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Hungarian Grand Prix 2012: Hamilton on pole for McLaren

In a dominant display at the Hungaroring. Lewis Hamilton has put McLaren on pole for tommorow’s Hungarian Grand Prix. We said after last week’s German Grand Prix that it looks like McLaren has found the speed that’s been eluding them lately, and if Hamilton’s qualifying for tomorrow’s Grand Prix at the Hungaroring is anything to go by they’ve not only found the speed they’d lost but a bit more too.

Kia Forte

Kia has released renderings of its 2014 Forte model, known as the K3 in Korea and the Cerato in the European market, ahead of its debut at this year's Los Angeles auto show in November. The renderings show the Kia family tiger nose grille, while a rising line sweeps from the front to the rear, giving the car a much more aggressive stance than its predecessor. A steeply-raked windscreen and blacked-out side window frames, emphasized by a chrome strip around the side graphics, creating a more dynamic profile.

Mazda Mazda6

Mazda has revealed that it will unveil its new 2014 Mazda6 sedan, the second model bearing its new generation design language following on from the CX-5 crossover., at the Moscow motor show on 29 August. Although very few details have been released, it's clear from these teaser images that it's closely related to last year's Takeri concept car in terms of both surfacing and graphics. The car, designed under the new KODO ‘Soul of Motion' design language, incorporates the full range of SKYACTIV technologies.

Kia Carens

Kia's latest Carens compact MPV is set to debut on 27 September during the Paris motor show. The 2013 Carens, the work of Peter Schreyer and his design team, was conceived around the theme of ‘dynamic space' and features a cab-forward design with a longer wheelbase, lower roofline and chrome beltline accent. Very few other details have emerged of the Renault Scenic rival but we'll bring you full details when they do.

Faurecia Pin-spiration calls for premium pinboards

Faurecia has launched its ‘Faurecia Pin-spiration' contest, with a brand new 64GB iPad up for grabs. Tier supplier Faurecia is using online sharing community Pinterest to host a new competition to create a pinboard named ‘Faurecia Pin-spiration' – categorized under ‘Cars and Motorcycles' – and filled with things that reflect the meaning of ‘premium’ that could also be used in automotive design. To enter into the contest send an email to FaureciaNA@Faurecia.com with the link to the board along with your name, email address and phone number by 31 July, and Faurecia judges will then choose the winner.

Autoweek in review: Ford aims at the Toyota Prius, the new Malibu Eco goes for a drive, and the Audi R8 gets updated.

Take a look at the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, as Autoweek editors spill the beans on the new sedan. Has Chevrolet finally figured out a decent interior? How about the fuel mileage?

A look at Cadillac future products

General Motors has green-lighted the development of a large flagship sedan for Cadillac, sources say, part of its plan to position its luxury brand's lineup to take on the German luxury stalwarts in every key sedan segment. The flagship sedan is to be built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform and arrive by 2015. The long-rumored rwd flagship would challenge the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class and is a key to GM's ambitions to expand Cadillac in China.

Mazda Tribute recalled for same fix as Ford Escape

Mazda is recalling 217,500 copies of the Tribute SUV--from the 2001 through 2008 model years--to fix a sticking throttle. The same problem prompted Ford to recall the mechanically similar Escape SUV on July 26. Ford built the Tribute for Mazda, as well as the Escape.

A look at GMC future products

In coming months, GMC will be working to reignite sales growth for its popular crossovers. After that, its focus will be on the next generation of its highest-volume vehicle: the Sierra pickup. The Acadia full-sized crossover will be restyled with extensive interior upgrades when it goes on sale in late fall.

Lotus Exige S V6 rolls off the production line

The Lotus Exige S V6 with the 3.5 litre Supercharged engine from the Evora S has started rolling off the production line at Hethel. How nice to be able to report a new car arriving from Lotus instead of more doom and gloom. The Lotus Exige S V6, with the supercharged 3.5 litre engine we first saw in the Evora S, has started to roll off the production line (actually, ‘production line’ me be a bit of an exaggeration) and is heading off to its new owner.

Porsche Panamera Shooting Brake Estate Concept at Paris?

It looks like Porsche will be showing a concept estate version of the Panamera at Paris – perhaps the Porsche Panamera Shooting Brake? The rumours that Porsche are preparing an estate version of the Panamera for the Paris Motor Show in September are gathering pace, and it now seems almost certain there will be a Panamera Shooting Brake Concept to upset Porsche purists when the Paris Motor Show opens on 27th September. Although the Panamera Estate Concept is highly probable, it seems likely any production car is some way off – probably 2015 at the earliest – before which we’ll see the Panamera get a facelift (which could arrive at Paris too) and even a Panamera Coupe and convertible on a shortened wheelbase.

2013 Lexus LS – first official photo

The 2013 Lexus LS is due to be revealed on Monday but Lexus has already revealed the first official photo of the new LS. We reported earlier this month that the new 2013 Lexus LS was on the way – including an LS F Sport version - and that Lexus would be revealing their new flagship on 30th July. But hot on the heels of a couple of leaked photos of the new LS, Lexus has decided to be pragmatic and release an official first image of the 2013 LS ahead of the official reveal next week.

Lexus LS (2012) first official picture

Lexus has responded to supposed internet leaks of its new 2012 flagship saloon by releasing its own moody shot of the car. The hybrid-only LS will go on sale later in 2012, after its worldwide in-the-metal debut at the Moscow motor show. What's the inside track on the 2012 Lexus LS?

Spy-Shot Bonanza

Below is a collection of reader-submitted spy shots. Frankly, we're stumped as to what these pictures show us, but speculation ranges from a BMW SUV in the first images, to a new BMW 7-series in the next set, to “your guess is as good as ours” for the last vehicle, caught testing in the Czech Republic. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to identify as many of the following images and report your guesses in the Comments section below.

Next Kia Rondo to debut at Paris motor show

Kia showed off its all-new Carens compact ute on its European press Web site on Wednesday. The car will come to the United States as the new Rondo, looking much more slick and aerodynamic than its predecessor. The full reveal for the Carens/Rondo happens during the Paris auto show in September.

A look at Buick future products

Crossovers will take center stage for Buick in the 2013 model year. The compact Buick Encore crossover debuts in the first quarter as a 2013 model. Buick is hoping to get a jump on what looks to be a budding segment: luxury small crossovers.

A look at Chevrolet future products

Based on Chevrolet's vehicle launches over the past few years, a casual observer might not know that General Motors' bow-tie brand still makes trucks. Well-received entries such as the Cruze compact and Sonic subcompact have helped transcend Chevy's image as a trucks-and-sports-cars brand. In coming months, the transformation of Chevy's car lineup will continue with the launches of the Spark minicar, two new engines in the redesigned Malibu and the long-awaited next-generation Impala, due early next year.

Older Ford Escapes recalled for sticking throttle

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 485,000 units of the Escape SUV from the 2001-04 model years to check for a damaged cruise-control cable that could cause the throttle to stick open. The recall covers the Escape in North America and the SUV in Europe, where it was sold with the Maverick nameplate.

Lotus Exige S V6 hits the U.K.

Most recent Lotus news has been generated by a rumor that Volkswagen is considering buying the British brand's parent company, Proton. But Lotus didn't let that keep it from making a little news of its own. The long-awaited first production Lotus Exige S V6 rolled off the line Thursday in Hethel, Norfolk, in the United Kingdom.

New SEAT Exeo Ecomotive available across the Exeo range

The SEAT Exeo Ecomotive has been launched in the UK with a 2.0 litre TDI and two power outputs. Available in all trim levels. Anything ‘Eco’ is a big deal these days not just for those seeking better economy but from company car users who want to mitigate their tax bill.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster & new Vanquish hit the Nurburgring (video)

Aston Martin may have already revealed the new Vanquish and the V12 Vanquish Roadster, but they’re still playing at the Nurburgring. For a small company with limited resources, Aston Martin is doing very well on the new model front. First we had the launch of a new car with an old name – the new Aston Martin Vanquish – followed earlier this month by the official reveal of the soft-top V12 Vantage – the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster.

Used Land Rovers break – used Hondas don’t

The What Car Reliability Survey 2012 uses Warranties Direct data to judge the most reliable used cars. Honda came top, Land Rover bottom. What Car runs a survey every year to discover which used cars are reliable, and which aren’t, based on data on used car warranty claims from Warranty Direct.

New VW Beetle gets new engines

Volkswagen has finally made the new VW Beetle available with the 2.0 litre TSI petrol and 2.0 litre turbodiesel engines. When we reported the other day that the new VW Beetle Convertible was arriving at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November we did say that VW were about to announce the arrival, finally, of the 2.0 litre TSI petrol and 2.0 litre TDI diesel for the Beetle to make it a bit more appealing. It seems VW must have been listening as they’ve now announced that you can grab a new Beetle with either the more powerful petrol or the diesel engine, which should help sales of the new Beetle.

Volkwagen Beetle (2012) gets GTI-spec engines

It's a Herbie GTI! Volkwagen is topping off the Beetle range with high-powered petrol and diesel variants. There are also two new special edition trimlines to choose from, and the option of a Fender-developed sound system for audiophiles.

Jaguar Land Rover creates another 1100 jobs

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) are creating a further 1,100 jobs in the Jaguar plant at Castle Bromwich to cope with anticipated demand. Last week we said we were expecting an announcement from Jaguar Land Rover about production at Castle Bromwich following a deal with Unions to secure new working practices. And this seems to be it.

This is the 2013 Mazda6 – a bit at a time

The first photos of the 2013 Mazda6 have been released showing the Takeri concept inspired Mazda6 before its Moscow Motor Show debut. The 2013 Mazda 6 has been teased by Mazda in a series of short videos (although they were all so pointless we only ran the first one) and now Mazda has released the first official photos of the new Mazda6 ahead of its debut next month at the Moscow Motor Show. But for whatever reason, Mazda seems intent on still hiding the new Mazda6 from proper scrutiny ahead of its Moscow debut; not a single photo of the whole car, just four bits.

New McLaren F1 to get 1000 bhp – private reveal at Pebble Beach

The new McLaren F1 – McLaren P12 Project – will be revealed to private clients at Pebble Beach next month and gets 1,000bhp. McLaren’s successor to the iconic McLaren F1 is nearly upon us, and according to a McLaren owner we’ve spoken to it looks set to be revealed privately at Pebble Beach next month prior to a public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. According to our source, McLaren already has at least two complete cars to show and has shown the new F1 – which may be the McLaren 799 – to a number of wealthy McLaren clients already.

New Kia Carens teased

A new Kia Carens is being teased with a couple of design sketches ahead of a reveal at the Paris Motor Show. On sale Spring 2013. Kia like to call their Carens MPV ‘Stylish and Practical’.

Audi R8 facelift (2012) first official pictures

Audi has updated its R8 flagship to keep up with the relentless pace of the supercar class. There are several minor visual tweaks to keep the now-six-year-old R8 looking fresh, and a substantial revision under the nip-and-tucked skin to improve performance. The new 2012 Audi R8 is available in coupe and open-top Spyder bodystyles from late 2012.

News watch July 2012: today's auto industry news

Welcome to CAR Magazine's news aggregator as we round up the daily stories in the auto industry. Top tip: news summaries are added from the top hour-by-hour Tuesday 31 July 2012•Porsche SE recorded a first half profit of €1.15bn, in comparison with €149m for the same period in 2011. The enormous jump has come not from directly selling cars, but from the group's investments in Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH and Volkswagen AG (Porsche SE)•Reuters suggests Germany's car market is in recession, but few outside the industry would know it, thanks to a controversial sales practice that inflates official statistics and paints a flattering picture of demand.