Add to this the fact that racing's fundamental purpose is to sell cars, and Honda Yuasa Racing's decision to run the Civic Tourer in the 2014 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) doesn't seem that odd.

It won't be the first wagon racing in the BTCC either - Volvo did it in 1994 with the hearse-like 850 Estate. Compared to that, the Honda Civic Tourer looks like a coupe. It's a brilliant marketing decision in my view, as many eyes will be on the Honda wagons next year. All Honda Yuasa Racing needs to do now is to make it a competitive car.

The team will use two Civic Tourers that will replace the Civic hatchbacks used this season in the BTCC. At their debut in March, the estates will be driven by Matt Neal and Gordon "Flash" Shedden, the same lineup of drivers that brought Honda the teams' and manufacturers' titles this season.

Technically, the Civic Tourers are identical with the hatchbacks used this season: they weigh the same and share the wheelbase, layout and suspension, with the only difference being the added length of the car, due to the larger tailgate.

"It might be a Tourer, but it's still a Civic, the car that has won every championship in BTCC for the last three seasons. I'm really looking forward to the challenge of next season, and to seeing what the Tourer can do on race day," said Gordon Shedden.

Testing begins in January ahead of the car's race debut at Brands Hatch on March 29-30, 2014.

By Dan Mihalascu

More precisely, 1,041,412 units of the outgoing Mini Hatch left the Oxford plant since 2006, while overall, 1,863,289 Mini Hatches have been built at the facility beginning with the first-generation model in 2001, when BMW re-launched the brand.

When it was released in 2006, the second-generation Mini Hatch brought turbocharged engines and suspension enhancements, with fuel-saving technologies and an infotainment system following later.

The Oxford plant's overall production has reached more than 2.4 million Mini vehicles since 2001. The carmaker said that 14 percent of all cars built in the UK last year were Minis, with the brand also accounting for 14 percent of all UK vehicle exports in 2012.

Mini hopes the all-new model will help it achieve even better results. The car's UK launch is in spring 2014, but production will begin sooner following a £750 million investment (€901 million) across three of BMW Group's UK manufacturing facilities: Plant Oxford (assembly), Plant Swindon (body pressings, sub-assemblies) and Hams Hall (engines).

By Dan Mihalascu

Today, TMZ shared a new video that was recorded from a surveillance camera located on the rooftop of a nearby industrial park at the precise moment of the crash, which may provide police with new details about the incident.

The footage shows what is believed to be the initial collision when the the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT slammed into a tree and concrete pole causing it to burst into flames, and which was followed moments after by a huge explosion that could be seen from miles away.

According to USA Today, Rodas, 38, a Bank of America/Merrill Lynch financial adviser, and Walker, 40, were friends and co-owners of the car customization and race prep store Always Evolving. The crash happened right after the two men left Saturday's event for Walker's charity organization, Reach Out Worldwide, in Valencia, Calif.

Jim Torp, a friend of the two men, who was at the event, told reporters on Monday that they were not street racing at the time of the crash, as speculated by some reports.

"I'm a good friend of theirs and I'm fighting for them because there's been a lot of speculation about them drag racing, and that did not happen," Torp told the LA Times. He recalled that a Highway Patrol officer was parked just down the street, and that after an initial pass, they went out of sight.

"You could hear the exhaust -- they got on it a little bit -- and I heard two booms," Torp said adding that the GT Carrera had already been sold, so they "were not going out to be reckless" with it.

With 592hp (600PS) from the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine and a host of aerodynamics, suspension, chassis and braking upgrades, Nismo has built the ultimate GT-R.

Although Nissan hasn't released performance specs yet, according to AutoExpress the 0 to 60 mph time is said to be around 2.4 seconds, which would make it at least as fast as the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (2.46 seconds).

Back to the reviews, the two journalists were only allowed four laps each behind the wheel of the GT-R Nismo, and that is just not enough to learn the track and the car – especially a wild machine like thus. Still, they were both impressed by the Nismo edition's brutal acceleration and pace, which is to be expected from a car that lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:08.679.

Scroll down to find out what the GT-R Nismo is like on the track.

By Dan Mihalascu

Thanks to Gary for the heads up!

The flight deck of the 240-meter (787-ft) ship was a fitting venue for the drop-top Veneno, of which only nine will be produced. The exclusive "Italian Evening" event was attended by authorities, clients, VIPs and media.

"Lamborghini has an extremely strong following in the region for its super sports cars, with the Middle East one of our largest markets in the world," Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann explained the unusual launch event.

The nine units of the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster will be built during 2014, each priced at €3.3 million ($4.47 million), excluding taxes. A fully road legal, open top car, the Veneno Roadster is powered by a 740hp (750PS) 6.5-liter V12 engine that propels it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 355 km/h (221 mph).

The engine is matted to a fast-shifting ISR transmission with five modes that sends power to all four wheels. The car features a racing chassis with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units. Lamborghini says that just like the hardtop version, the Veneno Roadster features the "aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype" with the design laid out to favor perfect airflow and downforce.

The car is built around a monocoque made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), with all exterior parts being made from the same material.

By Dan Mihalascu

The agency quotes Mikael Ostlund, an official spokesperson for National Electric Vehicle Sweden, or NEVS, the company that now owns Saab, as having announced the news this past Friday.

Apparently, the cars will be built in "small and humble" numbers, and be powered by a single-choice turbocharged petrol engine of undisclosed capacity or power; all these vehicles are heading to China.

This model is a stepping-stone for NEVS, from making no cars whatsoever when they gained control of Saab, to making the electric sedans they promised upon acquiring the ailing automaker. The promise still stands, though, and the battery-powered vehicles could arrive in Chinese showrooms next year, if the original plan holds. No word on Euro sales yet.

Below you'll see the (older) video of the first new 9-3 built under NEVS leadership.

By Andrei Nedelea

After the nightmare debut year, things were a lot quieter in 2013. Until now, that is, as Ford is issuing two new recalls for fire risks in some 2013 Ford Escape SUVs, after receiving new reports of engine fires.

The automaker is recalling nearly 140,000 2013 Ford Escape with 1.6-liter engines in the U.S. and 161,333 worldwide because of fires caused by overheating of the engine cylinder head, which can crack and leak oil. Ford received reports of 13 fires caused by this problem, including one in Canada.

The second recall involves 9,649 2013 Ford Escape SUVs in the U.S. and 11,821 worldwide that will be inspected to prevent a fuel leak. If the problem is not solved, the leak could also result in an engine compartment fire. No fires have been reported in regard to this issue, however.

Ford will notify owners by late January to take their vehicles to a dealer where fixes will be made to the engine shielding, cooling and control systems. The carmaker said owners don't have to stop driving their vehicles or look for alternative transportation ahead of the fixes. That's because Ford has introduced an improved control system to detect engine overheating and warn the drivers.

On 2014 models, Ford has also added a new temperature sensor that is more capable of detecting overheating in the engine cylinder. There are no reports of such issues in the 2014 Escape.

By Dan Mihalascu

The incident, which was captured from a nearby security camera, shows the driver getting out of the parking, but a few seconds later, we see the car speeding in reverse, smashing into the older generation Mercedes E-Class before going up the stairs and into the building.

This angle doesn't allow us to see if he stopped, but he did seem to be in a hurry while driving down the stairs…

Renault's concept may preview a production version, Bastien added. "An eventual production version of the car would be affordable. It will be a B-segment car with Clio-type features in terms of space and comfort," the executive said.

However, he didn't disclose whether the plug-in hybrid would be based on the Zoe electric vehicle. No details were offered about the powertrain except the 2l/100 km target.

"The main thrust of our research and development budget is spent on improving emissions – with our electric vehicle strategy with the Zoe EV, we're perfectly placed to develop hybrid systems," Bastien said.

Renault will continue to work on zero-emissions research projects with the aim of further improving practicality and range. According to Bastien, battery technology will advance significantly in the near future, as the industry is only at 50 percent in terms of exploration of battery technology. Further development will improve range, with Bastien reckoning the range of the Zoe EV will double to around 250 miles (402 km) by 2020.

By Dan Mihalascu

Available in three exclusive colors – TA Orange (93 units), Venom Black (33 units) and Bright White (33 units) – the Viper TA will have a limited production run of 159 vehicles.

The car features chassis parts developed specifically by the SRT chassis dynamics, including new spring rates, dampers, sway bars and brake components. The Viper TA car comes equipped as standard with the Advanced Aerodynamic Package (optional on the standard Viper). All these combined enhance the Viper's track capabilities.

Other key high-performance upgrades include a race-tuned calibration for the two-mode Bilstein DampTronic suspension system, a lighter, carbon fiber structural X-brace replacing the standard aluminum brace under the hood, new Brembo two-piece, 32-mm wide rotors, and standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires mounted on ultra-lightweight, multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels, among others.

The Advanced Aerodynamics Package brings carbon fiber front splitters and rear spoiler to boost downforce at higher speeds - by up to 700 percent at 150 mph (241 km/h), according to SRT. The brake calipers feature a black anodized finish with the Viper logo shown in TA Orange, while the carbon fiber rear applique accentuates the rear width proportions.

Interior upgrades include the Sabelt fabric racing seats with lightweight fiberglass shell and orange accent stitching on the seats, instrument panel, center stack, console, pull brake, shifter boot, shifter head, steering wheel and upper doors.

Under the long hood there's the same naturally-aspirated 8.4-liter V10 engine delivering 640 hp and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) of torque. No other specs were communicated, other than the curb weight of 3,390 pounds (1,538 kg). The Viper TA will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013.

By Dan Mihalascu

While the new C-Class Wagon, otherwise known as the T-Model and Estate, will continue to place the emphasis on space and practicality, it seems Merc's designers have tried to cover up the additional body panels in a more styling fashion compared to the current model, with a sharper looking profile window line and rear end.

Speaking of interior room, the new C-Class Wagon's longer wheelbase with a corresponding increase in length, along with the wider tracks of the new MRA platform architecture, will offer better passenger accommodation and luggage volume over the model it replaces. The increased exterior dimensions won't come with a weight penalty. In fact, Mercedes has said that the use of lighter materials will allow all models of the next W205 C-Class to be lighter than their predecessors.

In the markets that Mercedes will offer the C-Class Wagon, the engine range will mirror that of the sedan model with both petrol and diesel units.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

Believe it or not, Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said he'll ban Scuderia driver Fernando Alonso from posting Ferrari-related topics on his personal Twitter account.

"We will prohibit him from Twitter," Montezemolo reportedly said during in interview with Italy's national television Rai Uno this week. "Although Alonso, like anyone else, can write on Twitter what he wants, everything concerning Ferrari will be communicated by Ferrari," added the boss from Maranello. He failed to say how he will force Alonso to comply, but I guess a Ferrari boss has his means.

If you're wondering why di Montezemolo has resorted to such an absurd move, it's because Fernando Alonso has made a series of disparaging remarks earlier this year about the development of Ferrari's Formula 1 car.

The Spaniard criticized his car after finishing fifth in the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, and di Montezemolo was quick to react, saying that "all the great champions who have driven for Ferrari have always been asked to put the needs of the team ahead of their own interests" and that Alonso makes no exception.

One thing is for sure: this dispute between Ferrari's boss and the team's best driver is counterproductive, especially ahead of a season that brings radical technical changes - not to mention personnel changes as well, with the outspoken Raikkonen replacing the quiet Massa as Alonso's teammate.

By Dan Mihalascu

Pit stops por debajo de 2 segundos.. #momentos2013 Pit stops under 2 seconds... #moments2013 pic.twitter.com/7yHkswNJqr

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) November 29, 2013

This creation is brought to us from Remco Meulendijk at RM Design, who envisioned a four-door body style for the Toyota GT 86, and consequently, the North American market FR-S, since the cars are one and the same.

Do take a closer look at the rendering below the jump and leave your comments.

Story References: Designrm

Fortunately, it seems that the management has found ways to escape death, as Wiesmann has posted a short statement on its website saying it has requested the court to end the bankruptcy procedure.

"The management board of the Wiesmann corporation has filed the application to dismiss the insolvency proceedings due to abolition of the insolvency reasons. The creditors' meeting is postponed to December 16, 2013," reads the statement.

Wiesmann didn't indicate the reasons for the change, but the important thing is the company will come up with a plan for the future together with its creditors later this month and will hopefully continue to offer BMW-powered sports cars.

The carmaker's most recent model is the GT MF4-CS limited edition vehicle, launched at the Geneva Motor Show this past spring. Powered by a 420hp BMW V8 engine, the GT MF4-CS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 293 km/h (183 mph). Wiesmann said it will only build 25 units of the coupe, each priced from €193,193 ($262,415).

By Dan Mihalascu

If it where any regular car, it wouldn't be a big deal, but let's not forget that this is a rare €1.3 million (approximately US$1.8 million at the current exchange rates not including taxes) Italian exotic, which would explain the posture of the man leaning on the lorry that hit the LaFerrari.

You see, even if the damage is small, replacing and/or fixing the rear quarter of such a vehicle will cost the truck's insurer a small…fortune.

Story References: Axisofoversteer via Motorpasion

The 2014 CT 200h features a revised front fascia that includes the brand's spindle grille, new front bumper, LED daytime running lights and updated fog lamp surrounds. Other updates include a new five-spoke 17-inch wheel design, new rear bumper, LED rear license plate lighting, larger rear spoiler, aero-stabilizing fins, shark fin antenna and scratch-resistant clear coat.

On the inside, the CT 200h brings a redesigned leather shift knob and sliding sun visors as standard, as well as an updated steering wheel and the metallic interior ornamentation. Color and trim choices are refreshed as well with the addition of Parchment NuLuxe and perforated Flaxen leather.

There's also an available fixed and thinner Display Audio (DA)/Navigation screen, which adopts the next generation multimedia system featuring complimentary HD Radio real-time traffic and weather. Furthermore, Lexus offers an improved speaker design for both the standard six-speaker and premium 10-speaker audio systems.

Lexus has also updated the F Sport package for the CT 200h, which now includes newly designed 17-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels with two-tone graphite and machine finish, a new front bumper with F Sport mesh grille, as well as new black contrast roof, new rear spoiler with two large air ducts, and mesh fog lamp inserts and black surround.

The hybrid powertrain remains unchanged and consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor/generator producing a combined 134 horsepower.

By Dan Mihalascu

"The Audi Q1 is part of our broad-based SUV strategy. It is designed on the basis of the modular transverse engine concept and will round off our Q series at the bottom end," stated Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.

To understand why Audi wants to add another SUV in its lineup after the Q3, Q5 and Q7, all you have to do is look outside and see what kind of cars people are buying. If that's not enough, then perhaps Audi's numbers will provide a better explanation: from January through October, the brand with the four rings delivered 194,430 Q5s, an increase of 17 percent over the prior-year period. This year, SUVs will account for approximately 28 percent of the company's total production volume, with that figure projected to rise to more than 35 percent by 2020.

Audi did not share any specific details about the Q1, and all we get for now is an overly futuristic sketch of a five-door concept. Nevertheless, since the Q1 will be a B-segment vehicle (think Nissan Juke), it should measure around 4-meters in length, and will likely ride on the VW Group's flexible MQB platform architecture offering an engine range similar to that of the A1 supermini. Expect a concept version of the Q1 to break cover at an international auto show within the next year.

And for those of you wondering, the answer is yes, most of what you see is available for the rest of the R8 Coupe and Spyder range as well.

Priced at €7,950 (US$10,800), the bodykit comprises front and rear bumpers, and side skirts made from carbon fiber, with options including new tailpipes and a set of 20-inch Oxigin-Oxrock rims dressed in tires size 265/30-20 on the front axle and 305/25-20 on the rear.

You can catch a better look at Regula's R8 in the (photoshop-ed?) images below the break.

The driver and also the owner of the Porsche, Roger Rodas had the same sad fate. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of the two.

The two men were out in the analog supercar on what is said to have been a smooth and wide stretch of road around the Rye Canyon Business Park in Valencia, California, when something happened that caused it to slam into a barrier at high speed, at around half-past three in the afternoon, local time.

Gossip site TMZ says it was the car that may have malfunctioned.

Walker was currently working on the seventh installment of the Fast&Furious franchise, the fate of which now unclear. Speaking to CNN, Tom O'Neil, editor of the show business website Goldderby said: "We don't know what they'll do here, or even if they'll just say, "It may be tasteless to proceed at all because we can't be showing Paul Walker in a speeding car, defying death in a movie that ended up being the way he died,'" O'Neil said.

I agree and I think it would be ridiculous if Walker was replaced onscreen by a different actor if  they make him suffer the same fate onscreen just to keep it going

It's worth mentioning that Walker had just completed his starring contribution to the new movie "Hours," which comes out later this month and follows the story of "a father (who) struggles to keep his infant daughter alive in the wake of Hurricane Katrina," according to IMDb.

Finally, we will leave you with Vin Diesel's quite sad tweet: "My brother and I.....we aimed for the stars together....and achieved more than we ever hoped we could with f&f."

By Andrei Nedelea

The fourth out of a total of five new FWD compact models, the GLA is also the first Mercedes-Benz SUV to be optionally available with the new generation of the 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive system.

Prices in Germany start at €29,303.75 ($39,897), including 19 percent VAT, for the entry-level model GLA 200 (155hp/156PS). The 208hp/211PS GLA 250 is priced from €35,283.50 ($48,038), followed by the range-topping gasoline model, the GLA 250 4Matic, starting at €37,496.90 ($51,014).

The entry-level diesel model, the GLA 200 CDI, is priced from €32,130 ($43,713). Powered by a 2.2-liter engine delivering 135hp (136PS), the GLA 200 CDI is also the most economical in the range, averaging 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 mpg US). The GLA 200 CDI 4Matic starts from €36,509.20 ($49,670).

The GLA 220 CDI 4 Matic features a more powerful version of the same 2.2-liter engine, rated at 168 hp (170PS). It is priced from €37,038.75 ($50,428) for the front-wheel-drive model and €39,252.15 ($53,442) for the 4MATIC version.

Mercedes-Benz also announced pricing for the GLA Edition 1 limited series model that can be ordered in combination with all engine variants for approximately one year following market launch. Prices start from €34,603.75 ($47,113) for the GLA 200 Edition 1.

The GLA is offered with three lines, Style, Urban and AMG Line, packages such as Night and Exclusive, as well as an extensive list of optional extras.

By Dan Mihalascu