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Sep
5th

Mazda MX-5 Ideal For Track-Day Novices

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Beneath the Mazda MX-5's tiny body and great big smile is a whackload of built-in sports car expertise that spans more than two decades.

It mightn't be an intimidating, tire-frying sort of machine, but Mazda's simplistic roadster is a hell of a thing to drive on a racetrack for novices and experts alike.

Considering a fun commuter and vacation getaway machine that'll do double duty as a weekend racer? Here are a few reasons to put Mazda's cute little two-seater on your “To Test Drive” list.

Mazda MX-5 2012 vue 3/4 arrière
(Photo: Justin Pritchard)

It's Great On Fuel: MX-5 gets great mileage en route to the track, while lapping, and while driving back home at the end of the day. Expect highway cruising mileage at a good clip to land around 7.5L/100km, and track-going mileage to land around 18. Translation? Most drivers will be able to tackle a day of racing on a single tank of gas. As track-going cars go, this one's cheap to run.

It's Easy On Parts: Excessive weight generates excessive heat in the vehicle's braking system and excessive stress on the tires. Since the MX-5 is little and lightweight, drivers benefit from consistent braking performance with minimal wear, as well as extended tire life during sporty driving.

On many cars, a few hours of lapping can leave the tires looking rougher than Courtney Love on New Year's morning. With the MX-5, the rubber shows negligible signs of use, even after countless hard laps.

The ESC Isn't Annoying: In some cars, the stability control is a pain in the ass. That's especially true when it's left engaged on a track by novice drivers hoping to safely explore a vehicle's limits.

In the MX-5, the stability control is tuned perfectly -- ignoring all but the most serious slides and letting drivers feel everything the car is up to. Should the ESC kick in, it does so very briefly and only if you get really out of shape.

Intervention typically takes the form of a split-second touch of selected brakes, rather than several seconds of frustrating throttle neutralization by the electronic throttle nanny.

It's a Convertible: Driving topless is great for a pile of reasons -- even on a track. Lapping the MX-5 with the roof down feeds your peripheral heaps of information that helps place the car within its surroundings while relating it to the horizon. This is key for successful and confident reactions to slides and skids, should they occur.

And, since the MX-5 only comes in a drop-top, nobody can poke fun at your decision to drive the heavier and less-stiff version of a sports car with a fixed roof.

There's Room for Your Stuff: MX-5's roof stores away into its own special little compartment -- not into its trunk. That means you've got plenty of room for a bag, a pair of helmets, and a small cooler with track-day drinks and snacks.

It Grows With You: Novice lappers will feel like a race-car driver and love the forgiving, flattering nature of driving the MX-5 hard. As skill levels increase, the MX-5 is right there with you, too. It's a hoot for track-day beginners and veterans alike.
Sep
5th

More details about the all-new 2013 Volkswagen Golf

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On Friday, August 24th, we gave you some inside scoops about the hot new Volkswagen Golf. Now that the seventh-generation model has made its official debut in Berlin, we can tell you more about it.

As previously reported, the VW Golf is 100 kg lighter and up to 23% more fuel-efficient than the outgoing generation. In fact, the company announced a rating of just 3.2L/100km for the Golf BlueMotion.

Incidentally, buyers will have a choice of four engines with standard stop/start and battery regeneration - two gasoline engines (85 and 140 hp) and two diesels (105 and 150 hp). Their availability remains unspecified, however.

The seventh-generation Golf is 5.6 cm longer (all in the wheelbase) and 1.3 cm wider. It also boasts a more flowing roofline for improved aerodynamics.

Stay tuned for the complete specs and pricing.

Sep
5th

2013 Honda Accord Preview

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SANTA BARBARA, CA -- Long the benchmark of the midsize car segment, the Accord fell from favour recently, surrendering its number one position in an increasingly competitive market.

The devastation in Japan was a big factor, greatly affecting supply of parts and product, but Honda has recently invested some $2 billion developing plants in North America.

2013 Honda Accord

It's a tough market. Buyers in this segment are careful with their dollars, and while fuel economy and value are important, they also want quality and a bit of style.

After nine uninterrupted generations, the Accord returns for 2013 with a few surprising changes.

The first change is its size: The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model, yet it claims "class-leading cabin space."

The second is the replacement of the 2013 Honda Accord's double wishbone front suspension setup with MacPherson struts; which not only reduce weight and overhang, but provide a more settled ride with less vibration.

2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 front 3/4 view
The new Accord is actually 90mm shorter than the outgoing model. (Photo: Honda)

There's a stiffer chassis, a more sculpted exterior, several new technology innovations and a new line of fuel efficient "Earth Dreams" powertrains. About the only thing the new 2013 Accord shares with the outgoing model is "a few nuts and bolts," says Chief Engineer Shoji Matsui.

It's an attractive car, though being an Accord it's by no means ground-breaking or polarizing. New sculpted lines add some sophistication as do the ubiquitous LED driving lights. Honda claims the 2013 Honda Accord has the "quietest cabin in its class" thanks to increased torsional chassis rigidity, extra soundproofing, active noise control and the vibration-reducing suspension.

All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. HondaLink connectivity accesses a variety of Cloud-based services using the owner's smartphone data. Thousands of music stations, audio books, Twitter, Facebook, and Yelp are available; and in an effort to reduce distracted driving, they're accessed through steering wheel or voice-activated controls.

2013 Honda Accord Touring dashboard
All the "user interface" areas have been reworked, there's a sweeping centre stack with fewer buttons and an 8" touchscreen. (Photo: Honda)

New safety technology in the 2013 Honda Accord includes FCW (Forward Collision Warning) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning) with audible signals, and a slick new Lane Watch system that turns the passenger mirror into a camera when the right turn signal is activated. Great for reducing blind spots and seeing cyclists.

There are two new powertrains available when the 2013 Honda Accord rolls off the production line later this fall, with a plug-in hybrid to come later.

The "Earth Dreams" powertrains include a direct-injection 2.4L, 4-cylinder that's mated to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual; and a 3.5L V6 with automatic or manual --- both 6-speed. Estimated fuel economy (L/100km combined) for the sedan is 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 7.9 (V6); for the coupe 6.7 (I4 CVT), 7.4 (I4 6MT), 8.2 (V6 6AT) and 9.5 (6MT).

The plug-in 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 2.0L 4-cylinder/two motor system that can operate as a full-on electric, gasoline or combination of both. On a full charge, the Hybrid will have a range of 20-28 km, less than competitors but a quick charge of half an hour will top it up an extra 16 km.

The Accord will be available in a variety of trim levels, starting with the base LX up to the range-topping Touring model. Production has just begun, and 2013 Honda Accords should be arriving in Canadian showrooms by late fall.
Sep
5th

F1: Giorgio Ascanelli leaves Scuderia Toro Rosso

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From press release

Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 team announced that Italian engineer Giorgio Ascanelli has resigned from his position as Technical Director.

“Over a period of almost five years, Giorgio has contributed positively to the development of our team” team boss Franz Tost said.

Giorgio Ascanelli
Giorgio Ascanelli (Photo: Peter J Fox/Getty Images)

“Especially in the difficult transition period from a simple racing team to a fully-fledged constructor he made an important contribution and his undoubted experience was very valuable to us. We would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”

“I've enjoyed the past years working at Scuderia Toro Rosso,” Giorgio Ascanelli, a former McLaren track engineer said.

“It has been a very intense and interesting time, in which we had to manage the transition from a small team to a much larger one, and everybody has put a lot of effort to bring us where we are today. We have sown the seeds for a successful future and I think the team challenge is now to gain a stable presence in the upper mid-field and I wish all at Toro Rosso the very best for the future.”

Sep
5th

Lamborghini recalls 96 Gallardo models

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A total of 96 Lamborghini Gallardo and Gallardo Spyder models from 2004 to 2006 are being recalled due to a possible leak in the power steering's high-pressure line.

Steering assist could be affected and the driver could lose control of the car, leading to a crash. Also, power steering fluid leakage may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, which could result in a fire.

Owners are advised to take their Gallardo to a dealer to have the leaky high-pressure line replaced.

Source: Transports Canada

2004 Lamborghini Gallardo front 3/4 view
2004 Lamborghini Gallardo (Photo: Lamborghini)

2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder front 3/4 view
2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (Photo: Lamborghini)

Sep
5th

Audi to build new assembly plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico

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Audi will build its new North American assembly plant in San José Chiapa, in the State of Puebla, Central Mexico. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2013.

More than a dozen locations were looked at and evaluated. Ultimately, site conditions, logistics links, infrastructure, well-qualified employees and living quality were the decisive criteria.

''We congratulate Audi on this decision and are sure that the location meets the ideal criteria for fulfilling the Company's strategic goals,'' said Rafael Moreno Valle, Governor of the State of Puebla. ''We are proud that Audi, a leading European premium manufacturer, has chosen our country as a future production base.''

Starting in 2016, the plant will manufacture the next-generation Audi Q5 to the annual rate of 150,000 units.
Sep
5th

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to make history in Paris

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Mitsubishi announced today that the new Outlander PHEV will make its world debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, which starts on September 27th.

As the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV simultaneously offers the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle, the cruising range of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle as well as the on- and off-road performance of an SUV.

Mitsubishi claims that the Outlander PHEV achieves a combined fuel efficiency in excess of 61 km/L (1.64L/100km). It can reportedly travel 55 kilometres in full EV mode, and 880 kilometres overall. Interestingly, in Series Hybrid mode, the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. It takes 30 minutes to get 80% of the battery charged and about 4.5 hours for a full charge.

Also on display in Paris will be 11 new models including the European version of Mitsubishi's new global compact car (known as Mirage in other regions) and the i-MiEV Evolution race car which finished second in the Electric Division of the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb held last month in the United States.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at the 2012 Paris Auto Show
Photo: Mitsubishi


Sep
5th

London may boot bicycles off the streets

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London Mayor Boris Johnson has come up with a bold solution to help drivers and cyclists coexist in peaceful harmony: elevated cycle lanes over the city's streets!

It's not as crazy as it sounds, and apparently Johnson has been in discussions with architects and Network Rail since May about using abandoned railway lines above ground in a network linking mainline railway stations across the capital.

Known as ''SkyCycle,'' the proposed cycle routes, which have yet to be mapped out, would operate on a pay-as-you-ride basis. Some have hinted at £1 per trip (approx. $1.60).

Source: road.cc

Sep
5th

Alex Zanardi wins gold at London Paralympic Games!

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Former Formula 1 driver and two-time ChampCar series' champion Alex Zanardi won a gold medal Wednesday at the Paralympic Games in London.

Alex Zanardi Paralympic Games London
Alex Zanardi (Photo: London Paralympic Games)

Zanardi, 45 lost both his legs following a horrific crash while racing in the US ChampCar series at the Lausitzring, Germany in 2001, but made a successful return to motorsport just two years later with BMW.

At the same time as lining up in the World Touring Car Championship with BMW, he set out on a new adventure and began competing in hand cycle races. This year, he was selected to represent his country, Italy at the London games.

Today, he captured victory in the Men's Individual H 4 Time Trial, his first of three competitions.

Zanardi crossed the mid-race 8-km mark in 12m11.13 and competed the 16-km race in 24m50.22 to win the gold medal ahead of German Norbert Mosandi and American Oscar Sanchez.

The race was held at the Brands Hatch road course near London, a race track Zanardi knows (very) well from his Formula 3000 days.

Alessandro Zanardi
Alessandro Zanardi of Italy raises his hand cycle in celebration after winning the men's Individual H4 Time Trial on Day 7 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Brands Hatch.(Photo: London Paralympic Games)


Sep
4th

2012 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

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2012 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited
2012 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - Automobile Magazine
It used to be that when you thought of Subaru, you thought of the Legacy.

It used to be that when you thought of Subaru, you thought of the Legacy. In fact, as recently as five years ago it was the best-selling nameplate in the Subaru lineup. Then Subaru decided that the Legacy and the Outback needed to be distinct models, with the result that the Outback wagon now outsells the Legacy sedan by more than a two to one margin, which isn't hard to believe, because the Outback, with its wagon body style and more rugged demeanor, is a more versatile vehicle than the Legacy sedan.


Photo Gallery: 2012 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - Automobile Magazine


Sep
4th

Federal-Mogul begins operating with 2 business units

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Supplier Federal-Mogul said it has begun operating with two business units -- one for powertrain parts to automakers and the other for aftermarket parts.
Sep
4th

VW unveils new Golf with sharp design, high-quality interior, frugal engines

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Volkswagen took the wraps off its seventh-generation Golf in Berlin, revealing the sharp appearance, high-quality interior, frugal new gasoline and diesel powertrains and class-leading safety features of its mainstay hatchback.
Sep
4th

Lexus gains 34% to top Mercedes, BMW

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Lexus, which lost its crown as the top-selling luxury auto brand in the United States last year, increased sales 34 percent last month to push past Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Sep
4th

Group 1 reports minor damage to its Gulf Coast dealerships

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Group 1 Automotive said today that its Gulf Coast dealerships were spared major damage last week from Hurricane Isaac, but they expect light customer traffic while the region recovers from the storm.
Sep
4th

VW unveils seventh-generation Golf: Autoweek TV

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Also in this episode: A sculpture will provide an early glimpse of future
Sep
4th

Redesigned Volkswagen Golf revealed: Familiar look cloaks new platform; due in U.S. stores in 2013

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Volkswagen took the wraps off its seventh-generation
Sep
4th

First Look: 2014 Volkswagen Golf

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First Look: 2014 Volkswagen Golf
2014 Volkswagen Golf First Look - Automobile Magazine
The seventh-generation, 2014 Volkswagen Golf sticks to the car's basic formula of practical and stylish design, but a new chassis helps reduce curb weight and improve fuel economy.

The seventh-generation, 2014 Volkswagen Golf sticks to the car's basic formula of practical and stylish design, but a new chassis helps reduce curb weight and improve fuel economy. On top of that, the Golf scores a range of clever active-safety features that were previously unavailable in the compact-car segment. Although the new Golf won't debut in the U.S. until early 2014, the updates and specifications announced for the European model closely predict the changes in store for our version of the Volkswagen hatch.


Photo Gallery: 2014 Volkswagen Golf First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Volkswagen Golf First Look - Automobile Magazine


Sep
4th

CAW, Detroit 3 far apart in labor contract talks

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Less than two weeks before their contract expires, the CAW and the Detroit automakers remain far apart in discussions on new labor contracts and frustration is creeping in, union officials said today.
Sep
4th

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Jeep Wrangler Moab on sale next month

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Itand#8217;s been nearly two months since Jeep announced a special edition, and we were getting a bit worried.
Sep
4th

Autoweek previews Forza Horizon

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Dan Greenawalt, Creative Director at Turn 10 Studios, wants to turn gamers into car guys and car guys into gamers.
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