This Just In: New on the Net

Talk about lucking out! This month, my two-year contract with Sprint expires—just in time to pick up a sexy new iPhone! I’m stoked! Anyway, here’s the news:

• The official line from Dearborn is that Ford has no plans to retire Mercury. But sources close to Blue Oval brass say that 2012 will be the last year for the formerly fleet-footed marque. Of course, if you believe the Maya calendar, there isn’t much point in planning beyond that year anyway. Inside Line
• There has been lots of speculation about Aston Martin’s financial future, and now it looks like the company might go public. While there are plenty of investors who’ve been burned by the storied British brand in the past, my gut says its future looks bright. Autoblog
• Once the engine starts in Jaguar’s new XF, the four vents on the dash open, and it looks pretty cool. But just what’s the purpose of the performance? According to Jag, it’s all about style points. Seriously. AutoWeek
• BMW’s new 1-Series has been spotted in the wild, and personally, I don’t think it’s all that hot. It kind of looks like the product of a bigger Bimmer and an Austin cab, and not in a good way. Winding Road
• Would you like to ride behind the Stig while he pilots at two-seater Grand Prix car around Silverstone? Of course you would. So head over to Top Gear and for all the details on the show’s latest contest. Top Gear