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Johnny Cecotto posted the fastest lap of the second day of collective testing in Jerez, Spain.

The Venezuelan driver, representing Team Arden, dominated both the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, with a 1'25''694.

Johnny Cecotto (Photo: GP2series.com)

He led Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson, who fastest on Thursday.

The next collective test takes place in February.

Jerez - Day 2:
1 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 1'25"694
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 1'25"719

3 - Marcus Ericsson - Coloni - 1'26"118
4 - Kevin Giovesi - Lazarus - 1'26"149
5 - Stéphane Richelmi - DAMS - 1'26"314
6 - Rio Haryanto - Lotus - 1'26"345

7 - Alexander Sims - Barwa Addax - 1'26"346

8 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 1'26"451

9 - Alexander Rossi - Caterham - 1'26"468
10 - Daniel Juncadella - Rapax - 1'26"543
Etc.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso stands to win a whopping EUR 10 million bonus if on Sunday he can win Ferrari's first drivers' world championship since 2007.

The odds are stacked against the Spaniard, given his inferior Ferrari and Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's 13-point advantage with just the Brazilian finale to go.

But Alonso is not giving up.

"Obviously it will be good to be on the podium and score a minimum 15 points and then when we cross the line we see where Sebastian is and we try to do some numbers after that," he said at Interlagos.

Italy's La Stampa newspaper said Alonso's likely reward for success would be a EUR 10 million bonus, as per his contract with the famous Maranello based team.

Nick Heidfeld, a former long-time F1 driver, thinks both Vettel and Alonso would deserve their spoils.

"I think both have driven the season of their careers, which is incredible since they are both double world champions," the German told Spox.

"But even though many in Germany don't want to hear it, I have been the most impressed by Fernando.

"I can honestly say that since I've been in F1 or watching F1, I have never seen anyone drive a whole season completely error free and always at the maximum."

Another grand prix veteran, Rubens Barrichello, agrees.

"Car for car, Vettel has the greatest chance," he is quoted by Agencia Estado on a visit to the Interlagos paddock on Friday.

"But if you think about the experience and determination of Alonso ... if Vettel takes a single breath, he will lose the title," said the Brazilian.

Model: 2002 to 2012 Mercedes SL

Vehicle Type: Luxury convertible

History/Description: Few machines exemplify top-level comfort, premium sophistication and advanced performance quite like the Mercedes Benz SL. A two-seat convertible designed for comfortable, high-speed, top-optional travels, it was available in its last full generation from 2002 to 2012.

Feature content for this luxo-rocket included a fully motorized power roof, navigation, heated leather seats with the “airscarf” neck-warmer system, Bluetooth, premium audio by Harman Kardon, driver-selectable suspension, and plenty more.

Engine options were numerous. Standard in the SL 500 was a 5.0L V8 with 302 horsepower in earlier years, though a 5.5L mill packing 382 horsepower became the base engine a few years later. This base engine necessitated a name-change to “SL 550.” An SL 600 model was also available, featuring a turbocharged V8 with a little shy of 500 horses.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

What Owners Like: The head-tuning factor, on-road presence and performance of the SL were its most highly rated assets, according to many owners. Plenty of on-board storage and all-around comfort were also commented upon positively.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for better fuel mileage and lower maintenance costs from their SL.

Common Issues: Complaints deal with noises, like squeaks and rattles, as the car ages. System malfunctions, which are typically referenced by a message in the instrument cluster, are also somewhat well documented. Be sure none of these messages are present on the model you're test driving.

Listen for a metallic “clanging” sound from the rear of the vehicle as it comes to rest, or while it's resting shortly after being stopped. Numerous owners have reported issues with baffles breaking off inside the fuel tank and floating noisily around. This is an expensive repair if not covered by warranty, though it's likely to mainly affect earlier models.

Ensure the motorized top works as expected, completing several full open and close cycles and listen for any binding, hesitation or strain. The roof should open smoothly and quietly. Any roof-related repairs could be pricey.
These issues aside, the SL's relatively low sales volumes and typically low-mileage operation mean that reliability issues are somewhat difficult to nail down. Still, this writer can suggest a few important points to remember when considering the purchase of a used SL.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Continue reading 2002-2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Pre-Owned

From GMM

Kamui Kobayashi is hoping a new website will help him raise the money to stay in formula one beyond Sunday's Brazilian grand prix.

Sauber announced on Friday that it will pair Nico Hulkenberg with the Telmex-backed Mexican rookie Esteban Gutierrez in 2013.

"I think if a driver deserves to be in formula one he's definitely one of them and I hope he can get support from Japanese companies and stay in the sport," Monisha Kaltenborn, admitting the decision to oust Kobayashi was "tough", said in Brazil.

Indeed, Kobayashi admitted at Interlagos that the 'kamui-support.com' website is designed to collect money from his fans in order to secure one of the last seats on the 2013 grid.

"It (the website) has been (live for) just two days but it's going to help my career for sure," he is quoted by Reuters.

The website includes the popular 26-year-old's bank account details.

Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half of the sports car maker, sources said.

Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

Aston Martin owner Investment Dar has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra and Mahindra for half the sports-car maker, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

As a baby Benz convertible, the SLK is supposed to be posh, flashy, comfortable, and quick--a top-down, feel-good machine.

Auto writers are forever criticizing the SLK because it's not really a sports car. I don't know why it never dawns on them that the SLK isn't trying to be a sports car. As a baby Benz convertible, the SLK is supposed to be posh, flashy, comfortable, and quick--a top-down, feel-good machine. Boxster-like driver involvement and Miata-like tossability are not a part of the program.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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First Drive: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi

“E” is for eking to the max.

Dear Optimizer:

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi - Automobile Magazine

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News 23 Nov, 2012

BMW and MINI are planning to release up to 20 front-wheel-drive models

Renault Brazil is continuing with the old Clio model but with a facelift inspired by the redesign launched at the Paris motor show. It is called New Clio rather than the Clio Mio used in Argentina where it is built.

Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover has added the Land Rover franchise to the Jaguar concession already held by its importer in Indonesia.

News 23 Nov, 2012

BMW has confirmed that the new X4 crossover will debut in concept form at the Detroit Motor Show

Plastic Omnium is to end bumper production at its Eisenach-Thuringia plant in Germany, with the loss of 200 jobs, but has angrily criticised European automakers for the situation..

When a four-cylinder doesn't work

While acknowledging that the Chinese car market is slowing, BMW board member Ian Robertson has told just-auto that he sees positive prospects there for premium brands and BMW in particular.

News 23 Nov, 2012

Proposed ban on young drivers carrying passengers to cut road deaths

INTERACTIVE EDITOR DALE JEWETT: It's not unusual to answer questions from a neighbor or passer-by when driving a luxury car or sports car for this joband#8212;but this is the first time a full-size van has earned me an impromptu chat.

I wondered why things seemed a little quiet this week until the cent dropped: something to do with lots of travel, turkey and shopping in the US, for which many take the week off.