First Ferrari 458 Italia in U.S. auctioned for $530,000 to benefit Haiti

It's one thing to own a Ferrari; it's another to be the first one to own an all-new model. The first 458 Italia was auctioned off on Thursday night for $530,000 in a stunning charity gala held at a Beverly Hills estate that made the Clampett mansion look like the carriage house where the pool boy stayed. Auctioneer David Gooding donated his services and got the ball rolling at $250,000, which was more than the expected MSRP for the car of about $220,000.

Lexus prices the CT 200h at $29,995

Lexus Division said today it will price its entry-luxury CT 200h hybrid hatchback at $29,995, including destination charges, when it goes on sale in March. The CT 200h uses a version of the powertrain used in the Toyota Prius, and rides on the same platform as the more expensive Lexus HS 250h sedan. Lexus claims the vehicle will get 42 mpg in the combined driving cycle.

Don’t text and drive says Volkswagen – very effectively (video)

Cinema goers in for a shock in VW’s don’t text and drive campaign We’re not the biggest fans of putting drivers in a bubble of concentration behind the wheel, which is what law makers seem to be trying to do. Don’t take a sip from that water bottle, don’t change the channel on the radio, don’t have a conversation with your passengers, don’t smoke, don’t take hands-free phone calls – in fact, don’t do anything but drive. But it’s a foolish trend as it’s the little things going on that keep drivers alert; focusing just on the driving is a sure fire way make drivers’ brains go in to a fug and lose concentration.