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Ross Brawn leaving Mercedes F1

With this year's Formula One World Championship tied up and just three grands prix left to go, we're heading into another game of musical chairs in the offseason. But while most eyes will be fixed on changes in the driver lineup for next season, one of the most important could be found in the top management.
Though several top strategists and engineers are changing teams, the biggest wild-card could be held by one Ross Brawn. For those unfamiliar, Brawn has orchestrated multiple world titles at Benetton, Ferrari and his own Brawn GP team before it was bought by Mercedes-Benz, from which he is now departing.
The impasse over contract negotiations reportedly came down to his role at the team after Mercedes hired Toto Wolff away from Williams and Paddy Lowe from McLaren to split the role of team principal previously held by Brawn. Team chairman Niki Lauda apparently wanted to find a way to keep Brawn on board, but with authority now resting in the hands of others, the mastermind race strategist has now reportedly decided to leave.

2017 Aston Marin Lagonda could live on Mercedes M-Class platform

A few weeks ago, we brought you news from the launch of the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante that the British brand, which is formally known as Aston Martin Lagonda, was still planning on going ahead with a Lagonda-badged crossover. Now comes word that that vehicle could very well be based on a Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
When the first Lagonda Concept debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it sat on a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class platform, some four years before Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG deal was inked. And with that partnership, which will see Aston Martin gain access to AMG electrics and "bespoke, V8 powertrains," the opportunities for platform sharing are many.
Dr. Ulrich Bez, the boss of Aston Martin, told the UK's AutoCar, "I look at what Porsche is doing with the 911 as its core business and then it is able to do models like the Cayenne based on the Volkswagen Touareg. It is good business." We've said many times that we'll tolerate exotic CUVs and SUVs if it means keeping the beloved core models alive, which has been the case with Porsche. We see no reason Aston Martin wouldn't be able to do the same.

Chevy offers free pumpkin stencils for Halloween

Halloween is just a couple days away, but if you haven't carved your pumpkin yet (and you're in need of some cool ideas), Chevrolet has got you covered. Head on over to the Chevy Facebook page for an assortment of stencils to create cool, Chevy-themed jack-o'-lanterns, but bring your X-Acto knife because some of them look very challenging.
While there are plenty of designs, our favorites are the spooky Chevy Volt (shown above) with its bat wings and Dracula teeth and the Chevy Spark caught in the spider web. Of course, judging by the "likes" on that page, fans love the Stingray logo and Camaro face designs the best. Check them all out for yourself and then let us know which you like the best in comments, below.
If Bowtie pumpkins aren't your thing, check out this blast-from-the-past post with stencil ideas for a Dodge Challenger, Ram pickup and a Nissan GT-R. Regardless of your vehicle allegiance, if you have a car-related jack-o'-lantern you'd like to show us, be sure to share it on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Mercedes will guide you to your destination with Google Glass

When it comes to new social media platforms, some automakers jumped on the bandwagon earlier than others. The same could be said of smartphone apps, and if you go back early enough, even websites. But what's certain by now is that these technologies are here to stay - it's only a matter of which is the next big trend. And for many, that's Google Glass.
The cutting-edge device, still in development, could emerge as the ultimate augmented reality experience. And while it's currently limited to a select few developers and early adopters, Mercedes-Benz is betting it will catch on once it hits the market.
That's why the German automaker is developing one of the first automotive apps for Google Glass. We heard rumors that Mercedes was considering such an initiative, but Automotive News has got a few more details to share now that development is moving forward. One of the functions is to continue navigation once out of the car: program in your destination in Google Glass and it'll guide you to where you parked. Get into the car and the in-dash nav system will direct you to where you're going. Park the car and Google Glass takes over again, ushering you from your parking spot to the location itself.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

If you've been keeping up with our long-term 2013 Nissan Pathfinder coverage, you already know that, generally speaking, we dig it. After racking up 21,000 miles (and climbing!) on our dear Sweet Brown, we've become very, very familiar with the Pathfinder package as a whole, and many of us actually prefer it over competitors like the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse.
For 2014, Nissan has added a new hybrid option for its Pathfinder, using an all-new powertrain that will also be shared with the CUV's Infiniti-badged QX60 sibling. As far as fuel economy is concerned, our long-term Pathfinder has had no problem hitting its EPA-estimated numbers of 19 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway, but this new hybrid model is said to be good for an increase in overall economy - 25/28 mpg (city/highway) when equipped with front-wheel drive and 25/27 mpg with optional four-wheel drive.
We recently took the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid for a quick spin around the city streets of Nashville, TN. And while our time with the non-hybrid Pathfinder has been pretty enjoyable overall, at first blush, we're having a tougher time warming up to this electrified variant.

Suzuki previews Crosshiker, X-Lander, Hustler ahead of Tokyo

With the Tokyo Motor Show looming on the horizon, Suzuki has revealed a trio of concept cars it will present at the expo.
First up is the Crosshiker concept, a compact crossover that looks good enough in metallic red, but in its essence reminds us of the oft-maligned X-90 convertible crossover coupe. Based on the G70/Regina concept, the Crosshiker packs a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine into a compact form that weighs just 1,785 pounds.
Next comes the X-Lander, which strikes us as a smaller take on the formula espoused by the Isuzu VX-02 or Land Rover DC100 Sport concepts. Unfortunately based on the Jimny, the white X-Lander incorporates a 1.3-liter engine with a robotized manual and four-wheel drive into a high-riding, chopped-windshield convertible sport-ute form.

2016 Jeep Wrangler to ditch solid axles to save weight?

Hey, Jeep fans. If you think the idea of a funky-looking, car-based Cherokee revival is offensive, have a listen to what might be in store for the next-gen Jeep Wrangler. Automotive News is reporting that as Jeep develops the 2016 Wrangler, weight reduction is a crucial target, and the Wrangler's rugged solid axles could be sacrificed in the name of better fuel economy.
We've already heard the next Wrangler will go on a serious diet using aluminum body panels and an air suspension system, so the idea of a four-wheel independent suspension setup for this OG SUV isn't all that surprising. Besides, it's not like an independent suspension would limit the Wrangler's off-road abilities - just check out the Hummer H1. In fact, it might be the aftermarket parts companies - not Wrangler enthusiasts - who would be most disappointed by such a drastic suspension change, as the article states that the Wrangler's solid axles and coil-link suspension make it the most popular SUV for customization.
There are probably still a couple years before we'll start hearing any concrete details about the 2016 Wrangler, at which time it will be interesting to see how stricter fuel economy and crash safety regulations have been balanced with traditional Wrangler cues like its removable doors and roof and folding windshield. Let us know in the comments below if a Wrangler sans solid axles is any less of a Wrangler.

Analyst calls on Apple to buy Tesla

This is the layman's understanding of how the tech world works: come up with an idea; execute idea; start making money; get bought out by Apple, Google or some other wealthy company seeking the Next Big Thing; retire to Fiji at age 23. Occasionally, though, one of those startups grows quickly enough to avoid being bought out by the big boys of Silicon Valley. Tesla is one such startup, and while it's an automaker as much as a tech company, the mingling of both worlds in its business model has helped the company survive since 2003, become publicly traded in 2010 and avoid being bought out by a bigger company (though the personality of its co-founder and CEO, Elon Musk, may have something to do with that, too).
This record of independence hasn't stopped the analysts from talking, though. According to CNN Money, Andaan Ahmad, a London-based investment banker with German bank Berenberg, has petitioned Apple CEO Tim Cook to buy out Tesla and bring Elon Musk into the Apple family. On paper, the move would sort of make sense: since the death of Steve Jobs, Apple appears to some to have been sagging, releasing better iterations of its currents products but lacking the big, new, industry-investing widget that makes people go mad. Expanding into the automotive market, a long-rumored destination for Apple, would allow the Cupertino, CA-based brand to stretch its legs in a new direction. As Ahmad notes, Apple needs to go "out of the box" or "the key debate will always be about [Apple's] ability to sustain these abnormal margins in [the] iPhone business."
Although not expressly discussed in the CNN story, we could also see some big benefits for Tesla. The Palo Alto-based automaker has been locked in a war over direct sales to customers with a number of dealership groups across the country, many of which have particularly powerful political lobbies. If Tesla had the backing of the world's most powerful company, which also has success in the business of upgrading traditional retail experiences, it could help establish the direct-sale model on a wider scale.

Lutz says Washington killed Pontiac, next G6 was to be ATS derivative

How many people think Buick or GMC should have gotten the axe instead of Pontiac? You can't see it, but I'm raising my hand. Autoweek reports that former Vice Chairman of GM, Bob Lutz, has indicated that things didn't have to end up the way they did.
"The Feds said, 'Yeah, how much money have you made on Pontiac in the last 10 years?' and the answer was, 'Nothing.'"
In a talk given at the Petersen Automotive Museum for the Inside the MotoMan Studio series, Lutz says "The Feds said, 'Yeah, how much money have you made on Pontiac in the last 10 years?' and the answer was, 'Nothing.' So, it goes. And when the guy who is handing you the check for $53 billion says, 'I don't want Pontiac, drop Pontiac or you don't get the money,' it doesn't take you very long to make up your mind." Lutz even added that the next-generation Pontiac G6 would have benefitted from the rear-wheel-drive platform of the Cadillac ATS. How awesome would that have been?

Audi looks at the future of transportation for Ender's Game film

The forthcoming science-fiction movie Ender's Game, starring Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley, takes place in a high-tech world. So if movie-watchers are to be fully immersed in the story, every detail counts. That's why the computer-generated special-effects company assigned to the movie, Digital Domain, enlisted the help of Audi to design a future car that would fit seamlessly in the film's world - part of its $17.2-million investment in the movie.
Audi went all out, with Head of Audi Exterior Studio 1 Frank Rimili and designer Björn Wehrli assigned to the Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro's design, which is so thorough and cohesive that we wouldn't be surprised to see cars like it on the road three-quarters of a century down the line. Rimili doubts that, but is "absolutely sure" Audi will still be around in 2088.
Watch the making-of video below to see all of the work that went into designing a car that will never see the light of day - in the real world, that is. If you're a fan of science fiction or the novel on which the movie is based, head on over to a theater to watch Ender's Game, which opens on Friday.

2014 Nissan Versa Note

The original Austin Mini was not designed as a fun-to-drive, sporty small car. Its go-kart-like handling and general chuckability were an unintended byproduct of essential aspects of its design. Its four wheels were pushed to the absolute corners of the car to maximize interior space, and its front-wheel-drive layout and transversely mounted engine were in contrast to the rear-wheel-drive, longitudinal layouts of the day.
The result was a highly economical car with space for four and some luggage that just happened to be an absolute hoot to drive. Nissan has followed a similar path in the design of its Versa Note, which strives to provide the maximum amount of space and efficiency in a minimal footprint. On this front, it's successful.
First, we must salute Nissan for departing from the styling of the malformed kidney bean it calls the Versa Sedan. The Versa Note is a fashionably conservative design that neither offends nor excites. The front fascia is arguably its most conservative point, with high-mounted headlights and a sharper, cleaner version of Nissan's familial grille. The tail, with its funky I-don't-know-what-shape-I-am taillights contributes most of the car's flair. The large, spacious greenhouse, particularly up front, keeps passengers from feeling hemmed-in while letting in plenty of light.

Audi also calling in A8, S8 over sunroof issue

The S6 and S7 (apparently prone to potential fuel leaks) aren't the only Audis being recalled currently, as a separate recall notice has been issued for its flagship A8 luxury sedan and its high-performance counterpart, the S8.
The problem apparently revolves around the glass sunroof, which is fitted as standard and which is reportedly prone to break. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that not only could the falling shards themselves end up injuring the vehicle's occupants, but could also distract the driver enough to cause a crash. As a result, Audi's American wing is bringing in all 2013 and 2014 model year A8s and S8s - 1,120 units in all - to have their glass sunroofs replaced free of charge.

Toyota officially outsells GM, VW through first three quarters

When it comes to global vehicle deliveries, the term "Big Three" doesn't apply to Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, but instead Toyota, GM and Volkswagen - in that order - through the third quarter of 2013. Toyota sold 7.41-million vehicles through the third quarter and is on track to deliver more vehicles this year than GM and VW, which sold 7.25-million and 7.03-million, respectively, through the same period, Bloomberg reports.
During the third quarter, from July to September, Toyota's 2.5-million deliveries helped to push it higher than its closest competitors this year. In that period, GM delivered 2.4-million vehicles while VW posted 2.33-million deliveries.
Part of the reason behind Toyota's and other Japanese automakers resurgence globally is the weakened yen, which can be attributed to policies made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since he took office in December 2012. Many refer to those monetary easing policies as 'Abenomics,' which has led some, such as Ford, to call Japan a currency manipulator and is a big reason why the US is lobbying to oppose Japan's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Kia putting GT Concept into production, roadster concept due in Detroit

If you were enamored of the GT concept that Kia unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago, we've got good news for you. According to the latest reports, Kia is planning on putting it into production.
The big question at this point is how closely the production model will shadow the four-door coupe concept. The svelte shape will undoubtedly have to make some concessions toward roadworthiness and production feasibility, but just what platform Kia will use to underpin it remains unknown. It could base it off the large, rear-drive K9 or borrow the platform from sister-company Hyundai's Genesis Coupe. Either of those options would enable the production Kia GT to keep the concept's rear-drive orientation, but other routes would make it either front-drive or potentially all-wheel drive.
Word has it also that Kia is planning to reveal a small roadster concept in the mold of the Mazda MX-5 at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January. If public feedback is positive enough, that could see production before the end of next year as well.

Jeep Liberty under investigation for door fires

The Jeep Liberty has already had plenty of attention for possible fires thanks to the first-gen model's fuel tank, but now the midsize Jeep is under the microscope of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for another fire-related concern. NHTSA has opened an investigation for the 2012 Liberty after receiving two reports of electrical fires in the driver's door.
According to the investigation summary, around 80,000 vehicles could potentially be affected by this problem. In both reported fires, the drivers noticed smoke and then flames from the master power window switch, and they had to pull to a stop and exit through the passenger side of the SUV. According to Autoguide, there was one injury to a motorist who suffered burned fingers while trying to open the driver's door.
Interestingly, the Dodge Nitro is not yet involved in this investigation, even though it was still around for the 2012 model year; the Nitro ended production in 2011 about a year before the final Liberty rolled off the line for the 2013 model year. Scroll down for the official NHTSA investigation summary.

2015 Mercedes C-Class images leak

Professed images of the redesigned 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have leaked, reportedly from the automaker's own website according to our Spanish-speaking source. The images that got out include both a standard C-Class wearing its all-new skin, as well as an AMG version. Images of the interior were also leaked, and perfectly match the batch of interior images that Mercedes officially released last week.
The design we see in these leaked images show a stunning sedan, one more organic yet handsome than we were expecting based the heavily clad prototypes seen in spy photos for months. The connection to current Mercedes design trends is clear, with the front end of the standard C-Class looking like a 4/5ths S-Class, and the sides and sloping rear deck lid looking just like the hind quarters of the smaller CLA-Class. The AMG model, meanwhile, looks more like an E-Class up front.
All we have are these images, so there's no news to report in regards to tech or specs. That will have to wait until the new C-Class debuts at an upcoming auto show. We've got our money on the Detroit Auto Show in January or Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford bringing 10 custom Transit Connects to SEMA

With 57 vehicles planned for its SEMA display, it comes as little surprise that Ford has plenty of teasers for its show cars. After showing us what it has in store for the Mustang, Fiesta and Focus ST, now we're getting a look at some of the custom creations based on the redesigned 2014 Transit Connect van.
These nine Transit Connects are decked out to various degrees of customization, but our favorite might be the chopped and lowered Transit Connect from Mob Steel (shown above), which has a similar slammed stance that we see on some custom VW Buses. On the opposite extreme, LGE & CTS Motorsports has jacked up a Transit Connect to make a Cross Country cruiser that we wouldn't mind taking on a road trip.
There are seven other teasers from various companies, and you can check them all out in the gallery above or in the press release below. Ford is also promising a tenth Transit Connect for SEMA, so stay tuned for that as well.

John Force defeats daughter to win 16th NHRA championship [w/video]

John Force won the NHRA Funny Car Championship on Sunday, his 16th championship win since his first in 1990, racing against his 25-year-old daughter Courtney in the final round at The Strip at Las Vegas Speedway. The 310+miles-per-hour drag race was close, with the 64-year-old elder Force driving his Castrol GTX Ford Mustang through the quarter mile in 4.062 seconds at 310.63 mph, followed closely by his daughter, who had a time of 4.085 seconds and a speed of 319.22 mph.
The win marks Force's 10th championship with Ford and 75th race victory in a Mustang. Despite his age and record 16 championship wins, he says, "I don't like seeing those 'Sweet 16' signs the fans are showing me now. I'm not quitting. I love it out here and I'll be back next year going for 17."
Force hadn't won the championship since 2010, and says modestly, "We are learning how to race again. Don Schumacher Racing and Cruz Pedregon have been pounding us so we needed to get back in the game." He thanked his crew and all the employees behind John Force Racing, the team he owns and drives for. He made a special shout out to his crew chief, Jimmy Prock, after his third straight win of the season and 138th overall.

Kia K900 confirmed for LA Auto Show debut

Although there has been plenty of news about the Kia K9/Quoris over the past year and a half, we've yet to hear anything from Kia regarding the US fate of its flagship, rear-wheel-drive sedan. That changes today, however, as Kia has confirmed the recent rumor that the car would be renamed K900 for the US market, and that the luxurious sedan would debut next month at the LA Auto Show and go on sale next year.
Along with the announcement, Kia also released its first image of the US-spec K900, and, not surprisingly, this profile shot is identical to what we've seen in images for the Korean-market K9 and globally named Quoris (click above to enlarge). Unlike the closely related Hyundai Equus, the Kia K900 will offer customers the option of V6 or V8 engines, but it will be fitted with just as many luxurious amenities as its Hyundai counterpart.
We'll probably have to wait until closer to the K900's on-sale date for any official word on pricing, but last we heard, it will be priced between $50,000 and $70,000 - a significant step up from the current top-drawer model, the Kia Cadenza. Scroll down for the brief press release, and check back in a few weeks for live coverage of this car's debut.

Chevrolet unveils its SEMA lineup [w/video]

Hype surrounding this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show next month started months ago, and automakers and aftermarket companies alike have been previewing the vehicles that attendees will be able to see on the show floor. Chevrolet now can officially be added to that list, as it recently announced seven "performance-oriented concepts" it's bringing to the show.
Three Sonic concepts will bow. The Chevrolet Performance Sonic RS is faster and handles and stops better than the stock car. A cold-air intake and high-flow exhaust system gives it a bit more power, a track-tuned suspension lowers the car, which rides on 18-inch wheels, and endows it with better handling, and the Wilwood front brake calipers improve braking performance. Visual enhancements round out the package, some of which you can see in the photo gallery. Follow on below to read about the rest.

How not to unload the 1 of 1 Ferrari P4/5 Competizione from a trailer

Believe it or not, unloading a car from a transport vehicle is a delicate science. It's alarmingly easy to damage a car in the tight, elevated confines of a dedicated car hauler, but as these gentlemen at the Monterey car week found out, even getting a car off a flatbed comes with its own unique set of challenges.
When the car you're moving off said flatbed is the only Ferrari P4/5 Competizione in existence, meticulously built to the specifications of Ferrari collector James Glickenhaus, we imagine the stress level is even greater. Yes, this is an unloading gone wrong, although it could have always been worse. The movers have the right idea, working boards underneath the car, but simply didn't account for the car moving them. The result is a racecar, resting ever so gracefully, on its carbon-fiber nose. Getting the car out of such a precarious position safely requires nearly as much skill as getting it off in the first place.
Take a look below for the full, cringe-inducing video.

Audi recalls 2013-2014 S6 and S7 models over fuel line leak

If you've been driving a late model Audi S6 or S7, first of all, good for you. Secondly, you should be expecting a call from your local dealer as the Volkswagen Group and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a recall.
The problem apparently involves a potential leak in the fuel line, which, as any mechanic or McGuyver fan could tell you, is not such a good thing. As NHTSA points out, it "may result in a fire."
The recall involves 3,594 vehicles in these United States, specifically model-year 2013 and 2014 Audi S6 and S7 models equipped with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. (It does not, however, seem to affect the S8 or any of the Bentleys that are powered by the same engine.) Owners of said cars can expect to be contacted regarding how the problem will be fixed. In the meantime you can read the official notice below.

Mazda surprises us with four SEMA previews

While the cars to look forward to at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas are starting to stack up pretty high - Ford alone is bringing 57 vehicles - we hadn't gotten word about what Mazda was up to before now. A shadowy digital figure has reached out to the Autoblog staff, providing us with four tantalizing images of SEMA showcar renderings, though without any substantive information to go with them.
We don't have any idea what is under the hood or behind the wheels of this foursome of two Mazda6s and two Mazda3s (hatch and sedan), but we can say that we like the way the company's lauded styling for all models is wearing the amped up wheels and paint schemes.
The Mazda3 hatchback seen here seems to be making overt overtures to the world of motorsport, with a lowered front splitter, super low-profile tires on massive wheels, and a number 3 writ large on the bodyside. The Mazda3 sedan gets a similar treatment without the numeration.

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost to hit 45 mpg for $16,445*

When Ford first announced its plan to put the 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine under the hood of the 2014 Fiesta, it promised hybrid-like fuel economy without a hybrid-like premium. We're still waiting for official specs on this engine, but thanks to the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website and Ford's retail site, we now know what customers can expect in terms of both fuel economy and price.
All along, Ford has said that it expects the 1.0-liter EcoBoost to get more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway, and now the EPA backs this up with official ratings of 32 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. These numbers are an increase of two mpg city and four mpg hwy compared to the current fuel-sipping Fiesta (the 1.6 SFE), and it also beats other three-cylinder cars for highway mileage like the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage (44 mpg highway) and 2014 Smart Fortwo (38 mpg highway); the Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost is lower than both three-pot rivals, though, in city fuel economy with the Mitsubishi getting 37 mpg city and the Smart rated at 34 mpg city. This model handily beats high-volume small cars like the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevy Spark in both city and highway numbers.
As for pricing, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost is offered on both the sedan and hatchback as a $995 option called the SE Manual EcoBoost package, which is aptly named since it's only offered on SE trim-level Fiestas equipped with a manual transmission. Along with the engine, the package also comes with 15-inch steel wheels, regenerative brakes and a decklid spoiler on the sedan. This means the four-door Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost will start at $16,445*, or $17,045* for the hatchback (*not including $795 for destination).

Japan dominates Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability Rankings, US and Europe gaining

Consumer Reports has released its annual Auto Reliability Rankings, and surprise of surprises, Japan is dominant. Among brands in 2014, Lexus, Toyota and Acura make up the top three marques, while Mazda, Infiniti, Honda and Subaru sit fifth, sixth, eighth, and tenth, respectively. For those keeping track at home, Japan's dominance wasn't complete, though.
Audi's 2014 models helped the German brand jump from eighth to fourth, while Volvo saw a massive, 13-spot improvement, to seventh overall. Even GMC got in on the action, jumping three places, to ninth.
Outside of the top 10, America, Europe and Japan saw more mixed results. Scion took the biggest tumble of any brand, falling ten positions to number 11, while Subaru, though still in the top ten, dropped five spots (coincidentally, CR had nothing good to say about Subaru and Toyota's joint venture, calling the BRZ and Scion FR-S each brand's least reliable vehicle). Nissan fell nine places to number 22 overall. BMW and Mercedes-Benz each climbed one place, to fifteenth and thirteenth, respectively.

Nissan exec Andy Palmer derides Toyobaru coupes as 'midlife crisis' cars

Andy Palmer, Nissan's executive vice president, does not like the Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ. To us, that's like saying you enjoy barbecuing puppies, but we'll let him slide, because his statements about the Toyobaru twins are much, much more than just idle trash talk.
Speaking to Motor Trend's Nate Martinez, Palmer said, "Do we have any competitors [in the small, rear-drive coupe segment]? Are you talking about the Subaru [BRZ]? It was a car designed for a 50-year-old. It's for a midlife crisis. That's not what we do." Strong words, but what followed was even better.
"Are you coming to the Tokyo Motor Show? You'll see the answer to the midlife crisis. Except it won't be for the midlife crisis." So, if you were wondering whether Nissan is working on a competitor to the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, the answer seems to be a resounding "yes."

Lamborghini Aventador goes floral to match LeBron's new Nikes

If you're in Miami and want to rent some exotic wheels, the folks over at Lou La Vie can hook you up with a Ferrari, a Porsche or a Rolls-Royce, among the dozen exotics they have on offer. You might think that someone with as much cash and flash as LeBron James may not need their services - in fact he gave away the car he got when he was named MVP - but the Miami Heat power forward has turned to Lou La Vie for a special ride to match his shoes.
Crafted in partnership with Nike, Toys for Boys Miami and Rich B Caliente, this one-off Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is the recipient of a special floral print to match the pattern on the inside of the new LeBron 11 kicks. The car was unveiled last night at a private event in Miami (which you can see in the minute-long video below) where the shoes were launched for the first time. Lets just hope that, after lacing up his new kicks, LeBron doesn't try to jump this Lambo at speed like Kobe (sorta) did with that Aston Martin.

2014 Ford Fiesta Titanium

You might not be interested in owning a subcompact (B-segment) hatchback for $20,000. Let's be clear from the get go here: there are any number of reasonable arguments for staying away from the highest-content versions of these small cars. Ford's player in the B-segment arena is the newly updated 2014 Fiesta, and the Titanium trim represents the most luxurious instantiation of the model. We recently were loaned a Fiesta Titanium for a week, whose final sticker price hit $20,390, with navigation being the only standalone option added to the bottom line. By way of comparison, the most basic version of the all new, one-segment-up Mazda3 hatchback costs $19,740 with delivery and destination accounted for, and no options added on.
Hold on to that thought for a moment, we'll get back to it.

Chevy keeping fleet-only Impala Limited alive until 2016

The new 2014 Chevrolet Impala is, by all accounts, a far superior vehicle to the model it replaces. In fact, it was the first American car to beat out the import competition and earn distinction from Consumer Reports as the best sedan on the market. But not everyone wants the new and improved model.
The outgoing Impala has proven a favorite among fleet buyers, and to keep those customers coming back for more, word has it that Chevy will continue producing the previous version (pictured above) until 2016.
That's two years longer than the outgoing Impala was supposed to last, but the business from rental and government fleets, among others, means that the GM plant in Oshawa, Ontario, will keep on producing the previous model as the Impala Limited. The move follows a similar path taken by previous versions of the Malibu (to say nothing of the long-lived Caprice Classic) that stayed in production for fleet use long after they'd been replaced for individual purchase.

Hyundai Genesis to get anti-drowsiness CO2 sensor plus hand-and-foot-free Smart Trunk

We're still recovering from the jetlag incurred on a trip to South Korea last week, where a cordial group at Hyundai showed us, among other things, the nearly completed 2015 Hyundai Genesis. There is still a bit of time stretching between now and when we're allowed to bring you our First Drive of the second-generation Genesis prototype, but we have been cleared to break off news of two heretofore unheard of features that will debut on the premium sedan.
The first, and arguably most interesting of the two, is a carbon dioxide sensor inside the cabin of the Genesis. The goal of the sensor is to measure CO2 outputted by the cars' human occupants (not the CO2 coming out of the tailpipe, which shouldn't make it into the cabin), as Hyundai tells us that high levels of the stuff help to increase occurrences of drowsiness while driving.
Conceived of by a Hyundai engineer who struggled with staying alert during his long commute home from Namyang, the system detects when in-cabin CO2 levels rise above 2,500 parts per million, then vents the compartment via the HVAC system when that threshold is reached. The CO2 venting system may be turned off, should a driver not want the cabin filled with fresh air - we're guessing this might be a good thing on really cold days.