Subaru R2 2008 A/c Switch Panel [0060900] on 2040-parts.com

Future products: Kia seeks lively, upscale look

Kia's redesigned Optima sedan and the Cadenza replacement for the Amanti, both due next year, reflect an emphasis on creating a livelier and more upscale look for the once-bland brand. Indeed, styling has been a crucial element of Kia's new-product push in the past 18 months. The team at Kia Design Center America near Los Angeles--part of the automaker's global design network led by onetime Audi design chief Peter Schreyer--has helped set the new styling direction.

Ferrari 250 GTO #3851 GT disappoints at $38 million

The Ferrari 250 GTO #3851 GT makes ‘just’ $38 million Last month, we reported that a Ferrari 250 GTO was due to hit the auction room at Bonhams Quail Lodge sale and was expected to hit a massive record price, with estimates ranging from $60-100 million. On that basis, the sale was a complete failure. In fact, the 250 GTO – previously owned by Fabrizio Violati – managed to reach a relatively paltry $38.1 million (£22.8 million), with the actual price (before buyers premium) ‘just’ $34.6 million (£20.7 million).

Aston Martin DB5 returns in James Bond Skyfall

The Aston Martin DB5 returns in Skyfall (image ©Eon) The iconic Aston Martin DB5 – the ultimate ‘Bond’ car – returns to the screen in the new James Bond film, Skyfall, with Daniel Craig. It’s not just an age thing – middle-aged men remembering Sean Connery as James Bond – that associates James Bond with Aston Martin. And especially the Silver Aston Martin DB5 seen in Goldfinger ( and Thunderball, Casino Royale, Tomorrow Never Dies and GoldenEye).