Record-setting Ferrari hydroplane heads for RM's Monaco auction

A record-setting Ferrari-powered 1953 hydroplane, ARNO XI, will cross the block in May at the RM Auctions event in Monaco. The hydroplane set the speed record for a boat of its size on Lake Iseo in northern Italy, running up to 150.19 mph. Designed and built by Achille Castoldi—a friend of Ferrari Grand Prix drivers Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi—convinced Enzo Ferrari to provide knowledge and technical assistance to help develop the world-record-holding boat.

Fewer people commuting but distances on the up

The average commute has increased in distance, but more people working from home means there are actually fewer cars on the road at rush hour today compared to 10 years ago, according to statistics from the most recent Census conducted in 2011. Figures show the average commute has increased from 8.3 miles in 2001 to 9.32 miles in 2011. People living in the east of England travelled the furthest to work at an average distance of 10.34 miles – while those in London had the shortest commutes averaging 6.83 miles.

Shortages of Japan-built cars open the door for U.S. automakers

U.S. carmakers sense that they have a chance to win back customers this summer with the launch of several redesigned models, while their Japanese competitors struggle with supply shortages. About 197,000 car buyers who typically would favor a Japanese brand are in play this summer, according to market research firm A.T.