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Video: Yasushi Nakamuta on Mazda 3's 'unique' design process

It may be leaden with PR-talk but this short presentation by Yasushi Nakamuta, Mazda's director of advanced design studio at the press unveiling of the new Mazda 3 in Melbourne is still worth a couple of minutes of your time. But while the 3 is undeniably attractive we can't help but feel that the 'unique' design process Nakamuta describes (which appears wholly conventional to us) has resulted in little more than a thoroughly normal product. Take a look for yourself at the video to your left.

VW to unveil Beetle Dune concept at Detroit Auto Show

The jury is out as to whether Volkswagen's Beetle Dune concept is more Frank Herbert or Bruce Meyers. Equipped with all mod cons, it’s a far cry from the simple, tough desert-race-inspired Bugs that popped up like aggro sandworms during the 1970s. On the other hand, it's still got four gasoline-burning cylinders and two-wheel drive.

Ford GT Sells For a Record $11 million at RM's Monterey Auction

RM Auctions sold a 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage coupe Friday night at its Monterey sale for $11 million, setting a record for the highest price paid for an American car at auction. The Friday sales showed once again a very strong market for cars selling at auction, according to statistics gathered by classic car insurance giant Hagerty. In comparing this year's sales to last year, the total number of cars sold in two days of auctions was down slightly while the total amount generated -- $67.5 million – is far greater, as is the average selling price.