Concept Car of the Week: Matra Laser (1971)

Founded in 1937, French company Matra began its activities by manufacturing military equipment such as aeronautics and weaponry. In the mid ‘60s, under Jean-Luc Lagardere's ambitious direction, the company bought Automobiles Rene Bonnet to expand its portfolio with street and racing cars. The first model solely developed by Matra was the bonkers, but brilliant, 1967 M530, which took its name from the company's surface-to-air missile the R530.

Mercedes F1 Schumacher sets the pace in Melbourne

Mercedes F1 Michael Schumacher - fastest in practice in Australia Michael Schumacher showed some of the promise for Mercedes 2012 F1 in Melbourne, setting the quickest time in damp Friday practice. With the first F1 Grand Prix of the 2012-2013 season taking place this Sunday at Melbourne’s Albert Park, we thought we’d look in at Friday’s practice to see if there are any clues to this year’s form. To be honest, Friday practice is often more tactical than anything else so we shouldn’t read too much in to what’s gone on.

Alfa Romeo is not for sale, Fiat chairman says

Fiat will not sell its Alfa Romeo unit and plans to relaunch the brand in the United States in late 2012, top Fiat executives said. “We would not sell Alfa even if we were offered tons of money,” Fiat chairman John Elkann told reporters at the Detroit auto show on Monday. Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “Alfa is part of Fiat's operational perimeter and we've already invested too much to get rid of it.” Volkswagen AG is rumored to be pursuing Alfa Romeo.