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After I drove the 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, I admit that this compact pickup, with its barely 5' long standard box, looks like a mouse scampering past Ford F-150s's on the road. Despite its miniature size, my wallet still felt the pain whenever it was time for a fill-up...


Design version Nissan
I like the 2012 Nissan Frontier's looks. Its distinct style is pleasing to the eye. In my opinion, Nissan's design team has done an excellent job. There is an overall robust impression that is mitigated by the tasteful blending of the different bumper colors with the sheet metal. Goodbye motley-coloured plastic panels and overdone chrome plating!

The approach is more sedan than truck, but we are comfortable imagining it in both urban and commercial use. The 2012 Nissan Frontier is a compact that is as much at home on everyday city drives as it is on construction sites.

With its 4.0L V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, the Frontier Pro-4X delivers fuel efficiency numbers of 14L/100km city and 12.5L/100km highway. These numbers are high for a truck that had only itself to haul around, although it can tow up to 6,100 lbs.

The overall output of this engine is quite reasonable when you compare it with its main competitors. The Honda Ridgeline gets 250 hp out of its 3.5L V6, while the Toyota Tacoma squeezes 236 hp from its 4.0L V6. The Chevrolet Colorado cranks out 242 horsepower from its 5-cylinder 3.7L engine.

I loved the 2012 Nissan Frontier's 4X4 drive mode selector. It's very simple and consists of a round switch that you turn to make the selection. And best of all, you can switch to four-wheel drive on the move. There's no need to stop and no automatic mode that keeps cycling between 2- and 4-wheel drive. Just one big beautiful button!

I like this truck's looks. Its distinct style is pleasing to the eye. In my opinion, Nissan's design team has done an excellent job. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

That half-sedan, half-pickup feeling
The suspension in the 2012 Nissan Frontier is fit for a school bus. Although the front suspension is independent, the rear suspension is of the solid-axle variety. This is what you want when it's time to haul heavy loads... On the other hand, driving around town can become a bit bumpy, although not painfully so. This is exactly what you would expect from a small, van-type vehicle.

As far as the handling in the 2012 Frontier goes, it's all very Nissan. With its speed-sensitive rack and pinion power-assist steering, you really don't have the impression that you need two full rotations of the wheel to turn a corner. In fact, I found it quite nimble around town.

A time-travel machine
It's five years later, and we're still knee-deep in a plethora of cheap plastic in the 2012 Nissan Frontier. The interior hasn't really changed and the steering wheel's hard plastic finish remains tacky. Control buttons were added to the wheel and a smidgen of finish was added to the dash -- but as far as everything else is concerned, we are trapped in time warp.

Sound damping in the 2012 Nissan Frontier is acceptable, making the truck as easy on the ears as riding in a sedan. As far as overall comfort goes, it's still 100% pickup truck! The seats are OK, but forget bucket seats and thigh support. It feels like sitting on a padded park bench.

The 2012 Nissan Frontier's Rockford Fosgate entertainment system is the same found in Mitsubishi and Suzuki vehicles. Overall, there are 10 speakers and a subwoofer, which is way more than necessary for a pickup truck, even with a five-passenger cab. There is no navigation system in sight, but the Bluetooth option is well integrated into the system, and you'll find this very basic system easy and simple to use.

Sound damping is very acceptable, making the Frontier as easy on the ears as riding in a sedan. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

Wheeling and dealing
You can get your hands on a Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab for $38,878. Although bigger pickups, such as the Ford F-150, offer more power and space for approximately the same price ($40,299 for the XLT SuperCrew), the Frontier is targeted at a different type of clientele.

In the ''urban hauler'' category, you might want to consider the Honda Ridgeline, with its refined look and similar price range; its well-equipped Sport model sells for $37,790. The Toyota Tacoma TRD Double Cab is priced at $35,050.

This 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X 4X4 Crew Cab review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has now weighed into the new saga about his future beyond 2013, insisting he is "not thinking" about a reported switch to Ferrari.

Some have suggested the rumour is a ploy by Ferrari to destabilise the German's current team Red Bull, as the reigning champions look set to dominate the final part of the 2012 season.

Vettel, who has won the last three grands prix on the trot and is now 6 points ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, told Auto Bild: "I am very happy at Red Bull and I'm not thinking at all about leaving. I have everything I need at Red Bull and I can't even imagine leaving at the moment."

Sebastian Vettel, winner at Singapore with Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Still, the rumours about Vettel joining Ferrari in 2014 are so strong that many believe the 25-year-old has signed some sort of 'option' with the great Italian team.

On Monday, the BBC reported that the deal is on, but comments by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo appeared to rule it out.

"I don't want to have two roosters in the same henhouse," he told Rai radio.

"I don't want problems and rivalries, which we didn't have between Schumacher and Irvine, between Schumacher and Barrichello, between Alonso and Massa or Massa and Schumi or Massa and Raikkonen," Montezemolo added.

Those quotes were interpreted all around the world as Montezemolo saying no to Vettel.

But, then, Ferrari's anonymous website columnist The Horse Whisperer entered the fray, attacking those who had read too much into Montezemolo's words.

"It's a pity that Montezemolo had simply stated a principle, nothing more, nothing less," he said. "At Ferrari there will be room for anyone who demonstrates they have the talent to drive a scarlet car and to work in harmony both with and for the team."

The Scuderia Ferrari has confirmed Brazilian driver Felipe Massa for the 2013 season.

In a straight-to-the-point, 41-word press release, Ferrari said:

“Scuderia Ferrari announces that it has renewed its contract with the driver Felipe Massa to the end of the 2013 race season. The Scuderia's driver line-up for next year is therefore made up of Fernando Alonso and the aforementioned Felipe Massa”.

So now the quiz is: who will take his place at the end of the 2013 season?

Felipe Massa in Korea. (Photo: Ferrari)

UPDATE
“I am very happy to have reached this agreement,” commented the Brazilian in a report posted on the official Ferrari web site.

“Ferrari is my racing family and throughout my entire time in Formula 1, I have always driven cars powered by engines built in Maranello: I can't see myself driving cars propelled by anything else! First and foremost, I want to thank President Montezemolo and Stefano Domenicali, who had faith in me and who have always supported me, even at the most difficult moments. The team and also all the fans can rest assured that I will do all in my power to help the Scuderia reach the targets it sets itself each year.”

The satisfaction is also clear from the comments of Stefano Domenicali, who on Sunday at the Yeongam circuit already lets slip that things were heading towards a confirmation.

“We are pleased to have extended our relationship with Felipe for a further year,” declared the Team Principal. “He has been part of our family for over a decade and has shown, expecially in this recent part of the season, that he is once again competitive at the highest level, which is what is expected of every driver who gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari. We have always supported Felipe, even in the most difficult moments of his career and we are certain of his worth and are sure he will know how to repay the confidence this renewal proves we have in him.”

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he cannot understand Ferrari's tactics during the Korean grand prix.

Fernando Alonso finished behind both Red Bulls at the Yeongam track, therefore losing his long-held championship lead to Sebastian Vettel.

Just behind the Spaniard was his resurgent Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, who was told on the radio to stay behind Alonso despite lapping faster.

The two Ferrari close in Korea. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull's Marko said Ferrari's decision to hold Massa back is "incomprehensible".

"Why didn't Ferrari let him past Alonso and make Webber nervous?" the Austrian told Blick, referring to Vettel's teammate Mark Webber, who finished second.

Indeed, if Felipe Massa had managed to pass Webber, Alonso might have followed him through and minimised the points loss to Vettel.

Dr Helmut Marko told Blick newspaper: "And even if Massa had not managed to get Webber, it would have been easy for him to just pass the place back (to Alonso)."

For the full season of 20 Formula 1 races, each driver is allowed to use a total of 8 fresh engines. The team is responsible to managing the engines the best they can along the year.

“We basically do what we want to do with the engines,” Laurent Mekies, Chief Engineer at Scuderia Toro Rosso, told Auto123.com.

“We install the engine we want, when we want it. We can even install a first engine in the car and have it run as many races as we wish. The technological development of the engine is frozen, so all engines are almost identical. We do not chose one engine for a race in particular,” Mekies added.

Photo: WRi2

Each engine is capable to cover a certain mileage without too much problems. The key thing for the teams is to closely monitor the life cycle of each engine and have it cover the predicted mileage in the best conditions possible. Once it has reached this mileage, it is no loger being used and is replaced by a fresh unit.

“From our lap-time simulation software, we estimate the difference in lap times if the engine would have, for example, an additional 10 horsepower. So we determine on which circuits we need the extra horsepower from a fresh engine. Then with our engine supplier Ferrari, we plan the rotation of engines for the entire season, based on the tracks where we'll need fresh, and therefore powerful engines,” Mekies told us.

Drivers who have used 7 new engines so far:
Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault)
Mark Webber (Red Bull-Renault)
Fernando Alonso (Ferrari-Ferrari)
Felipe Massa (Ferrari-Ferrari)
Kimi Räikkönen (Lotus-Renault)
Romain Grosjean (Lotus-Renault)
Sergio Pérez (Sauber-Ferrari)
Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber-Ferrari)
Nico Hülkenberg (Force India-Mercedes)
Paul di Resta (Force India-Mercedes)
Pastor Maldonado (Williams-Renault)
Bruno Senna (Williams-Renault)
Jean-Éric Vergne (Toro Rosso-Ferrari)
Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso-Ferrari)
Timo Glock (Marussia-Cosworth)
Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham-Renault)
Vitaly Petrov (Caterham-Renault)
Narain Karthikeyan (HRT-Cosworth)
Pedro de la Rosa (HRT-Cosworth)

Drivers who have used 8 new engines so far:
Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
Jenson Button (McLaren-Mercedes)
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-Mercedes)
Michael Schumacher(Mercedes-Mercedes)

Driver who has used a 9th engine:
Charles Pic (Marussia-Cosworth)

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel's father is making a racing comeback, the German newspaper Bild reports.

Norbert Vettel, 53, is a carpenter by trade but in the past contested hill-climb events and got his son - now the reigning double world champion and new 2012 title leader - into a go-kart at the age of 3 and a half.

Bild said he will race in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup race at Hockenheim this weekend.

"It's my first start after an 18 year break!" Vettel snr is quoted as saying. "I used to do hill races, but there were no opponents on the track, just the clock. So I just want to stay humble and not finish last."

Scirocco R-Cup. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

After showcasing the new 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo at the Paris Auto Show, the exotic car manufacturer from Santa'Agata has just unveiled the 2013 Gallardo Spyder.

Similar to the coupe, this convertible went under the knife and received a wider air outlet at the rear to improve heat dissipation from the V10 engine. Output is still rated at 553 hp and torque at 397 lb-ft.

Key changes include newly designed 19'' alloy wheels, standard ceramic brakes, a fixed rear wing, and bespoke colour schemes.

Both the 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo and Gallardo Spyder will go on sale in November. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Photo: Lamborghini

Nissan will introduce a new genre-defining concept at the 2012 Sao Paulo International Auto Show, which starts on October 24th.

The car has not only been created specifically for the Sao Paulo event, but also with the collaboration of local designers and plant workers. It underlines the strategic importance of Brazil for Nissan's growth plans.

The Japanese automaker has doubled its sales to claim almost 2% of the Brazilian market in 2011 and aims for more than 5% of new car sales in the country by 2016.

"When our designers arrived in Brazil to start work on the project, they loved the vibrancy and passion of the country but were a little surprised in the rather conservative colours of the cars on the streets... they all seemed to be monochrome - silver or black," said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Nissan Motor Co. "They've made sure our show car might have a colour as lively as the country."

Photo: Nissan

When my old high school contacted me about attending their Career Fair to speak about being a journalist to their grade 10, 11 and 12 students, I was a bit shocked. I'm a writer and an editor, not a game-changer. What could the children possibly learn from me?

But I agreed to present, and hopped in my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI test vehicle to make the near-200 km journey out to my old stomping grounds.

Along the winding, sloping highway route lined with orange, red, yellow and brown foliage as far as the eye could see, the Jetta and I fell into a rhythm. As I remenisced about my days at Stanstead College (the uniforms; the boarding houses; the 20-minute bell; the sprawling campus; the sit-down meals), the Jetta kept me firmly planted in the present, on schedule and topped up on fuel.

As my 2-hour drive came to an end in the Jetta TDI and we rolled into Stanstead, I took a few detours before heading to the school, visiting the house where my grandparents lived for nearly three decades and where I spent every summer and Christmas for years; then on to my old house where we lived for two years before moving to the big city.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Driving through the small town in the Jetta TDI, it all felt rather symbolic. I was looking back on the foundation that helped me become who I am today. My time living in Stanstead and attending Stanstead College molded me into the person I am today. It is my base. And I felt satisfied to be revisiting those memories in a car just as stable, reliable and unfaltering as that past proved to be for me.

Speaking with other invitees to the Career Fair, I started to feel rather “small” amongst the engineers, fighter pilots, RCMP officers and scientists. There I was: the lowly writer. I had no props (guns for the RCMP officer, helmets and skates for the engineer) and no uniform (the fighter pilot had his helmet and all), just some business cards and a lap top.

And yet, the children I spoke to were engaged in what I had to say. They had question upon question about how journalism has changed, how I make myself stand out, and how to succeed as a writer in a world where “anyone” can do it.

During one of my three sessions, I mentioned how (no matter what), it's important to love what you do or you won't do it well. Not only am I passionate about cars, but I love to write and I'm happy every morning when my alarm goes off. I want to go to work.

This garnered a standing ovation from a few students, and I have to admit; it made me blush.

As I walked out to my Jetta TDI at the end of the night, I stood for a moment and looked at the Moka coloured vehicle, dripping with autumn rain, sitting under a bright red maple tree: It was me, and my career.

The VW Jetta TDI is one of those cars you might not notice on the road, but it's so important to the automotive industry. It doesn't have tons of props or doodads (at least not that you'd notice right away). It's one of those vehicles that can change the game, in a subtle kind of way. It's unwavering, well-built and it knows where it stands in the industry. It's not trying to be anything it's not. And, despite the rapid changes going on around it in the automotive industry, it stands strong in its convictions as an expert in its domain.

I thought my short trip to Stanstead would be uneventful and perhaps even a bit embarrassing, but it turned out it was an enlightening trip in more ways than one. Sometimes it really is necessary to visit the past in order to pave the way for your future.

Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata told Automotive News that a redesigned Nano will hit the U.S. market within three years. It will be much more advanced and refined than the Indian model that failed to live up to the hype as the world's cheapest automobile.

Equipped with a larger, more powerful engine, a power steering, and traction control, the American-spec Nano will likely be priced below US$10,000.

Of course, there's one major problem: Tata currently has no distribution network in the U.S. Andy Goss, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America (owned by Tata Group), said that there have been no discussions about using Jaguar Land Rover dealerships to sell the Nano.

Source: Automotive News

Photo: Tata Group

From GMM

Jenson Button has hit out at those suggesting McLaren is falling out with departing driver Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton is heading to Mercedes next year, and since the news broke, reports have revealed a Twitter dispute with Button and a Suzuka party-snub by his mechanics.

And after Hamilton was reportedly late for a briefing in Korea, a Sky reporter quoted Button as saying his 2013 teammate "Sergio (Perez) wouldn't have been late".

"I didn't say a word of that," Jenson Button insisted to Reuters. "It's amazing how people are so opinionated about what they see happening within this team with the drivers. None of it is true in the slightest."

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, in Korea. (Photo: McLaren)

With Hamilton leaving McLaren after a six-year career with the British team, however, the British press - as ever - is hanging on the 27-year-old's every word.

For instance, after Korea, Lewis Hamilton said racing to tenth was "a day to forget. A year to forget as well. I'm looking forward to a fresh start next year".

Jenson Button replied: "I would word it differently and choose my moment to say it but it's his view and I understand what he means," he is quoted by the Mirror.

Indeed, Hamilton insists he is still committed to McLaren.

"I'm still 100 per cent in this team to the last minute," he said. "People will continue to say that there is a rift between me and Jenson but there honestly is no issue between us. I have been part of this team for so many years and have a great relationship. I think I am loved as much as I love the team."

Button agrees: "As far as I can see with Lewis, he is focused and wants to win races.

"Nothing has changed, it is just the view of a few people with a wide audience. And they need to get their facts straight," he is quoted by the Express newspaper. "He has chosen to go his own way at the end of the year. It is his decision, although I personally don't think it is the right decision. But the team will do all they can to help him win grands prix."

And team boss Martin Whitmarsh said he is sure McLaren will give Hamilton a fitting send-off before he moves on to Mercedes.

"He is loved in this team. He knows that," he is quoted by the Telegraph. "It's an emotional time for lots of people at this team, including Lewis, but when we're motor racing we put things to one side and focus on the racing."

From Pirelli press release

Formula 1's tire supplier Pirelli has announced the tire nominations for the final three Grands Prix of the 2012 F1 season.

In Abu Dhabi, the teams will use the P Zero White medium tire and the P Zero Yellow soft tire.

The Abu Dhabi race is run in the late afternoon and evening, with falling temperatures. Although the lap takes in a wide variety of speeds and corners, the surface is quite smooth and degradation is not excessive, making medium and soft the perfect choice.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

For the all-new United States Grand Prix, Pirelli will bring the Silver hard and White medium tire.

Austin will be raced on for the first time, and the simulation data established by Pirelli's engineers over the summer has indicated that the hard and medium tires will be best-suited to the varying demands of this track.

On a new circuit, a relatively conservative choice will make sure that all possibilities are covered. During a recent visit, Pirelli's engineers established that significant energy loads will be put through the tyres. High temperatures are also expected.

For the Brazilian Grand Prix, the same types of the tires - hard and medium - will be used.

The Interlagos circuit, by contrast, is well known for being demanding on the tires, with big elevation changes, high-speed corners and significant energy loadings going through the structure. For these reasons, the hard and medium tires are also the best choice for the final race of the 2012 season.

The 2013 Lexus CT 200h is now on sale across Canada with a base price of $31,450.

''The Lexus CT 200h introduced Canadians to a new interpretation of luxury - as the world's first sportback luxury hybrid, it's urban, advanced, and progressive,'' said Cyril Dimitris, Director of Lexus in Canada. ''For 2013, we're pleased to offer our guests the Lexus CT 200h, plus a choice of four available options packages, including the performance-focused F SPORT Edition.''

Offering best-in-class fuel economy (combined 4.6L/100km), the 2013 Lexus CT 200h is powered by an advanced and proven Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which combines a 1.8L four-cylinder gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor for 134 net horsepower.

Four drive modes can be selected by the driver including Normal, Sport, ECO, and EV. The latter allows the CT 200h to operate for short distances on battery power alone.

Safety is covered by eight standard airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, ventilated disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, stability and traction control, among other features.

A123 Systems, the maker of lithium ion batteries for electric cars, said it may run out of cash to fund operations and may need to seek bankruptcy protection.

Fisker Automotive aims to start production of its second model in late 2014 or 2015, at least two years later than initially planned.

I don't know how to respond today after seeing on our very own homepage that the Land Rover people will bring the successor of its beloved Defender to the United States market.

Hyundai has transformed its Veloster hatchback into the hopped-up Velocity

SAE International says it has approved a new technical standard for fast charging that will dramatically reduce charging times for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

As much as Jay Leno likes the classic variety of automobiles, even he salivates at the thought of driving the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

Tata Motors said sales at its Jaguar Land Rover unit fell 4.3 percent in September, the first decline in 14 months, as a slowing global economy sapped demand for luxury vehicles.