Coys To Auction Aston Martin Linked To Bond Author Ian Fleming

A 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4, considered by many to be the inspiration for James Bond’s original Aston Martin in Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger, is to be auctioned by international auctioneers Coys this Saturday 12th July at Blenheim Palace. Not only was the DB 2/4 potentially the catalyst for Fleming’s characterisation of the famous fictional spy, but this particular car boasts an equally intriguing history. This Aston Martin, a DB 2/4 Mk I Vantage, was owned by Phillip Ingram Cunliffe-Lister, whose father was Lord Swinton, a close confidant of Winston Churchill, head of MI5 and the Security Executive during WWII, and Ian Fleming’s boss.

Cadillac XTS to use modified Buick LaCrosse underpinnings

Cadillac's next flagship sedan, the XTS, will borrow its underpinnings from the Buick LaCrosse. The XTS is the code name for the car due in 2011, and it's a two-for-one proposition. The XTS will replace the front-wheel drive DTS and the rear-wheel STS, Automotive News reports.

Hyundai to launch N high-performance brand in partnership with WRC team

Microsoft Hyundai today announced it will launch a new high-performance N brand to rival go-faster versions from German manufacturers. Future Hyundai N models will be low-volume sporting derivatives, inspired by the new i20 WRC rally car which will launch at the Monte Carlo race in January 2014. The N badge is designed to cement the link with Hyundai's Namyang R&D centre in Korea, which helped develop the i20 WRC in record time - the team was only founded 12 months ago.