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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has yet to put out any auto lending regulations or sue any auto lenders, but last week, it gave the clearest picture yet of how it thinks auto lending should change.

Automotive News Europe needs your help to find the Rising Stars in the European automotive industry.

The all-new 2014 MINI Cooper S made its world debut today at the Oxford assembly plant in front of British Prime Minister David Cameron and numerous other guests. It will also be unveiled on Wednesday at the Los Angeles and Tokyo Auto Shows.

Featuring a new architecture, new design, advanced safety features, and a range of new fuel-efficient, 3- and 4-cylinder engines, the next-generation MINI offers more passenger room and a reduced carbon footprint starting at the factory.

The 2014 MINI Cooper S will go on sale in the U.K. next spring, along with a host of customization options and performance upgrades. Prices and release dates for North America have yet to be announced.

Photo: BMW Group

To no surprise, Carlos Munoz has been named as one of the full-time driver with Andretti Autosport for the 2014 IndyCar Series season.

The Colombian drove for Andretti at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 classic where he finished second. He also made a one-off appearance for Panther Racing in Toronto when Ryan Briscoe was injured, before replacing the EJ Viso in Andretti's lineup for the Fontana season finale.

He will take Viso's place for the full season next year and will drive along Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti and James Hinchcliffe.

Andretti Autosport. (Photo: IMS)

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg is still the big player at the tail-end of the 2014 driver 'silly season'.

Actually, as recently as Sunday in the Austin paddock, most insiders now expected that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado's PDVSA millions had resulted in a done deal for the most competitive race seat still vacant on next year's grid.

That might be why Maldonado suddenly toned down his astonishing attack on Williams, including suspicions of sabotage, on Sunday -- perhaps he was told behaviour like that is not welcome at Lotus, even despite his PDVSA power.

"In the good times we were together, and also the bad times," he said, referring to Williams as his "family".

Maldonado also had a bad race to go with his bad qualifying in Texas, as he clashed on the first lap with Sahara Force India's angry Adrian Sutil.

"We've had many incidents with this driver," said the German, "so maybe he needs an emergency area around him to avoid these kinds of things."

Lotus may be holding out hope that the albeit very delayed investment by the 'Quantum' group eventually hits its bank account.

Quantum chief Mansoor Ijaz has made clear he wants the highly talented, but mainly unsponsored, Nico Hulkenberg at the wheel in 2014.

Nico Hulkenberg in Austin. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Asked about Hulkenberg on Sunday, Ijaz told Britain's Sky: "We're going to make that part of it happen in terms of making sure he (team boss Eric Boullier) gets enough money.

"We're very close now -- I'm pretty sure we'll get it done this week," he added.

Nico Hulkenberg, then, can still hope. And many believe he is also still in the running for Paul di Resta's Sahara Force India seat.

Indeed, Hulkenberg's manager Werner Heinz was seen in the Force India hospitality area, speaking with deputy boss Bob Fernley, after the US grand prix, according to French television Canal Plus.

And Britain's Sky claimed on Sunday that Monisha Kaltenborn wants the German to stay at Sauber in 2014.

"That's good news, isn't it?" Hulkenberg smiled after hearing about his options on Sunday, after finishing the US grand prix in a strong sixth place.

"All I can do is keep delivering on the track."

With nearly 24 million views so far, Volvo's latest ad starring Jean-Claude Van Damme has been a huge hit. In an effort to showcase the outstanding precision and stability of its dynamic steering system, the Swedish manufacturer called on the world-renowned martial arts specialist to do the split between a pair of moving trucks, with his feet resting on the sideview mirrors. Incredible!

From GMM

Even Sebastian Vettel's post-race 'donuts' are becoming predictable, after the quadruple world champion on Sunday smashed an old Michael Schumacher record in Texas.

Not even in Schumacher's ultra-dominant Ferrari era last decade did the great German win eight races on the trot in a single season, but Red Bull's Vettel put the lid on that achievement at the chequered flag of the US grand prix.

"I'm not getting bored!" he grinned afterwards.

Eight consecutive wins for Sebastian Vettel with Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

However - with the possible exception of those who wear dark blue uniforms in the paddock - Vettel may not find many who agree with him, one week ahead of Brazil's season finale.

"Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes badly need to raise their game," said Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary, "because there are no prizes for guessing who is going to win in Brazil."

Even Bernie Ecclestone apparently got bored in Austin, as he left the Circuit of the Americas with his police escort on lap 43, according to Bild newspaper.

Perhaps that was because even the battles behind Vettel on Sunday were few and far between.

Pirelli took an ultra-conservative approach with hard compounds for the US grand prix weekend, raising concerns that one-stop strategies remove too much excitement from the races.

Speed Week reports that at the next meeting of F1's new strategy group, a proposal from Pirelli to mandate two-stop strategies in 2014 will be considered.

A minor point of note from Sunday's race was that it guaranteed Fernando Alonso will keep second place in the drivers' championship, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and the now-absent Kimi Raikkonen.

"It's a small reward for me," the Spaniard said, "the same as being first of the 'mortals' behind Red Bull."

But F1 legend Mario Andretti said in Austin that Alonso can still be proud, even though Vettel's dominance at present is absolute.

"It's hard to say which one of them is better," he told the Spanish sports daily AS.

"But the fact that after four consecutive titles for Vettel we are still discussing it, shows that Alonso is still an amazing driver, and that both of them are probably among the best ever," Andretti added.

Volkswagen Canada will recall 16,235 Tiguan CUVs from 2009-2011 to replace a fuse that can overheat and damage the fuse box, causing a partial loss of exterior vehicle lighting. This could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

In related news, 318 Jetta Hybrids from 2013 (all equipped with direct-shift gearboxes, or DSG) are being recalled because the interior of the gearbox can corrode due to incompatible gearbox lubricant additives, causing electrical shorts and blowing gearbox fuses. This could result in a loss of propulsion. Dealers will replace the existing gearbox lubricant with an updated formulation.

Source: Transport Canada

Jetta Hybrid 2013. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

From GMM

Interlagos is still expecting a big crowd, despite Sebastian Vettel's utter dominance and with the 2013 title already decided.

Brazil has hosted some thrilling title deciders in recent history, but the main point of interest this weekend will be the battle for second place behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

Vettel, meanwhile, will try to extend his new record of wins on the trot from eight to nine, after beating Michael Schumacher's record in Austin.

"We'll try," Vettel - who could in Brazil also match legend Alberto Ascari's decades-old run of nine victories spread over two seasons, and Schumacher's 13 wins in a season - smiled on the podium on Sunday.

But even though success for Vettel is almost guaranteed this weekend, and all thoughts about the title now relate to the 2014 battle, Brazilian grand prix promoter Tamas Rohonyi is still expecting a big crowd at Interlagos.

"We have seen the title decided here many times," he told O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, "but the effect on the fans at the racetrack is very small."

Race spokesman Castilho de Andrade agrees: "The (race day) crowd numbers differ slightly from 60,000 to 70,000, regardless of the (championship) situation."

Crowd in the pitlane, in 2011, Brazil. (Photo: WRi2)

Jimmie Johnson's assault on NASCAR's immortal list took another step forward as he clinched his sixth Sprint Cup Championship while Denny Hamlin won the race in Homestead Miami Speedway.

Fans vigorously cheered Johnson's celebration “so thankful that Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick gave me this opportunity in 2002,” he said “so excited to have the ‘Six Pack' (what he calls his sixth title)” he added.

Johnson who came into the race with a 28-point lead over Kenseth and only had to finish 23rd or best had one tense moment on a late race restart. Johnson finished ninth.

“With 74 laps to go I had contact from behind which put me into the 20 (Kenseth) I thought this was going to be wild,” Johnson who fell back to 24th at the time said. “It made the last 50 laps interesting,” he explained.

Now with six NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships Johnson trails only NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt who each have seven titles. This was also his team, Hendrick Motorsports 11th Sprint Cup Championship the most in the series.

Jimmie Johnson, 2013 Sprint Cup Champion. (Photo: NASCAR)

As for getting into Earnhardt or Petty category of titles Johnson said “I feel like this team is capable of a lot of great things. There's still great years out ahead of us. But all of that is in the future, a seventh, an eighth. Richard (Petty) said eight to ten. That's all ahead of us.

I don't want to focus on that yet. It's not time. I want to unplug, enjoy the sixth, let it soak in. We'll get to Daytona for testing soon enough. I guess by then it's probably appropriate to ask the question.”

Kenseth, who started from the pole and led the most laps; finished second in the standings 19 points behind Johnson. He handled the disappointment with great grace. “It was an unbelievable year for us” the 2003 Champion said. He led the series with seven wins. “Overall you can't ask for more.” And he noted that despite finishing second in the points “this is one of the best seasons I've had.”

Denny Hamlin's miserable year missing six races due to a back injury at the beginning of the year at Auto Club Speedway finally had a happy ending. It was his 23rd career win and only of the year. “Horrible year,” he said “and I was going to be counting down the laps keep the streak alive as bad as the year was we can take a little solace. No reason we can't shoot out the gate in 2014 like we did in 2010 after we won here in 2009. It was his eight straight year with at least one win. “Eight years, it's amazing... man I wanted to keep the streak alive. It's heck of way to go out. Hamlin led 72 laps and finished .799 seconds ahead of Kenseth.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who led 28 laps, took third place after a tremendous struggle with Kenseth. After suffering an engine failure at the beginning of the Chase he bounced back to finish fifth in the points his second best year overall and best with Hendrick Motorsports. “We have been more competitive I think not as a company, I just think the 88 team has really stepped it up. But each year, like I said, we've gotten better.”

Also notable was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was named Rookie of the Year. And it was the final Sprint Cup Series race for drivers, Ken Schrader, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton and Mark Martin.

Have you noticed Jaguar lately? I mean to say, as opposed to in the last two decades or so? Seriously, Jag is on the prowl (had to...), improving upon or introducing new products and a concept over roughly 24 months.

Hype is created for numerous reasons, but the best one (in my opinion) is when a new car comes to life. This is especially true when a revered and adored brand such as Jaguar is the company birthing that new car. It is all the more hype-worthy when it's a sports car, something Jaguar has not offered in over 40 years.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type has, in one damn sexy move, eclipsed the XK and every other car in the lineup. The F-Type does not disappoint in any way, shape or form. In base trim, the car proved to be phenomenally agreeable to drive. Staring at from my living room window was just as gratifying. Another legend is born.


What is a Jaguar F-Type?
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling.

The F-Type is a 2-seater roadster in the truest sense. It blends panache and prestige into a sensuous package that has rekindled the world's love affair with the house from Whitley, Coventry, UK.

The 2014 Jaguar F-Type was the missing link in the return of Jaguar to the forefront of performance and sport automobiling. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Jaguar F-Type Price and Specs
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type comes in three delectable flavours that increase taste-bud activity as the price climbs.

The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. For $76,900, you get a car that will trip the 100km/hr mark in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 260 km/hr. An 8-speed QuickShift transmission is standard. As tested, with performance seats featuring contrast stitching ($3,600), climate pack ($650), and a few other goodies, my F-Type rolled in at $85,500.

The first step up from the “standard” car is the F-Type S that features, among other things, a 380-horsepower version of the V6. Pricing starts at $88,900. The top-notch F-Type is the V8 S with its all-conquering 495-horsepower supercharged 5.0L V8. Prepare to dish out $100,900 for this one. And this one will destroy the 0-100km/hr dash in only 4.3 seconds.

The basic F-Type rocked my world with a 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0L V6. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
It is very difficult not to get excited at the prospect of driving this car. As I looked over it, from our 2nd floor offices with key fob in hand, I could scarcely wait to leave the stuffiness of my cubicle and feel alive, wind flowing over my skull.

I must admit that within minutes of leaving the lot with the car (in Dynamic mode, with the top down) I'd become annoyed with the exhaust's farting and belching off-throttle and through shifts. I've since checked into a wonderful institution that reminded me that my mommy still loves me and that eating the occasional shoe is OK.

I've digressed from what soon thereafter became an extremely pleasurable aural experience. This V6 doesn't make the F-type especially fast as much as it makes it a rapid mode of two-passenger transit. The trick is in the linear power delivery with hesitation-free throttle response, even in non-Dynamic mode.

With the box set in manual mode, flapping away gears is fun. More than just that, the instantaneous shifts, rev-matching and accompanying sounds almost make me think a manual do-it-yourselfer would be pointless...

By far, my favourite aspect of the car's drive is its steering. The 2014 F-Type's ultra-quick and responsive connection to the front wheels is rewarding as it builds confidence. The lightweight aluminum body construction is one of the car's best features and is instrumental in its handling. Weight distribution is ideal, and the car's all-round forged aluminum double wishbone suspension all work in concert for fantastic amounts of grip, both front and rear.

Then, select Dynamic mode. Steering weighs up just a tad, the throttle has more bite, and shifts gain urgency. The fun really begins now.

A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
A key element to making any drop-top beautiful has to do with the roof. If the look isn't quite good, then the roof mechanism should stow everything away very quickly. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type's top drops in moments over 10 seconds (and at speeds up to 50 km/hr), but as far as I'm concerned can stay latched as long as it likes.

The F-Type's design is plain and simply brilliant. All will agree that the car is stunning to behold, gorgeous to stare at -- this is a mindless exercise. The brilliance lays in the fact that all the multiple design elements (such as the deployable door handles) can be absorbed rapidly, allowing the eye to fully appreciate the intricacies, every line, and crease. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type is truly one of the most beautiful cars on the road today.

The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. The optional performance seats add a degree of seriousness to the business of piloting this car.

Fit, finish, and materials are dignified and deserving of this car. Every surface is perfectly textured, from the top of the dashboard to all the controls. HMI, through the touchscreen, is good but requires some time to adjust too.

The sleek and powerful F-Type's aura of sporty elegance carries through to the snug driver-oriented cabin. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Jaguar F-Type
The 2014 Jaguar F-Type may be a star and a legend in its own right, but it's not alone in that respect. In roughly 15 years' time, the Porsche Boxster has become a go-to sporty drop-top for those looking for performance and styling. Other notables include the BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z roadster, and Audi TTS and RS.

The Jag has more panache than any of these and commands a higher price that is well worth it.

I've been sitting here, staring at a blank document, waiting for the right words to come. Any words, really. You'd think, writing about a vehicle like the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus would cause a bout of verbal diarrhea that no amount of word-count Imodium could cure... but here's the thing; there are no words to properly describe this vehicle.

I don't feel there are words worthy of its presence, its abilities, its emotional unearthings. The English language hasn't invented them yet; and while I'm tempted to create a few of my own, I'm afraid they'd sound rather dirty and I may get into trouble.


What is the Audi R8 V10 Plus?
Besides being a glorious automobile to behold, the Audi R8 is the German automaker's answer to the super car segment -- and what an answer it is.

True, it may be considered the nouveau riche in a segment that's rife with history and experience, but the Audi R8 is equipped to play with the big boys. It's been around for about seven years now, and while its seen very few changes over those years, that hasn't hurt its appeal.

Besides being a glorious automobile to behold, the Audi R8 is the German automaker's answer to the super car segment. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus Price and Specs
Prepare yourself for some big numbers when speaking about the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus. While some of those numbers will leave you weak in the knees for a good reason, others will just knock you out from sheer shock.

Let's start with the shocking ones first: The 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus has a starting price of $187,000. Take a breath and know that my tester (with its three options) tipped the scale at $211,895.

As for the knee-weakening bits, there are plenty of them. As its name would suggest, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus carries a glorious 5.2L V10 in its midst. With 550 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, and only weighing 1,635kgs, the Audi R8 is a veritable street-legal racecar. Fantastic.

As its name would suggest, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus carries a glorious 5.2L V10 in its midst with 550 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus
Full disclosure: In all my years as an auto journalist, I'd never driven an R8 before. This was my first time, and the anticipation, and excitement were palpable when I got the keys. As happy as I was to finally drive it, I was also rather intimidated. This is a lot of car, and it makes that immediately clear the moment you fire up the angry-sounding, visceral 5.2L V10.

Slipping onto the quilted leather seats, wrapping my slightly clammy hands around the small, steering wheel perfectly molded for ideal hand placement, I glanced down at the crowning jewel in the cockpit: the metal-framed 6-speed gated shifter.

That's right: Three pedals. Six gears. Deep breath.

A bit of an anomaly in the supercar world, this was perhaps one of the best manual transmissions I've ever had the pleasure of shifting. From the rather easy-to-manipulate clutch to the fabulous metallic “schlick” as each gear engages, the experience of driving the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is made that much more tangible via this transmission.

As each gear begs to be engaged, while the engine toys with your mind coaxing you to push the revs ever higher as the wail of the V10 echoes through the two-seater cockpit and deep into your very being, the organic growl of the dual exhaust juxtapositions beautifully against the industrial click of shifting gears. As graceful as it is chaotic, driving the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is pure pleasure, if nothing else.

If I've got to find a negative point (and trust me, I struggled to find at least one), I'd say the lack of torque is up there. Sure, it's got enough ponies, but the inability to really throw my head into the quilted leather headrest is a bit disappointing.

Make no mistake, the Quattro all-wheel drive with viscous coupling system is wonderful, allowing the R8 V10 Plus to play when asked. Equipped with ceramic brakes (a $10,900 option worth every penny), the R8 comes to a stop as quickly as it gets going.

Free of any sport, dynamic or plus modes, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is essentially always fast -- no boost needed. With a top speed of 315 km/hr and a 0-100 km/hr time of just 3.9 seconds, this German is quick... Quick to get the adrenaline pumping.

Slipping onto the quilted leather seats, I glanced down at the crowning jewel in the cockpit: the metal-framed 6-speed gated shifter. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the Audi R8 V10 Plus
If another “sore” point can be pointed out, it's the lack of change the R8 has seen over the years. Some would say a change would be blasphemous, but I'm not sure how much longer Audi can pull off the R8's look as the world's other supercars continue to evolve.

That being said, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is pure sex on wheels. It doesn't matter what angle you approach it, this car is stunning. Low, wide and perfectly proportioned, there's very little to dislike. Add a layer of Sepang Blue Pearl Effect with carbon fibre front lip, rear diffuser and blades and I challenge you to say this thing isn't hot. I dare you.

Inside, the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is a lesson in simplistic sophistication. Memory seat settings? Nope. Digital gauge cluster? Don't think so. E-brake? Thank God, no. The interior of the R8 is as business as the engine bay, clean crisp and all about the task at hand: driving.

The 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus is pure sex on wheels. It doesn't matter what angle you approach it, this car is stunning. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus
I'm glad I finally had the chance to drive the R8 because it really opened my eyes to just how good Audi can be. They are about much more than luxury all-wheel-drive suburban dwellers. They've managed to engineer a supercar that's as willing and able to play alongside the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo S, and still survive the winter months.

Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show

Coming soon to a PS3 near you

Kazunori Yamauchi may have been challenged to make the sixth installment of his Gran Turismo video game seriously bigger and better than ever, but in doing so, he in turn challenged 22 automakers to create futuristic sports cars for use in the new Gran Turismo 6. The Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept, which debuts at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, isn't just the first of these 22 bespoke designs to officially debut; it might be one of the only ones modeled outside of a digital environment.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show - Automobile Magazine

Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept Revealed Before 2013 L.A. Show | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

The Fusion -- Ford's hottest car since Taurus was America's top seller two decades ago -- is going coastal. Already a hit in the heartland, Fusion now attracts buyers in places that previously panned Detroit iron.

Stealing cars isn't always a messy game that leaves piles of broken glass at the scene.

Even as automakers introduce technology that lets cars drive themselves in congested highway traffic, their engineers and suppliers already are working on the next steps, such as automatic passing and lane changing.

From press release

Alex Lynn will start the 2013 running of the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix from pole position after comfortably winning Saturday's 10-lap Qualification Race.

The Briton started the race from third on the grid, but wasted no time hitting the front, barging into the lead on the way to Lisboa on the first lap. But his time at the front was initially short-lived, the Theodore Racing by Prema driver running wide at Lisboa, surrendering the lead to Felix Rosenqvist.

The lead changed hands again following an early safety car period - which was caused when Harry Tincknell collected a stalled Tom Blomqvist at the start - with Lynn slip-streaming past Rosenqvist's GR Asia with Mücke entry on the way down to Lisboa, this time making the move stick.

Once in front, Lynn put the hammer down, a series of quick laps leaving him a comfortable winner, 2.411s clear of Rosenqvist at the finish.

Alex Lynn (Photo: macau.grandprix.gov.mo)

Raffaele Marciello, who started the Qualification Race from pole position, was left to rue a poor start, which left him buried in the field. But the Prema Powerteam driver systematically worked his way through the field, finishing the race in touch with Rosenqvist.

He will be joined on the second row by Carlin's Antonio Felix da Costa, who finished fourth ahead of Pipo Derani (Fortec Motorsport) and Alexander Sims (ThreeBond with T-Sport).

From press release

Sébastien Ogier will take a lead of 20.3 seconds into the final day of Wales Rally GB as he chases his first victory on the World Championship counter.

The Volkswagen Polo R driver began Saturday's third leg with a lead of 20.1sec over his team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, and he maintained that advantage despite a determined challenge from the Finn.

Ogier wasn't fastest on any of the day's seven stages, but judged his pace perfectly on the slippery forest roads of mid-Wales to round off the day with a clean run through the short asphalt stage at Chirk Castle in front of thousands of spectators.

Between them, Ogier's team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen and Latvala won all of the day's five forest stages, with Mikkelsen fastest on the first two and Latvala taking a hat-trick in the afternoon.

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

But while Latvala was encouraged by his ability to take time out of Ogier on the latter tests, he ended the day concerned by his lack of pace earlier on.

Thierry Neuville is third on his last outing in a Ford Fiesta RS before a switch to Hyundai for 2014. The Belgian had a largely trouble free day, but was kept under pressure from Mikkelsen behind. A lack of split times in Neuville's car in the afternoon didn't help him judge his speed, but the Belgian completed the day with a 20-second advantage.     

Mikkelsen was satisfied too, having come out best in a three-way battle for fourth that became a duel on SS11 when Evgeny Novikov rolled out.

Mads Ostberg is fifth, just 7.3sec further back, in his Qatar M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS. The Norwegian got a big step closer to Mikkelsen on the final forest stage, thanks in part to some suspension set-up advice from his father, and has fourth place in his sights on Sunday.

After Ostberg there is a gap of almost five minutes to Ford Fiesta RS driver Martin Prokop in sixth.

Dani Sordo is seventh, and Citroen's sole remaining factory entry after Robert Kubica crashed out today for a second time. The Pole restarted after a crash on day two, but went off the road on SS11 after a pace-note misunderstanding.

Next week's Los Angeles Auto Show will feature one of only 10 custom Neiman Marcus Edition cars based on the new 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante that was originally unveiled at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week this summer.

This rare edition of the Vanquish Volante is inspired from the iconic 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Volante currently owned by Prince William (and used during his wedding with Kate Middleton). It appears in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Fantasy Catalogue. Production is strictly limited to 10 examples and will form the first Vanquish Volante to enter the U.S. market.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition. (Photo: Aston Martin)

Under the hood of the all-carbon fibre bodied Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition is a 6.0L V12 engine that produces 565 horsepower. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it reaches a top speed of 295 km/h.

The interior features black soft semi-aniline leather, Aurora Blue contrast stitching, Ivory Roekona headlining, and Neiman Marcus nomenclature embroidered on the seat headrests.

Deliveries of the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition will begin in early 2014 at $344,500 CAD apiece.

From press release

Alex Lynn won the 2013 running of the Star River‧Windsor Arch Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, leading home António Félix da Costa in a tense encounter.

Barely more than a second covered the pair throughout the second half of the race, Lynn showing nerves of steel to take his first win in Macau at just his second attempt.

“I can't really put it into words,” said the Theodore Racing by Prema driver.

“I've dreamed of winning this race and ever since I left here finishing third [last year]. All I wanted to do is come back here and win and I can't believe I've actually done it.”

Macau Grand Prix podium (Photo: macau.grandprix.gov.mo)

Carlin driver da Costa, who won the race 12 months ago, started fourth, but quickly found himself in third when Felix Rosenqvist retired on the first lap. He then slipped past Pipo Derani on the run to Lisboa following an early re-start, but was unable to overhaul the leader, despite closing the gap in the second half of the race.

Derani wound up finishing third, but it took a little bit of good fortune. The Fortec driver had just been passed and gapped by Prema Powerteam's Raffaele Marciello, only for the Italian to crash out of the race at R Bend four laps from the end.

A pair of Britons were next, Alexander Sims (ThreeBond with T-Sport) leading home Carlin's Jordan King - who was not only the best-placed rookie at the end of the event, but set the fastest lap of the race with a 2m11.547s.

Jazeman Jaafar was next, ahead of Carlin team-mate Carlos Sainz Junior, and Fortec driver Tom Blomqvist. Nicholas Latifi (Carlin) and Esteban Ocon (Prema Powerteam) rounded out the Top 10.

The race featured just one safety car period, sparked when Lucas Auer (Theodore Racing by Prema), John Bryant-Meisner (Fortec) and Sean Gelael (Double R Racing) all hit the wall at the exit of Mandarin.