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From GMM

A cloud of uncertainty has moved above October's scheduled running of the Korean grand prix.

The tension between South Korea, home of F1's fourteenth round of the 2013 championship, and the rogue North has been escalating at an alarming rate in the past hours.

Most alarming is the rhetoric.

North Korean media quoted a regime spokesman as saying: "The situation on the Korean peninsula is inching close to a thermonuclear war due to the evermore undisguised hostile actions of the United States and the South Korean puppet warmongers".

And a bulletin on state-run North Korean television reportedly warned of an "all-out war, a merciless, sacred, retaliatory war".

"(North Korea) does not want to see foreigners in South Korea fall victim to the war," the bulletin reportedly continued, warning that "all foreigners, including tourists (should) take measures for shelter and evacuation".

Western foreign affair analysts, however, insist the threat of war is actually low, while the US embassy said that "despite current political tension", there is "no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats" to peace.

Moreover, there have been no reports that suggest the huge North Korean army has been briefed for a major war.

"The (US) embassy has not changed its security posture and we have not recommended that US citizens who reside in, or plan to visit, the republic of Korea take special security precautions at this time," it added.

The latest reports, however, say spy satellites have identified two North Korean nuclear-capable missiles that are ready for launch, and that the US is deploying a missile defence system to Guam.

Japan is also on the alert, with missile interceptors moved to key locations around Tokyo.

The border to China has been closed and tourists are being turned back, with a border official confirming the "North Korean government is now asking foreign people to leave".

United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon warned that if the "very dangerous" situation is not handled correctly, it could become "uncontrollable".

Price Range: $29,500 and up

Description: Selection, fuel-efficiency, cheeky styling and tremendous fun-to-drive factor combine in the MINI Cooper Convertible for 2013 -- along with a healthy dose of British motoring refinement.

Offering numerous drop-top models, trim grades and custom accessories, the MINI brand is popular with shoppers after affordable access to a convertible they can truly call their own.

Whether you choose the standard MINI Cooper Convertible, the sporty Cooper S Convertible, the track-ready John Cooper Works model or the luxurious Highgate Convertible, MINI has you covered when it comes to top-down motoring pleasure.


Drivetrain: All MINI Cooper Convertible models are 4-cylinder powered and front-wheel drive. Standard models get a 1.6L unit with 121 horsepower, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Cooper S Convertible models get a turbocharged variant of this engine, which bumps power output to 181 horsepower. The motorsports-validated John Cooper Works model features several powertrain upgrades that bump output to 208 horses enabling a 0-100 km/h time of just 6.5 seconds.

Direct-injection technology and the MINI line's inherently lightweight construction contribute to exceptional fuel mileage figures, too.

Consider it if: you're after something sporty, entertaining, compact, city-friendly, and ready for up to four people. Many folks shop a MINI Convertible as a roomier alternative to something like a Mazda MX-5. Also, consider a MINI Convertible if you're after a ride you can truly individualize. The model is backed by a slew of accessories, visual add-ons, interior add-ons, and performance parts. Wheels, tires, stripes, and unique colour combinations are available, too.

Skip it if: you'd rather a rear-drive machine, or if a maximum of 208 horsepower doesn't cut it for your discerning car-buff tastes.

Other Notes: Available feature content includes navigation, heated leather, Bluetooth, driver-selectable mood lighting, a full driver computer, remote access, and plenty more.

A full suite of safety systems is also included on every model, making the Cooper Convertible as safe as it is engaging. In particular, available xenon headlights can steer into corners, maximizing nighttime visibility. A rollover protection bar springs up to protect occupants in an emergency in just 150 milliseconds. A dynamic brake light, additionally, activates a “strobe” effect under hard braking to warn drivers behind the MINI Cooper Convertible to back off.

Don't Miss: The Highgate. Named after a stylish residential district in North London, this MINI Cooper S Convertible variant is aimed squarely at the shopper who wants extravagant luxury in a fun-in-the-sun package. Special badges inside and outside of the model set it apart, as does a unique paint colour scheme that includes brown, black and blue hood stripes. Dark Truffle leather inside creates a deliciously inviting atmosphere, and “Highgate” labeled doorsills welcome occupants on board. Finally, the soft-top lid is finished in a rich “Silvertouched Brown” shade to cap it all off.

Photo: MINI

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko insists pre-season comments he made about Mark Webber were never supposed to be interpreted as criticism of the Australian driver.

Austrian Marko, seen by most as team owner Dietrich Mateschitz's right hand man, said before the 2013 championship kicked off that Webber "can't maintain form" throughout an entire F1 campaign and "has a little trouble with the pressure".

Mark Webber hit back by saying it is obvious he is not "part of Marko's agenda".

Marko's apparent criticism might have gained new significance in the wake of the recent 'Multi-21' affair, where despite the fact Sebastian Vettel ignored team orders in Malaysia, it is Webber's place alongside him that appears most in doubt.

But Helmut Marko is quoted by Spain's El Confidential as insisting all the fuss about his pre-season Webber comments was exaggerated.

Mark Webber and Helmut Marko. (Photo: WRi2)

"First, the interview was conducted in German," he said, "it just happened to be Christmas, and so it was translated into other languages. I was asked why Vettel is champion and not Mark, so I tried to explain the differences with some facts. I did not think it would be taken as a criticism of Mark," he insisted.

Marko continued: "Mark has always been a driver with a good reputation, and I have always said of him that when he has a good car, he is a winner. But when he has a good car, unfortunately for him so too does Vettel. So, psychologically, it must be very hard for him."

"In the circumstances," Marko insisted, "the magazine tried to say that I was against Mark."

Dr Helmut Marko made the comments about Mark Webber in an interview with Red Bull's in-house magazine, Red Bulletin.

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has completely redesigned its website so as to lead the industry in both design and functionality.

Enhancements include a full 360-degree view of each model in every available colour (inside and out), a Canadian Black Book trade-in value estimator, and a dedicated look-and-feel for the company's Equus full-size luxury sedan.

“With Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy now found across our vehicle line-up, we felt it was time to ramp up the visual impact of our Canadian website to match the cars and trucks in dealer showrooms,” said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “Not only that, we've enhanced and expanded the site's content as well. Our vehicle comparison tool, for example, helps shoppers evaluate the differences between a Hyundai vehicle and any other model on the market. Of course, it will also highlight the advantages our products have over the competition.”

From GMM

At Sepang, behind the warring Red Bulls, Mercedes duo Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were also the subject of a team orders controversy.

Arguing that the silver cars needed to save fuel to the finish line, the faster Rosberg was ordered by boss Ross Brawn to settle for fourth place behind his teammate, triggering reports that Briton Hamilton is the 'number 1'.

The saga also intensified rumours that Brawn is at odds with the team's new German-speaking faction led by shareholders Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda.

"We need to talk to Ross," said Lauda after the race, "if this is the strategy to be used from now on."

Nico Rosberg was also obviously unhappy, telling Brawn on the radio after crossing the chequered flag to "Remember this one".

But he insists now that it's all over.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. (Photo: WRi2)

"Malaysia was sobering for me in every respect," he told DPA news agency, "but it is now checked off. We have thoroughly discussed and clarified it internally."

"Besides, I've learned over the years to quickly set aside any setbacks. This is a help in sports, because there are always setbacks," Nico Rosberg added.

Indeed, Rosberg might now be on an upward curve, having looked the quicker Mercedes driver in the Sepang race, and now heading to China, the scene of his 2012 win.

Actually, the 27-year-old is somewhat of a 'Shanghai specialist', having led almost 50 per cent of all the laps raced in China in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

But Toto Wolff warns: "Yesterday's home runs don't win today's games, and that's definitely true for us."

Still, Rosberg is confident as he heads to Shanghai, obviously one of his favourite layouts.

"It's hard to explain (why)," he said, "but there are many unique curves, which I find amazing. But what I like most are the memories of this track. We worked very hard over the winter. We actually managed to close the gap to our rivals in Malaysia and were not so inferior to Red Bull. Now we have to keep at it."

From GMM

Circuit de Catalunya chief Salvador Servia has played down reports Barcelona could annually alternate the Spanish grand prix with Valencia.

With Valencia missing from the schedule this year for the first time in several years, it emerged recently that a return for the European grand prix venue was unlikely because it appeared city officials had left the street circuit in a state of disrepair.

But the port city's president Alberto Fabra said a month ago that he met with Bernie Ecclestone in London in late February, and agreed a deal to share with Barcelona in the future.

"The agreement is (now) awaiting the signature of the Catalan president Artur Mas," wrote El Mundo journalist Pedro Blasco at the time.

Circuit de Catalunya's Servia, however, played down the story.

"I've read a lot about it," Servia, whose son Oriol Servia is an Indycar driver, told France's Fan-F1 website.

"But for our part, we have never talked about alternating races between Barcelona and Valencia," he insisted.

General Motors is resuming advertising on Facebook after parting ways with the social media site 11 months ago. GM and Facebook said today that GM is back in the fold as a Facebook advertiser.

We'll assume that our readers are cultured enough to have seen and appreciated H.B. and#8220;Tobyand#8221; Halicki's 1974 rollicking smash-'em-up "Gone In 60 Seconds."

Jaguar Land Rover North America has hired Duke Hale as vice president of customer service. Hale will head up warranty, parts operations and owner relations in this newly created post.

Chrysler Group is recalling more than 214,000 cars and trucks to fix a range of problems, including an engine cover that overheated and led to a fire under the hood of a prototype Ram 3500, documents released today show.

It has been well documented that texting while driving is a risky practice that results in thousands of motor-vehicle deaths each year.

Also in this episode: Amateur artists force temporary closure of the Nurburgring, and we are giving you a chance to head to the Detroit Grand Prix, on us.

Recently, Formula One driver Fernando Alonso was gently reminded to take two slow laps at the Fiorano Circuit in the still-camouflaged Ferrari LaFerrari test car.

Say hi to this lil' fellow here, which merges the timeless curves and two-tone wattage of the 1957 Corvette with the humble efficiency of another American classic, the Chrysler K-car.

A final update of just-auto's list of concepts and production models which made their debuts at the 2013 Tokyo motor show's 20 & 21 November media preview days.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show were 20 & 21 November. Our debuts list has been updated with news of yet more vehicle world premieres.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.

The media days for the Tokyo motor show are 20 & 21 November (the same as those for the LA show). Each time a vehicle or concept world premiere is confirmed for this biennial event, our preview list is updated.