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When we think of auctions in New York City, we're usually thinking of high-dollar art sales. That's probably why RM Auctions partnered once again with auctioneering mainstay Sotheby's for the Nov. 21 and#8220;

Jaguar Land Rover will invest about 1 billion reais ($436.9 million) to build a new manufacturing plant in Brazil's state of Rio de Janeiro, three government sources told Reuters.

Jaguar Land Rover will invest about 1 billion reais ($436.9 million) to build a new manufacturing plant in Brazil's state of Rio de Janeiro, three government sources told Reuters.

HMIL (Honda Motor India Limited) is the first global division of the Japanese OEM to announce the next generation of the City. This small sedan will be sold in 60 markets, Honda says.

The latest Commodore sedan is almost certain to be the last rear-wheel drive Aussie-built Holden. Glenn Brooks, just back from two weeks in his home city of Sydney, tried the new-ish SSV Redline derivative and was reluctant to give it back.

Chrysler taps the seemingly never-ending well of Detroit hometown heroes in its ad featuring Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Turkish auto sales are set to fall 2 percent to 800,000 vehicles next year as a weakening currency makes imported cars more expensive and as the government tries to slow auto loans, the CEO of Renault's Turkish sales unit said.

The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar have just made their global debut, much to the delight of performance enthusiasts in Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S., who will have the ability to buy either model.

Prices and quantities have yet to be announced, however.

Photo: Volvo

Built on a stiffer chassis and riding on 20'' wheels, the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar house a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine (T6) rated at 350 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Using a 6-speed automatic transmission, they can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. Both the transmission and AWD system (along with traction control) have been re-calibrated for superior grip.

“It is very satisfying to see how Polestar have been able to combine this level of driving performance in their interpretation of the S60 and V60 with maintained original service program, class leading safety features and certified fuel and emission ratings. Customers buying this car will get the best from both Polestar and Volvo,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales & Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

From press release

Strakka Racing has agreed a long-term sportscar partnership with DOME, in which it will work together to develop, bring to market and race a brand new ‘cost-capped' LMP2 coupe prototype endurance race car - the Strakka DOME S103.

The first Strakka DOME S103, which will be powered by a Nissan VK45 4.5-litre V8 LMP2 petrol engine, will contest the entire FIA World Endurance Championship next year, pending approval of the Selection Committee.

Photo: Strakka Racing

Silverstone-based Strakka Racing has a rich history in sportscar racing, having contested the Le Mans 24 Hour race for the last six consecutive years - winning the LMP2 trophy (and finishing a record-breaking 5th overall) in 2010 and the LMP1 Privateers' award in 2013.

In 2012 Strakka Racing was runners up in the LMP1 Privateers' class in the FIA World Endurance Championship and finished as LMP2 runners up in 2010 and 2011 in the European Le Mans Series.

DOME was established in 1975 by Minoru Hayashi, and over the last 38 years has become a leading racecar constructor and motorsport competitor. Based in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture in Japan, DOME made its Le Mans 24 Hour race debut in 1979.

Where top levels of fuel efficiency, versatility, and space are priorities, the mini-ute, mini-minivan and mini-SUV are tremendously appealing used-car buys. With the space busy families want, and the promise of infrequent stops to refuel, models like these are growing in popularity in the new-car market making the selection of used models even more tremendous than ever.

Here's a look at some of the most appealing small, high-utility vehicles in the used-car market today, as well as what their owners love, and what they say you should check for when considering a used model. Read on if you're planning to visit a used-car lot looking for a machine that's big on space and small on fuel consumption.

Remember: If you settle for a model that doesn't have full service records, visit your favourite mechanic for a full fluid change and tune-up for maximum confidence, longevity, and mileage.

2004 to 2007 Chevrolet Optra Wagon

2004 Chevrolet Optra (Photo: Chevrolet)

The Draw: Low resale values of this Daewoo-based Chevrolet station wagon combine with relatively solid reliability to make it the affordable highlight of our list. Look for a fuel-efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder on all models with automatic or manual transmission. Styling, comfort, and interior space, as well as ease of entry and exit, were all highly rated by owners. For the price, many of these owners confirm that the Optra Wagon is tough to beat for cargo capacity. Driving dynamics and braking performance are rated well, too.

What to Check: Common sense used-car checks should be your starting point with this machine. Though the Optra Wagon looks solid where reliability is concerned, shoppers should ensure proper functionality from all interior accessories, check tire wear, fluids, and all lights.

A test drive should see a fairly quiet ride that's free of front end clunking or grinding over bumps, and the brakes should stop the car quickly and in a straight line. Note that any unusual vibration or squealing from the brakes indicates a problem, as does a spongy pedal that wants to go to the floor. Ensure the automatic transmission, if equipped, moves smoothly through its gate and engages the selected gear with no issue. Issues with sporadic performance or hesitation are likely caused by a bad engine sensor.

2004 Chevrolet Optra (Photo: Chevrolet)

Continue reading Feature: Popular Used Rides for Maximum Utility

From GMM

Circuit owner Red Bull has only just filed its application to allow a sizeable race-day crowd to assemble for the 2014 Austrian grand prix.

The energy drink company, having demolished and rebuilt the former A1-Ring, succeeded in securing the Red Bull Ring's return to the F1 calendar for next June.

But, at the moment, local authorities reportedly allow no more than 40,000 spectators to gather at the facility at any given time.

Red Bull wants that figure to be doubled, but the 100-page application document has only just been filed, the Austrian broadcaster ORF reports.

That is despite tickets for the 2014 race having already gone on sale, sparking so much demand that internet servers strained under the load.

"It (the application) will either be judged positively or negatively," a spokesperson is quoted as saying. "If everything is positive, the decision could come before Christmas."

Red Bull Ring. (Photo: Red Bull)

From Ferrari

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo gave an interview on television on RAI Uno during which he gave his thoughts about the season that just finished and about 2014.

Taking to reporter Marco Franzelli, Di Montezemolo started by taking about the 2013 season.

“Definitely a year to forget, a disappointing season. There were three main reasons and they're clearly marked in my mind. The first was an inability to develop the car in the second half of the season: I want explanations as to why, because if we don't understand the reasons, then that's not good,” he said.

Felipe Massa, Brazil GP 2013 (Photo: Ferrari)

“The second is the tires, although I'm not looking to make excuses. We built a car to work with certain tires, with which we proved to be very competitive. Then the tires were changed, definitely proving to be a disadvantage for us and an advantage for others. Furthermore, there was an interpretation of the rules from one team, which one has to say was a bit strange and which incurred a punishment that, to say the least, had a touch of the Pontius Pilate about it. As for the first reason, we will discuss that among ourselves, regarding the second, we will talk about it in the most suitable places. Finally, we missed Massa's points for the Constructors' championship. Now we must find out exactly what happened this year and work better towards the next one.”

Little political weight?

“This story has been doing the rounds since I worked with Enzo Ferrari in the Seventies. We have reached an agreement with Ecclestone and the FIA and we are the only team with the right of veto: more political weight than that is impossible! We are aware of our strength in Formula 1, which without us, would be completely different. Having said that, it's true that weight also comes from having a winning car and that was lacking. The rest is all gossip.”

Felipe Massa's penalty in Interlagos

“I think it was disproportionate and unjust, as was Hamilton's. If Felipe had stayed in fourth place, we would have been second in the Constructors' championship. Every so often, the gentlemen who come to the races to act as Stewards make decisions that are a bit ridiculous and anachronistic. One needs to be careful that we maintain credibility, for the work of the teams that invest money and for the drivers who risk their lives.”

Fernando Alonso

“He is right to be proud of second place: he had a great season. We must give him a quicker car and he will get the most out of it. Eight out of ten, instead of ten? My eight is worth a ten because it's a score I give as an incentive: I hope to give it him next year and to give an eight, at least, to the team. For next year I would like to present him with a car that's even better than Red Bull. Let's not forget we know how to do that: one only has to think of the five year period from 2000 to 2004 and the wins in 2007 and 2008. I thank him for all his efforts and the determination he showed this year and for the fact he would have been prepared to let Massa get onto the podium last Sunday back in Brazil, as it testifies to the nice atmosphere in our team.

“Newey isn't his opponent: there are the drivers, starting with Vettel, then Hamilton and Rosberg, who has improved a lot, and there's Raikkonen who will be trying to win, which will give us a boost and should bring the points we were missing this year.”

Fernando Alonso, Brazil GP 2013 (Photo: Ferrari)

The Alonso-Raikkonen lineup for 2014

“Whoever has the honour and responsibility of driving for Ferrari must think of the team first and foremost and not of himself. None of our drivers could ever hurt the other one. Alonso is maybe the strongest race driver I've ever met, even if it is always difficult to make comparisons with the past. We have taken Raikkonen back for his experience, for what he has done over the past two years and because he is much loved inside and outside the team. I was very pleased to see the enthusiasm that greeted the news of his return, again both internally and externally. I am sure they will help one another.”

Sebastian Vettel

“Better than Senna? Ecclestone says what suits him but there is no doubt he is a great driver. He is a serious young man who has won a lot and therefore he deserves respect. I congratulate him and Red Bull. Vettel at Ferrari? Who knows what the future holds? But for now, drivers are definitely not a problem for us.”

About 2014

“Our aim is to build a car capable of winning. We have carried out a very extensive reorganisation and highly regarded engineers such as Allison have joined us or returned to us. There will be the new regulations which will give more importance to some areas, such as the engine, where we are very competent. We have good cause to be optimistic and all the ingredients to win are in place. We have come within a whisker of success too often and now we must win, I just hope there are no unclear aspects that could have an influence on things. Avoiding mistakes? That will apply to everyone.”

Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone

“Todt will be reconfirmed and I expect strong changes, because for too many years the Federation has always been the same and, as in everything, a change is required. Having said that, a strong sporting authority is always a priority for Ferrari. Ecclestone sees Horner as his successor? As the years go by, he more and more enjoys making jokes and I'm happy he still has the desire to do so...”

Slovakian engineer Stephan Klein, who used to work for BMW and Audi, recently unveiled the Aeromobil 2.5, a street-legal car concept that can also fly.

Standing six metres long, the two-passenger Aeromobil 2.5 spreads from 1.6 to 8.2 metres wide when deploying its wings. It weighs just 450 kilograms thanks to a steel and carbon fibre structure.

Equipped with an ultralight aircraft engine, the Aeromobil 2.5 has a driving range of 500 kilometres and a top speed of 160 km/h, with a fuel consumption average of 7.5L/100km. In the air, the machine can cover 700 kilometres at a maximum speed of 200 km/h while burning 15L/h.

No word on when the Aeromobil 2.5 will go on sale or how much it will cost.

Back in May, a Massachusetts-based company called Terrafugia introduced the TF-X flying car, setting a target for 2020.

Source: Citizenpost

AJ Allmendinger will be driving a Chevrolet in 2014 for JTG/Daugherty after team officials announced the formation of a technical alliance to purchase ECR (Earnhardt Childress Racing ) engines and engineering services.

“We certainly appreciate all the support that TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has provided to JTG Daugherty Racing for five years and we are great fans of their business model,” JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said.

“As a single-car team, we feel that aligning directly with a successful multi-car organization like Richard Childress Racing is what will work best for us in 2014.”

“With our RCR alliance and AJ behind the wheel, we are looking forward to a fresh start in 2014,” Geschickter said.

Photo: JTG/Daugherty PR

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel says he is "sad" the 2013 season, characterised by his history-making dominance, is now over.

But the Red Bull driver does not have much company, made plain by the many visibly empty seats at the usually-bustling Interlagos finale.

"It was the worst it has been in recent years," a woman serving at an official merchandising stand at the Brazilian grand prix admitted to O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

The television figures were also down in 2013, with last year's average of 5.58 million viewers per race in Germany down to 5.28 this season, according to DPA news agency.

And according to 1979 world champion Jody Scheckter, formula one fans should expect more Vettel dominance in the future.

"I think it's hard to believe that he won't beat Michael's record," he told CNN, referring to Schumacher's seven titles.

"I thought nobody would ever beat that record," added Scheckter.

Despite the sweeping rule changes for 2014, Red Bull is also confident it can keep its run going. Bild newspaper reports that the team has signed up two simulator drivers - Sebastien Buemi and Antonio Felix da Costa - for 2014.

"Next year, the simulator will be running virtually around the clock," said Dr Helmut Marko. "Vettel can't do it alone."

Indeed, with his fourth championship firmly in the bag, Vettel said he will be doing "nothing" for the next few weeks.

"First of all I hope that I will not get sick when all the stress goes away, which can easily happen," he is quoted by DPA.

"And I will not be eating much bacon, because the weight next year could be critical."

Sebastian Vettel, winner in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

Also critical will be the influence of the engine manufacturers, as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull's supplier Renault grapple with the new turbo V6s.

"It is impossible to know how it's going to be until we are in Melbourne," team boss Christian Horner is quoted by Austria's Der Standard. "Everything else would just be speculation."

From GMM

The final pieces of the 2014 grid are now set to fall into place.

With the possible - albeit unlikely - exception of Caterham and Marussia, the only team with full driver stability heading into next season will be Mercedes.

Top teams Ferrari and McLaren, however, have already decided their 2014 lineups, leaving Lotus, Sahara Force India and Sauber with the most interesting remaining seats to fill.

Until now, despite Nico Hulkenberg's talent, Pastor Maldonado has held the key to unlocking those vacancies, thanks to his EUR 40 million in PDVSA backing.

He has been in talks with Sauber, whose financial struggles in 2013 have been well documented, but ultimately the Swiss team has missed out on the crucial millions.

With Sauber's Sergey Sirotkin-linked Russian rescue deal now in doubt, the Maldonado blow could be costly. Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said co-owners Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn may have to sell the Hinwil based team.

"Plan C is a sale, and reputable investors from the USA are said to be interested," said the report.

Sergio Perez, ex-McLaren, is looking for a race seat as well. (Photo: WRi2)

In the end, the similarly-struggling Lotus has also had to acknowledge that its Quantum money may never arrive, and so it has reportedly signed Maldonado.

An announcement of the Venezuelan's contract is said to be imminent.

"I think we are now coming to a final agreement," Maldonado is quoted by Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo, without naming his likely 2014 team.

A Quantum-cashed Lotus would ideally have picked Hulkenberg, but the talented German has been left to decide between staying at Sauber, or returning to Force India.

His decision will be made "in the next two or three days," manager Werner Heinz is quoted by SID news agency.

But paddock insiders know better. Hulkenberg apparently signed his Sahara Force India deal on Sunday, ahead of the Brazilian grand prix.

Heinz hinted at the done deal. "His (Hulkenberg's) heart is at Sauber, but we don't know what their financial situation will look like next year.

"In all probability we will sign at Sahara Force India. It's too dangerous when you don't know if Sauber is going to have the sponsors it needs," he said.

The two Sahara Force India. (Photo: WRi2)

On the other hand, the main backer at Sahara Force India is Dr Vijay Mallya, and he is "a rich man who invests in the team again and again," Heinz is quoted by Der Spiegel.

It is believed Sauber will replace Hulkenberg with Adrian Sutil, making room at Sahara Force India for the McLaren refugee Sergio Perez, who has reunited with Telmex and reportedly has EUR 15 million to offer in sponsorship.

"Obviously it (Force India) is one of the options," the Mexican said. "I hope in the next few days we are going to have some news."

From GMM

F1's newest cool cucumber is Daniil Kvyat.

Signed up by team owners Red Bull to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso next year, the Russian teen got an early start with practice outings in Austin and Brazil.

He made an immediate impression, lapping faster than Red Bull-bound Ricciardo and also his new teammate Jean-Eric Vergne in the tricky wet conditions at Interlagos, and eighth overall.

"He has big balls," Dr Helmut Marko observed delightedly.

Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso, in Austin. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, Kvyat sounds cool and relaxed about his looming F1 adventure, despite many paddock insiders worrying the pinnacle of motor racing has arrived too soon.

"The F1 car is much faster than any other category," he told Brazil's Totalrace.

"You need to get used to it and keep your concentration at a high level. But once you understand what you're doing, it is easier to put your technique into practice," added Kvyat, who is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.

"It is not so very different from the other categories. It's not like it's another planet."

Juan Pablo Montoya got back to pace fairly quickly on his IndyCar test return, almost equalling the lap times set by his future teammate, Will Power at Sebring yesterday.

Power set his best times in the morning session before handing the Dallara-Chevrolet to Montoya.

The Columbian was impressive in finding his marks around the road course in what was his first outing in a single-seater in more than seven and a half years after his Formula 1 departure.

Juan-Pablo Montoya with the Penske engineers. (Photo: IndyCar)

"He was within a few tenths of Will in the first outing," saidPenske Team president Tim Cindric. "It was pretty impressive really.

"We put him out on old tyres just to learn where the gearshifts were and then put him back on Will's tire and he was within a couple tenths right out of the box."

Montoya rated his performance as "an eight" out of 10.

"The biggest thing is that everything is still happening really fast," he said. I'm surprised the speed has been pretty good. Just a few too many mistakes."

For his last run in the car, Montoya practiced four standing starts near the exit of the pit lane.

From GMM

Jenson Button has played down fears McLaren could be set to enter a Williams-like slide into the bottom half of the formula one grid.

The once-dominant Williams team has now been dwarfed by the superior resources, facilities and budgets of Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.

McLaren, however, had an awful 2013 season - its worst in decades - and is now losing its title sponsor Vodafone.

But after recording a mere fourth place finish in the Interlagos finale, the team said on Twitter it had been a "great performance", adding the hashtag 'Believe In McLaren'.

Jenson Button defended the Woking based team's optimism.

"There is a good atmosphere and a belief in the team," he is quoted as saying by British newspapers, denying that McLaren could follow Williams into a slide down the grid.

"We have the resources that Williams don't. Money is king in a sport like formula one. The same in football in a way."

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

Jenson Button also denied McLaren needs a management shakeup, even though Martin Whitmarsh has presided over a season in which not even a single podium was mounted.

"They've had a tough time of it this year and everybody is quoting figures," he said. "But everyone is excited about next year. (Rule) changes are great for everyone apart from Red Bull," he insisted.

Button's friend and former F1 driver David Coulthard, however, thinks the 2009 world champion's motivation would have taken a big knock in 2013.

But the Scot, who drove for McLaren for years, tips Button and the team to rise again.

"McLaren are a mighty team, they have a great facility and pots of money," he told the Telegraph.