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From GMM

Sebastian Vettel may be on form and at the wheel of the fastest car, but the 2012 championship is not settled yet.

That is the warning of F1 legend Niki Lauda, despite German Vettel recently managing to track down Fernando Alonso's big championship lead to now top the championship with just four races to go in the currently dominant Red Bull.

"At the moment everything is going in Vettel's favour, but it would be premature to celebrate the world championship yet," triple world champion Lauda told Osterreich newspaper.

"Not long ago Alonso looked like the safe world champion, but he was shot down twice. It shows how fast things can turn around. So Vettel needs to be careful," he added.

Sebastian Vettel, winner in Singapore. (Photo: WRi2)

Romain Grosjean, the French driver for Lotus, thinks Vettel is the favourite now.

"I've always said this season that Fernando Alonso is the favourite," he is quoted by RMC, "but you have to change your tune now because Sebastian Vettel has taken a step ahead of everyone.

"They (Red Bull) are almost unbeatable in the race -- very fast," added Grosjean. "It will be difficult to beat them before the end of the season."

The next-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will make a first public appearance during a special event in Detroit on December 13th.

For now, details about the full-size truck remain scarce. GM promises enhanced capabilities along with features such as jewel-like, projector beam headlamps.

The new Chevrolet Silverado will have its official world premiere at the Motor City's North American International Auto Show in January. Production will start next year.

Photo: Chevrolet

You hit a pothole and the impact not only fills your ears, but resonates all the way to your spine. There's no denying it: Your car's suspension needs some work.

There are various suspension set-ups from MacPherson struts and double wishbones to single shock absorbers and multilink structures. Leaf springs are found on some pickup trucks and older large vehicles, but not on today's new models.

Here, we'll take a look at a MacPherson suspension structure, which consist of a hydraulic cartridge, a coil spring, assembled as one.

Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte

You can buy a MacPherson strut from any car dealer or parts retailer, which also means they are available in a wide price range. Personally, I don't like used suspension components because you never know how long they'll last. A repairman once offered me a “deal:” only $400 to rebuild the entire suspension with used parts. Two months later, one of the cartridges broke down and was leaking oil.

You don't have to use the same OEM components, either: Aftermarket suspensions are another way to go. You'll find Monroe products at Canadian Tire, but make sure to visit your local parts retailer for a wider selection of brands and models.

KYB sells expensive, high-quality struts with a lifetime warranty, while Prime Choice has much cheaper stuff. Even recyclers can sell you affordable, ''good as new'' suspension parts.

For an average compact car, a single cartridge costs $60-$100, while a complete package with all the necessary components (including a preloaded spring) will set you back $200-$300.

Once you've found the right set-up
Replacing a preassembled MacPherson strut is extremely simple when rust doesn't get in the way. You simply have to locate the nuts from under the hood (or inside the trunk, depending on the model), as well as a bolt that connects the strut to the tie rod. Then you'll want to take out the faulty strut and install the new one. It's that simple.

If you decide to replace only the cartridge, you'll need a special tool called a spring compressor. First, remove the upper strut-mount nuts and bolts, but leave the centre strut shaft nut in place or disaster will follow (the compressed spring will shoot like a rocket). Using the spring compressor, compress the spring to take pressure off the upper strut mount. Then, loosen the shaft nut to remove the upper strut mount. Finally, replace the cartridge and repeat these steps in reverse order.

If you have any doubts, leave it to your favourite mechanic to replace the strut for you. It will likely prove more expensive, but then again, peace of mind is priceless. A savvy grease monkey knows quite a few tricks and will charge you an hour or two depending on the number of cartridges that need to be replaced.

As far as I'm concerned, I like spending an afternoon in the garage, getting my hands dirty and cursing the sky for rusted bolts. How about you?

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has said farewell to McLaren ahead of his final four races with the famous British team.

Before setting off to India and then Abu Dhabi, the US and Brazil for the final 'flyaway' phase of the 2012 season, the 2008 world champion made an "emotional" speech to staff at McLaren's Woking factory, the Sun newspaper reports.

Lewis Hamilton had intended to farewell his McLaren teammates during a night of ten-pin bowling in Japan recently, only to find they were already committed to a 'fun run' with Jenson Button.

So the 27-year-old told them last Friday: "I've spent half my life at McLaren. The team, the cars, the place, the people -- they'll always be special to me.

"The Mercedes building definitely isn't as spectacular as the MTC (McLaren technology centre)," he smiled.

"I hope to bring great success to Mercedes, but McLaren will always have a special place in my heart," added Hamilton.

MTC, McLaren Technology Centre. (Photo: McLaren)

From GMM

Ferrari have admitted they are concerned crucial upgrades to the F2012 car will not work as expected.

Team boss Stefano Domenicali has said the Italian squad needs to find at least 2 tenths of a second to boost Fernando Alonso's chances of competing for the title against Red Bull's on-form new championship leader Sebastian Vettel.

With tester Davide Rigon at the wheel, Ferrari - with its 2012 car featuring a number of upgrades - reportedly ran a "secret" straightline aerodynamic test at the Idiada facility in Spain last Thursday.

Rear wing of the F2012. (Photo: Ferrari)

Alonso's teammate Felipe Massa admitted the team has had problems this year with the correlation of the data produced by its Maranello wind tunnel, which will be closed for a time during the winter for repairs.

"We are working on a lot of things in the development of the car," the Brazilian is quoted by Totalrace. "(But) we have had some problems with parts we have brought to the last few races not working when we go onto the track."

Totalrace said Ferrari is already working and checking data in Toyota's state of the art Cologne wind tunnel.

Stefano Domenicali, however, said he does not want the news to be interpreted as an "excuse" for Ferrari's recent development problems.

"That's part of the development process we are doing to improve the team, but I don't want to hear that it's an excuse for this championship. We need to keep pushing to make sure Fernando has the best car for the end of the season," he added.

Following the lead of the Golf, Jetta, Passat, and Touareg, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is set to add a TDI Clean Diesel engine to its lineup.

Expect the diesel-powered Beetle to deliver excellent acceleration while burning as little as 4.8L/100km. The TDI will be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed DSG.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI Clean Diesel will start at $24,175 in Comfortline trim, and $26,625 in Highline trim. The top-of-the-line Sportline model will stick to gasoline engines.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

Vitaly Petrov will almost certainly contest Russia's inaugural grand prix at Sochi in 2014, his manager Oksana Kosachenko has revealed.

But whether the 28-year-old will still be on the grid next season is a different matter, with Rusnovosti reporting that staying at Caterham in 2013 appears "unlikely" for Petrov.

Kosachenko said she is examining two options.

"We are working hard, there are some plans and a particular programme we have," she said. "We have almost absolute certainty that Petrov will start in Sochi in 2014."

The future track of Sochi, Russia.

She admitted the main glitch for 2013 is related to sponsorship.

"The issue of transition to another team is rather painful," said Kosachenko.

"At the moment, I have offers from two teams on my hands, but they require some solutions to be made and details settled. Not in the sense (of) whether there will be sponsors or not -- because they are difficult, but not impossible, to find. The question is if those sponsors who are willing to support Vitaly will be able to coordinate with those that are already with the team," she added.

Vitaly Petrov debuted for Renault in 2010 and 2011, switching to Caterham this year to replace Jarno Trulli.

From GMM

Narain Karthikeyan has played down reports he is eyeing a switch to Indycar racing for 2013.

While Pedro de la Rosa is expected to remain at HRT next season, the Spanish team is believed to be assessing its options regarding the sister cockpit.

35-year-old Karthikeyan, however, insists he deserves to stay in 2013.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

"I think I have been driving well and out-qualifying a senior pro like Pedro de la Rosa on a couple of occasions has given me immense confidence. I am fit and good enough to be in F1 for another two/three seasons," he told the IANS news agency ahead of his home grand prix in India this weekend.

The Indian, who was establishing a Nascar career in 2010 until he returned to F1 with HRT, denied he is now looking at returning to the American scene by seeking an Indycar test.

"I don't know where these rumours of me switching to Indycar emanated from," said Narain Karthikeyan. "The brightest thing for 2013 will be another season with HRT."

Louisveille, KY - When companies listen to their clients, there's cause for some form of celebration. Sure, clients think they know what they want, but it's rare that a company actually takes complaints/suggestions/advice from their paying customers to heart. However, in the case of the Buick Verano, they took an idea and ran with it. And I have to say, I'm so very glad they did.


Buick said their customers wanted more power in the Verano. They wanted a faster version. They didn't want anything else to change (interior, exterior, styling), they just wanted more grunt behind the wheel. So, that's what they did.

Enter the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo.

In the same skin
Generally, more powerful versions of vehicles are visibly different from their “regular” siblings. However, such is not the case with the 2013 Buick Verano, save for a small decklid spoiler and the required “T” badge on the rear and the dual exhaust pipes. Understated for most, but apparently it's precisely what Buick customers requested of the sportier Verano.

Overall, the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo has a great look. Buick's new front fascia looks rather manly to me, and very businesslike. Unlike most headlights, Buick has kept the Verano's wide-eyed instead of sloping back along the fender-line. It's around the rear where things get interesting. The moment I saw the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo's rear I thought: Martin Scorses.

Take a look at the rear, straight on, and check out those large, “bushy” chrome eyebrows slanting down over each taillight. You know I'm right. On the other hand, it makes the Buick look like it's in a really bad mood...

Inside, the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is identical to the non-turbo version. Well conceived and modern, Buick is once again appealing to a younger audience. However, they didn't skimp on comfort to attract the masses. The seats in the Verano Turbo are fabulous for both driver and passenger. While I did find the passenger seat a bit low, the visibility on the driver's side is quite good.

OnStar (which is standard) now offers OnStar apps for your smartphone, and Buick's IntelliLink system is an available option as is a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, heated leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and other amenities that are sure to make your time in the Buick Verano as comfortable and Buick-like as possible.

Buick's new front fascia looks rather manly to me, and very businesslike. (Photo: Buick)

On the winding Louisville roads
Offered in a 6-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is outfitted with a 2.0L turbo that pumps the power up from the base 2.4L's 180 horses to 250, and jumps the torque from 171 lb-ft to 260. And it does so quite smoothly and effortlessly. Of course, the 2.4L will still be available, but why wouldn't you want more power? And clearly Verano clients want it.

Piloting the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo, I never felt the need for more power or grunt behind the wheel with the 6-speed automatic. I also felt the gears were well sorted and able to control themselves well, despite the autobox. Turbo lag is nearly a moot point, and all but disappears after first gear. I would have liked a pair of paddle shifters on the steering wheel just to have that option, but I quickly forgot about that as soon as the twisties appeared.

With updated suspension and four antilock disc brakes and brake assist, the 2013 Buick Verano Turbo handles as well on the move as it does leaving the line.

The Buick Verano Turbo is outfitted with a 2.0L turbo that pumps 250HP and 260 lb-ft. (Photo: Buick)

A place in the Buick stable?
Here's the deal: The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is a great car with a decent starting price of $30,900. It's well-behaved (when you ask it to be) with that extra oomph when you want and need it behind the wheel. Its classy and sophisticated design will appeal to many, and its comfort on the road is just what you'd expect from a Buick. However, where does it fit?

The question arose on the drive: Won't the Verano Turbo take wind away from the Regal's sporty, performance sails? Just as my colleague asked a few weeks ago, what is GM doing? Apparently, they have no fear as the Regal is the “sportier” brother, but I'm not entirely sure their know-what-they-want customers will see it as such.

Robin Frijns get 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 championship win in Barcelona after an incident with title rival Jules Bianchi.

Before the last two rounds of the season in Barcelona, Bianchi was leading the provisional classification ahead of Robin Frijns and Sam Bird, who was standing a bit further. But Frijns was back in first position in championship when he secured third position in race 1, while Jules Bianchi dropped down to 7th following a late spin, as Antonio Felix Da Costa took win.

On Sunday, Frijns and Bianchi were running close in the last part of the race, when Bianchi found a way pass the dutchman on lap 21. Frijns was then under pressure from Kevin Magnussen, with the threat of seing Bianchi taking the championship lead and title. Frijns made a risky attempt on Bianchi. Both cars had a contact, which put the frenchman out off the road, forcing him to retire.



Frijns was able to continue and take 7th position, which was enough to get title as Antonio Felix Da Costa took another win this week end.

Barcelona - Race 1:
1 - Antonio Felix Da Costa - Arden Caterham - 29 laps in 45'44"925
2 - Sam Bird - ISR + 3"724
3 - Robin Frijns - Fortec + 13"062
4 - Will Stevens - Carlin + 15"693
5 - Kevin Magnussen - Carlin + 17"360
etc.

Race 2:
1 - Antonio Felix Da Costa - Arden Caterham - 29 laps in 46'06"997
2 - Mikhail Aleshin - RFR +27"856
3 - Aaro Vainio - RFR + 28"689
4 - Kevin Magnussen - Carlin + 29"398
5 - Alexander Rossi - Arden Caterham + 29"919
etc.

Championship (final):
1. Frijns 195 points (champion); 2. Bianchi 185; 3. Bird 177; 4. Da Costa 166; 5. Yelloly, Sorensen 122, etc.

No road is created equal. From the material used to surface the road to the size and route they follow, I've driven on some pretty interesting pathways. Recently, I got to thinking about some of the more drastic roads I've encountered.

Nairobi, Kenya
Being in a car in Nairobi is both thrilling and terrifying. Rules seem to be but a suggestion, traffic lights mere decoration, and cows share the road with cars and pedestrians at almost every intersection. While the roads are perfectly paved, lines are unheard of and sidewalks are nowhere to be seen. When out on safari, the few roads our Land Cruisers actually followed through the wild African plains were actually well taken care of, and made me feel ashamed of the horribly cracked and potholed roads I drive on everyday in my first-world hometown.

The Big Island, Hawaii
The fascinating thing about Hawaiian roads had nothing to do with the materials they were built with or the lines that were painted on them, but had more to do with the location and where those roads took you. I drove from one side of The Big Island to the other. What struck me as most poignant about this foreign road was the temperature and foliage changes along the way. There are very few places in the world where you can go from barren volcanic dessert to lush Amazonian rainforest in the same afternoon, on the same road.

The Autobahn, Germany
Perhaps the allure of the Autobahn lies in the fact that I love to drive. Those who don't like to go quickly behind the wheel of a car may be less interested. And while my time on the German landmark was short, I was impressed with it, nonetheless. Blemish-free paved surfaces stretched as far as the eye could see. Drivers on the Autobahn were well-behaved, perfectly placed in their lanes and functioned as if they had practiced driving in formation for months. The limit-free sections offer a thrill behind the wheel few get to experience. Speed limit? What speed limit? If you've got the control and the balls, go for it.

Louisville, Kentucky
This might seem like an odd location to bring up, but hear me out on this one because it's the reason behind this entire blog. These roads are fresh in my mind, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to drive on them. Just outside the city of Louisville in Kentucky lies a series of country roads I've yet to see the likes of elsewhere in North America. Where the line marking the edge of the lane ends, so too does the pavement. There are no shoulders. Anywhere. No barriers (even where steep drops and ravines suddenly appear) are present along any road, and rumble strips are in the middle of the road, preventing you from drifting into oncoming traffic.

Cayo Coco, Cuba
Much like Nairobi, rules are for the weak, and respect on the road is achieved through the size of your vehicle and the speed at which you're travelling. Despite all that, I thoroughly enjoyed driving in this country. If nothing else, the scenery is breathtaking. Staying in Cayo Coco meant I was able to travel across the causeway, a road built in the middle of the ocean to connect a few small islands to the mainland. It took nearly 10 years to complete and it takes about 30-40 minutes to drive its entire length. It took my husband and I even longer as we stopped often to gaze out across the ocean, the mangroves and to watch for dolphins and other sea creatures. We saw a side of Cuba the normal tourist generally wouldn't -- travelling the road less taken, so to speak.

I count myself lucky enough to have driven on some truly incredible roads. I can't wait to see where my travels take me next.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Pictures 23 Oct, 2012

Rennteam.com forum member Rossi has posted what looks to be leaked details of the

By Design: Tesla Model S

Really brilliant or really dumb? It depends on what was wanted.

Let's get one thing clear at the beginning. The Tesla Model S sedan is an extremely radical vehicle, even if it doesn't particularly look like it. It is one of only two specifically designed battery-electric cars on the market today and the only one created from the ground up as an electric, as the Leaf uses many existing Nissan components under its unique skin.

Photo Gallery: By Design: Tesla Model S - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: By Design: Tesla Model S - Automobile Magazine

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At a recent Autoweek staff convocation, a mildly pro-street 1967 Chevy Nova pulled up.

Ultimate Fantasy 5: Driving Flat Out in a Bugatti Veyron

Top off, top speed.

In the dusty recesses of my brain, numbers don't hold a high priority. I've been known to blank on my social security number. When I've changed addresses, it always takes me a couple of months to remember my new zip code. Birthdays and anniversaries are a recurring source of shame and conflict in my life. But there's one number I'll never forget: 206.

Photo Gallery: Ultimate Fantasy 5: Driving Flat Out in a Bugatti Veyron - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Ultimate Fantasy 5: Driving Flat Out in a Bugatti Veyron - Automobile Magazine

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The Porsche Panamera is already one of the top executive sedans on the road today.

Wild concepts during auto shows are nothing new, especially from Nissan.

EU regulators rejected France's demand to monitor imports of South Korean cars more closely. European carmakers opposed the agreement, saying it would give an unfair edge to Hyundai and Kia.

Also in this episode: VW debuts the Taigun concept in Brazil, and Chevy talks shop at SEMA