour, I blissfully maintained my speed despite dismal visibility thanks to the lane departure system that kept me on the straight and narrow, while pre-collision warnings prevented me from even thinking of tail-gating. Perhaps it was the buildup of moisture, or maybe it was the Goddess-who-watches-over-all-driving-enthusiasts-in-danger-of-succumbing-to-the-technology-void... but suddenly there was a complete failure of all the safety warning systems and I was forced to rely on my wits.

Having driven the stupefyingly powerful S 63 AMG in the French Alps a couple of years ago, I can say with all sincerity that tromping its gas pedal was like being fired from a cannon. The 2012 S 350 may only boast 240 hp, but its 455 lb-ft of immediately available torque makes it more than responsive enough in daily driving.

As befitting such a stately cruiser, the ride in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC is poised and creamy, thanks to excellent, adaptable shock dampers and the 4MATIC AWD system. There's no point in driving a car like this hard, so after sampling the "Sport" suspension setting once, I was content to leave it in "Comfort."

The large, genuine wood-trimmed wheel provides direct steering that's sharp and accurate, if somewhat light. Braking, however, is surprisingly just adequate for such an otherwise superbly built car.

The 2012 S 350 may only boast 240 hp, but its 455 lb-ft of immediately available torque makes it more than responsive enough in daily driving. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Diesel fuel economy icing on the cake
If the experience of driving the 2012 S 350 BlueTEC is the cake, then surely its 10.2L/100 km city and 6.2 highway fuel consumption is the icing. From inside the Mercedes-Benz S 350, it's very easy to forget that it's powered by a diesel engine, so quietly does it run. The pleasant reminder came in the form of gas receipts that totalled only $65 for an entire week that included a couple of runs to the big city and back.

The 2012 S 350 BlueTEC offers all the self-indulgences expected in a $130,000 luxury car, but is redeemed by its socially conscious fuel efficiency.

Let them eat cake, indeed.

This 2012 Mercedes S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Valencia is hoping to return to the F1 calendar in 2014.

The Spanish street race - recently the regular host of the European grand prix - has dropped off the sport's schedule for next season.

But it has been suggested that Spain's two F1 hosts, Valencia and Barcelona, will alternate the Spanish grand prix from now on.

Barcelona will as usual host the race next year, leaving open the possibility of a return for Valencia in 2014.

Start of the 2012 European Grand Prix in Valencia. (Photo: WRi2)

Lola Johnson, the Valencia tourism minister, said the government has "been working" on a possible alternation with Barcelona.

"It is a situation that is on the table," she is quoted by El Pais newspaper. "It's a three-way scenario, with the bosses of formula one and the two organisers of the grands prix."

"The alternation is on the basis of the reorganisation of the contracts. The details are being worked on," Lola Johnson said at the weekend, as Ferrari celebrated its end-of-season event at the Spanish port city's permanent circuit.

The station wagons of my childhood were never like this
Unsung heroes of the highway, those long-forgotten barges bore the ravages and detritus of many a weekend road trip, as faithful -- and sophisticated -- as the ancient family dog.

Long since gone the way of drive-in movies, the wagon's all but vanished as primary people-movers, replaced by the minivan and SUV.

Those few that remain are generally of the premium German variety. Rather than bashed-up daily runabout, they fill the role of refined, yet practical cruiser.


The 21st century wagon
My tester, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon, is one such vehicle. I'm occasionally asked if some cars inspire a personality change, like adopting a different character upon sliding behind the wheel. Driving the E 350 wagon, I couldn't shake the feeling of respectability that came over me, as if I'd suddenly become a very pampered Stepford wife, or a respected member of the faculty.

Gliding serenely into a parking spot, I'd fantasize momentarily that my bank account had undergone the same transformation and that my past and pedigree had somehow become squeaky clean.

There's nothing sporty or sexy about the styling of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon -- heavens no. However, its clean, crisp lines create an impression of quiet elegance; and the standard-in-Canada AMG appearance package erases any hint of wagon-y frumpiness. My tester is particularly fetching in an understated pewter.

Driving the E 350 wagon, I couldn't shake the feeling of respectability that came over me. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Gadgets galore
As expected, there's plenty of gadgetry in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon; and thankfully most of it is intuitive and easy to operate through the COMAND system.

The older I get, the more I love creature comforts and heated steering wheels get my vote for most coveted vehicle feature for cold Canadian winters. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 also boasts power-adjustable steering wheel, automatic-dimming mirrors, auto climate control (which continues to circulate warm air for a short period of time after shut-off; another nice cold-weather feature), active, self-levelling bi-xenon headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon also features a power liftgate that's activated with the key fob and head restraints that adjust at the touch of a button. The thickly cushioned leather front seats are 14-way adjustable, and the second row folds down to provide a total of 1,950 litres of cargo space -- easily ferrying a couple of friends and all their luggage home from the airport.

Lined storage bins are hidden under the front seats of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon (well hidden I might add, since I hadn't realized they were there until I looked over the manual).

Surprisingly, there's a hidden seat located under the trunk floor -- a small, rear-facing bench that flips out -- that proved a huge hit with a good friend's 9-year-old son. I wouldn't want to put anyone larger back there though, unless they're relatives who've overstayed their welcome.

Surprisingly, there's a hidden seat located under the trunk floor. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

A wagon with grunt
The E 350 received a new engine for 2012: it's still a 3.5L V6, but this one is a direct injection variant that delivers more power, but with greater fuel efficiency. It puts out 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (compared to the previous model's 268/258) and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350's fuel economy ratings of 11.2L/100km city and 7.3L highway don't exactly sound stellar in these days of ever-decreasing fuel consumption, but when you factor in the fact that the E 350 is a large, 1,945-kg vehicle with full-time AWD (hence the 4MATIC designation) that basically does the job of an SUV, those numbers sound much more reasonable. And the E 350 has a creamy smooth ride that no utility vehicle could ever hope to emulate.

Although one can switch from "Comfort" to "Sport" mode in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon to firm up the dampers and quicken the throttle response, it feels almost disrespectful to hustle such a regal cruiser along, and for the most part I was more than content to ride in comfort. While it's very composed, no one is going to accuse this car of having aspirations of sportiness.

The 3.5L is a fairly powerful engine; and while the E 350 is never going to win any stop light peel-outs (as if!), it has no problem whatsoever achieving respectable highway speeds. The cabin in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon boasts that typical vault-like Mercedes hush; so well-insulated is it from any road or wind noise that it's surprisingly easy to find that the speedometer has crept up to where it shouldn't be.

It's a class above the typical utility vehicle and light years beyond those saggy barges of my distant childhood. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Newness at a price
It's too easy to become accustomed to the E 350's sense of refined practicality -- you'd almost wonder why anyone would opt for one of the ubiquitous SUVs that litter the marketplace. With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350's $70,000+ starting price, it's a class above the typical utility vehicle and light years beyond those saggy barges of my distant childhood.

This 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

NASCAR statistics show that Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Penske Racing, Miller-Lite Dodge, earned $12,106,255 dollars this year.

Broken down into three sub-categories it was $6.2 million in race winnings, $150,000 in “special prizes,” and series sponsor, Sprint, topped it up with a bonus of over $5.7 million. Keselowski won five races.

Yet the 28-year old driver's take wasn't a record and it was less than the $12,671,071 take by Tony Stewart last year. And, of course, Stewart, as an owner, did not have to split that purse with anyone.

Photo: NASCAR

Five-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, who finished third in the standings, was second in earnings with a total of $10,469,426. Of that his race winnings of $8,129,639.00 was the most of all drivers this year. He tied Keselowski and Denny Hamlin for the most wins, five. Also he had four poles tying him at Kasey Kahne, who also had four poles.

Matt Kenseth who was third in money won, but seventh in the points, took in $ 8,802,778.50 of which $7, 528, 332 was race winnings. No doubt his win of the rain-delayed Daytona 500 (his second Daytona 500 win), worth $1.589 million helped propel him to the top of money earners. Kenseth had two additional wins and one pole.

Clint Bowyer, runner-up in the series points race, but was only fifth in money won with a total of $7,993,802 and three wins. No doubt, in part, due to less victories.

Twenty-nine drivers, down to Rookie of Year Stephen Leicht, won more the One Million dollars this year.

2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic

It's pretty much impossible to overstate what Fisker has accomplished.

It's pretty much impossible to overstate what Fisker has accomplished. The five-year-old start-up has broken into one of the world's toughest and most regulated industries with a product that is more beautiful and more advanced than what's being produced by companies that have been at it for 50, 75, and 100 years. Fisker has had plenty of help from established suppliers and automakers, but the Karma's parts add up to something completely original.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fisker Karma EcoChic - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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American Suzuki, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, will continue to offer consumer rebates and zero percent financing to woo potential customers as the brand winds down its U.S. auto sales operations.

Fiat is holding a contest in conjunction with the release of the Fiat 500e electric vehicle.

BMW's sales in the United States rose 45 percent in November, further chipping away at Daimler's Mercedes-Benz in luxury-auto deliveries this year.

Local auto shows offer a unique opportunity to shop new vehicles without any sales pressure.

We like to poke a little fun here at Autoweek when a and#8220;newand#8221; Bugatti Veyron model comes out.

Also in this episode: Lincoln hopes to rev up sales with an advertising blitz, and the Chevy SS will tear up the trackand#8212;and streetand#8212;beginning in 2013.

New vehicle sales at both Ford Motor of Canada and Chrysler Canada made big gains in November, lifted by strong consumer demand for cars and growth in the Canadian auto industry.

Higher demand for pickups and small cars helped Ford achieve a 6 percent U.S. sales increase in November.

American Honda posted its best November ever, with sales rising 39 percent to 116,580 units. Despite the strong showing, Honda still trailed Chrysler Group by 5,985 units as the fifth-ranked automaker in the United States for the month.

Two sibling vehicles lifted November sales for Nissan North America's Nissan and Infiniti brands.

General Motors' November sales rose 3 percent, but an unexpected decline in pickup sales left GM with swollen truck inventories.

First Drive: 2013 Kia Rio SX 6MT

Hot design, lukewarm performance.

Since the Kia Rio's current generation debuted for the 2012 model year, it has gone from the butt of automotive jokes to one of the most stylish and feature-laden offerings for under $20,000. A great deal of credit for the subcompact's radical transformation goes to Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer (previously with Audi), who bestowed the littlest Kia with the clean lines and fetching styling that permeate the brand and help this subcompact differentiate itself from the rest of the segment.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Kia Rio SX 6MT - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Kia Rio SX 6MT - Automobile Magazine

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After joining the Super Bowl's ad ranks in 2011 and sitting out in 2012, Mercedes is poised to redefine its appeal to the game's massive TV audience.

Paul Everitt, CEO of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is leaving to take up a new position outside the automotive sector at the end of January 2013.