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Oct
14th

F1: Lewis Hamilton admits Ferrari talks

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From GMM

Lewis Hamilton admitted his manager had talks with Ferrari.

After six years with McLaren, the 2008 world champion went on the driver market for 2013 and has ultimately joined Mercedes.

But an interviewer for the Spanish sports daily AS asked Hamilton if it is true that switching to Ferrari was at some point among the Briton's options.

"Every driver dreams of driving a Ferrari, because it is a very prestigious team, with a great story, very passionate fans and they make competitive cars," Hamilton answered.

"But I am very happy to go to Mercedes and satisfied to have spent some wonderful years at McLaren.

"I think my manager spoke with Ferrari, yes, it's true, but I don't what know kind of conversation they had," added Hamilton.

He admitted he hopes Ferrari's Alonso - his former McLaren teammate - beats Sebastian Vettel to the world championship.

"I still think Fernando is the best driver.  The cleanest, the most sensitive, the most complete," said Hamilton.

"He is always taking points despite not having the fastest car, while Vettel has always had a great car these past years," he added.

But the Briton admitted: "With his (Red Bull) car, he is going to be hard to beat, even for Fernando."

Finally, after years of acrimony from Spanish supporters, the interviewer told Hamilton that Spain now "respects" the 27-year-old.

"Really?" Hamilton responded.  "Are you serious?  You don't know how happy that makes me."

Oct
14th

F1: Eddie Jordan tips Force India lineup to change

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From GMM

Eddie Jordan has predicted Force India will make one driver change ahead of the 2013 season.

The former F1 team owner and boss's words are carefully listened to these days, after he recently correctly predicted that that Lewis Hamilton would move to Mercedes next year, pushing Michael Schumacher back into retirement.

Now, when musing Force India's next lineup, he said of the current duo Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta: "One of them is going to leave that team."

With Hulkenberg tipped to move to Sauber, it is being reported in the German press that Silverstone-based Force India could go back to the future in 2013 by re-hiring Adrian Sutil.

The 29-year-old lost his seat after the Eric Lux assault affair, but his manager Manfred Zimmermann told Auto Bild: "Force India knows that Adrian is on the market.

"We know each other well."

Blick newspaper said Sutil still carries the significant sponsorship of his sponsors Medion and Capri-Sun.

The Swiss publication's correspondent said that could be bad news for Sebastien Buemi, who was hoping to return to the grid next year with Force India.

Force India, meanwhile, is hoping it can hold on to both Hulkenberg and di Resta.

"We've served our options on them and now have a period of time before coming back to us," deputy team boss Bob Fernley is quoted by the Sun.

"If there are changes, then we'll deal with it."

Oct
14th

F1: Lewis Hamilton and Stefano Domenicali agree on Mercedes ”potential”

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Adapted from GMM

Leaving McLaren is not a 'risk' because the British team he grew up with has not been that successful in recent years, Lewis Hamilton has told the Spanish sports daily AS.

"There is no risk," the McLaren protege told the newspaper, when asked about his impending move for 2013 to Mercedes.

"At McLaren we haven't won the championship since 2008 and I haven't won too many races recently," he insisted.

"Every team has its ups and downs, but 2014 will be a pivotal year with the rule changes."

Meanwhile Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali agreed the moving from McLaren to Mercedes was the right things to do for the 27-year-old.

Told by an interviewer it might not be the wisest choice for the 2008 world champion, Domenicali answered: "Mercedes has enormous potential.

"It has invested heavily in the past three years and has not achieved the results it expected.  But it is doing everything in its power to win," he told El Pais newspaper.

"Hamilton has seen this potential that has not yet materialised.

"What is clear," added the Italian, "is that McLaren has lost a tremendous asset.

"After Fernando (Alonso), Vettel and him are the fastest ones."

Oct
14th

NASCAR: Clint Bowyer takes Charlotte fuel mileage mace

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Clint Bowyer kept his title hopes alive with a win in a fuel mileage run at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday night.

Bowyer took his third victory of the year because Denny Hamlin, who finished second, and Jimmie Johnson, who finished third, both, had to conserve fuel in the 500 mile race. 

“I mean realistically we're still in the things,” a smiling Bowyer said. “After Talladega what a way to bounce back.” Looking ahead to next week he called his home track, Kansas, “maybe a wild card,” due to the recent repave.  Bowyer is now fourth, 28 points behind Brad Keselowski who finished 11th after making a late race pit stop to top off with fuel.

This was Bowyer's first win at the 1.5 mile track and eighth career victory in 248 starts in NASCAR's premier series.

Jimmie Johnson, who finished third, is now in second place seven points behind Keselowski; Hamlin is third 15 points back.

“It was good to have a fuel-mileage race somewhat go our way, and Darian made the gutsy call to bring us in and lose all of our track position in the middle of the race, which I was kind of frustrated with,” said Hamlin who finished .417 seconds behind Bowyer.

“But obviously he knew what he was doing and we saved the fuel that we needed, and we slowed down just enough to finish second. We just needed one more lap. We'll take second and move on.”

Five-time Champion Johnson should have been pleased that he halved the points he needed to catch Keselowski, but, he jokingly showed his annoyance when asked about his race.

“Went in a bunch of circles, and we're done, and I made it on fuel,” Johnson said. Then he explained “Well, it's just weird running so long, saving fuel like we had to at the end, and the two segments' worth.  But there's some tracks and some conditions where that's just the game you have to play.”

It was Keselowski's first setback in the ten-race Chase. Typically his crew chief Paul Wolfe gambled on a fuel strategy and won. On Saturday night an attempt to stretch fuel backfired. “It was like playing blackjack,” Keselowski said “you can't win them all. I led a bunch of laps (he led a race high 139-laps).”

Bowyer's crew chief, Brian Pattie acknowledged that the only way to championship was with wins at this points. “We're going for trophies that's the only way you'll beat the 2 (Keselowski), 48 (Johnson) and 11 (Hamlin).”

Greg Biffle, the pole sitter finished fourth in a Ford and is sixth in the standings 43 points
behind. He said “It's amazing that those guys can go that far on a tank of gas.”

Kasey who now is fifth in the points, 35 down to Keselowski finished eighth.

The Sprint Cup series moves on to Kansas where the drivers are being given extra track time because of the recent repave.

Oct
14th

2012 Jaguar XJL Portfolio Review

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There's a certain cachet about Jags that isn't captured elsewhere in the premium market. Many have tried to replicate the refined wood/leather ambience but, I dare say, with little success.

This week's tester is the XJL, which is the elongated version of Jaguar's iconic sedan, spoiling its rear-seat occupants with five additional inches of legroom.

2012 Jaguar XJL

A lower, sleeker cat
The XJ was reborn in 2011. The pens in the Jaguar den abandoned all they knew of the old cat and created a new, leaner, sleeker and thoroughly more modern feline without sacrificing the essence of the brand through genetic mutation.

While white would not be my finish of choice, I admire the degree of “daring” that the new generation XJ exhibits. It's far more seductive and aggressive than any of the former XJ iterations, and that's precisely what was needed to soften its stiff upper lip.

The car now draws admiring glances that become stares as people sort through their mental Rolodex to identify the cat. It's too bad there's no longer a leaper on the hood to define the car's identity and heritage the way it once did. But forget nostalgia; this XJ's at the cutting-edge of technology and performance, not to mention luxury and elegance.

2013 Jaguar XJL 3/4 front view
This XJ's at the cutting-edge of technology and performance, not to mention luxury and elegance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Powerful V8s purr
A choice of three powerplants confronts the XJ buyer, all of which are based on the latest generation 5.0L Jaguar V8. My tester was fortified by the base engine beneath its long bonnet. This mill generates 385 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 380 lb-ft at just 3,500 rpm.

Both optional mills are supercharged versions of the base engine, developing 470 and 510 horsepower respectively.

Jaguar literature assigns a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds to the base engine and 5.2 and 4.9 seconds respectively to the supercharged versions. While my cat didn't benefit from forced inhalation, it supplied more than enough stalking power to satisfy my hunting.

All powerplants are fused to a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle-shifting. Power is, of course, directed to the rear wheels. The transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. When the vehicle's Dynamic Mode is activated, the driver assumes full control of gear changes. This means no “second guessing” by the car's electronics.

The Dynamic Mode in the Jaguar XJL also revises throttle and shift mapping to create a more assertive driving experience when the mood to pounce strikes.

2012 Jaguar XJL engine
Jaguar literature assigns a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds to the base engine and 5.2 and 4.9 seconds (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Taming the cat
Taking a seat in my tester immersed my senses in the classic “leather and wood” ambience of Jaguar; that was expected. Not so expected was the virtual gauge cluster. Starting the vehicle brings to life a 12.3” TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen depicting images of classic-looking jewelled gauges.

While I don't find the virtual gauges of the Jaguar XJL to be as appealing as the real thing, they are smarter, enabling the delivery of increased information. Interestingly, the gauges adopt a red background when the Dynamic Mode is selected.

The remainder of the cabin is fairly conventional -- except perhaps for the gear selector that rises from the centre console -- yet slightly flamboyant, architecturally. Overall, I could live in the XJL's leather-lined airy abundance. It's one of the best executed and most alluring living spaces in the premium market.

2012 Jaguar XJL interior
It's one of the best executed and most alluring living spaces in the premium market. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Feline fancy
A suitable period of seat-time in the XJ is necessary to fully appreciate its composite of performance, prowess and luxury. The car delivers a highly composed, absorbent ride that doesn't undermine its agility. The adaptive underpinnings continuously adjust suspension settings through electronic dampers.

This keeps the Jaguar XJL on its toes, with its claws at the ready. The car remains flat and tenacious when cornered hard. The ability of such a large sled to exercise this degree of dexterity is beguiling. One would not expect it from such a commodious vehicle.

What one would expect though is serenity, and that's what they'll receive. I found myself stopped next to a Harley-Davidson with straight pipes. I looked at the chrome tubes and figured the Harley had stalled -- not an uncommon HD event -- because I couldn't hear the typical pop-pop-pop of its V-Twin mill.

I dropped the window to confirm my assumption, but was blown away by the degree of sound insulation provided by the Jag; the Harley was indeed exerting its auditory vexation on all the world, but me. The light turned green and I easily left the two-wheel torment far behind.

The final meow
In many ways, Jaguar is amidst a renaissance of sorts in which its heritage and longstanding tradition must embrace modernism and cutting-edge technology. The 2012 XJL is a prime example of Jag's ability to seamlessly do this.

There's tremendous old-world charm subtly reflected in the large saloon, yet the car benefits from the latest in performance technology and information/entertainment electronics; the latter achieved without a labyrinth of menus accessed through a mouse-like controller.

More important than these tangential attributes is the manner in which the big car performs and how genteel it is with occupants. These are perhaps the most compelling and notable characteristics of this week's tester.

From a driver's perspective, the big cat effortlessly stalks and overcomes its prey while its soft furry side spoils all who flirt with her.

Oct
13th

Obama touts benefits of auto bailout as debate looms

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President Barack Obama sought on Saturday to sustain momentum from Vice President Joe Biden's strong debate showing by touting the benefits of one of his signature actions, the rescue of the U.S.
Oct
13th

Webber on pole in Korea

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News 13 Oct, 2012

Mark Webber qualifies on pole for the Korean GP, ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton

Oct
13th

Toyota, Nissan, Honda among investors prepping Renesas rescue

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A Japan government fund is expected to partner with about 10 companies in hopes of buying the struggling chipmaker Renesas Electronics in a 200 billion yen ($2.55 billion) deal, the Nikkei business daily said.
Oct
13th

Honda won’t dial back in China despite tensions, Ito says

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Honda President Takanobu Ito said the company isn't changing any of its investment plans for China, where sales of Japanese auto brands tumbled 41 percent last month amid a territorial dispute over a group of islands.
Oct
13th

NASCAR: Two tire stop puts Joey Logano in Victory Lane in Charlotte

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Joey Logano notched his eighth Nationwide Series victory of the year thanks to a two tire call by his crew at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday evening.

"I should know better than to question Adam Stevens (crew chief) -- he's just amazing," said Logano in Victory Lane.  He's given me great cars every single weekend. We had to work really hard for this -- the 22 (Brad Keselowski) was pretty good the mid-part of the
race. He made some good adjustments -- I found a new line and was able to make this GameStop Toyota fast enough to win."

Logano who led a race-high 62-laps took the lead from Keselowski with eight laps to go, taking his 17th career win in NASCAR's junior series.

Keselowski's team failed to get enough fuel into his Dodge to challenge for win, he ended up 18th.

"We certainly had a car to win with the Discount Tire Dodge. Discount Tire does tires, not gas so they've got that part right (smiles). Just didn't have any gas there at the end and they won't run without that."

Kevin Harvick finished second, followed by fellow RCR team driver Elliot Sadler who had won the pole. The next two spots went to Sprint Cup drivers Kyle Busch, in a KBR car and finished fourth followed by Logano's JGR teammate, Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR teams' hometown event which featured a total of 11 Sprint Cup regulars.

Sadler padded his series lead to 13 points lead over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - who finished seventh - with four races remaining in the season. Austin Dillon, who finished sixth, fell to 29 points behind the leader.

"We're not close enough to (Sadler)," Stenhouse said. "We're losing points, so that's not the way we need to be going."

"This was good because it was a mile-and-a-half track and we have three left in Kansas, Texas and Homestead, and we know we're going to run really well at Phoenix," Sadler added.

"For us to come in here and sit on the pole, lead some laps, run in the top-five all night long, says a lot about our program. I'm so proud of these guys.

"This is exactly what we needed."


Oct
13th

2013 Acura ZDX to be the last

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The controversially styled Acura ZDX crossover will receive numerous upgrades for 2013, which will be its final year on the market, the Japanese automaker announced yesterday.

Priced at $56,690, the 2013 Acura ZDX features Forward Collision Warning, front and rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors, a 435-watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS Surround sound system with a 15GB hard drive, as well as an 8'' high-resolution VGA display. Under the hood is a 3.7L V6 that produces 300 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Originally introduced in 2009, the Acura ZDX is built in Alliston, Ontario, alongside the Acura MDX, which uses the same platform. With the ZDX being phased out, production of the MDX will move to the company's Lincoln, Alabama plant in early 2013.

2013 Acura ZDX rear 3/4 view
Photo: Acura


Oct
13th

F1: Jules Bianchi set to stay at Force India in 2013

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From GMM

Jules Bianchi has revealed he expects to stay with the Force India team in 2013.

Managed by Nicolas Todt, the Frenchman is a member of Ferrari's driver development 'academy' and this season has been the reserve and Friday driver for Mercedes-powered Force India.

Asked in Korea about his future, the 23-year-old told RMC Sport: "I am already in a good team with Force India, so the goal is to stay with them.

"I want to grow with the team and who knows (what will happen) if one of the two incumbents moves place," he said in the Yeongam paddock.

"There are several options but the most practical is Force India," added Bianchi.

Force India racer Nico Hulkenberg is hotly tipped to switch to Sauber for 2013.

Oct
13th

F1: Red Bull happy with 2011 Renault alternator

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From GMM

Red Bull is confident it has got to the bottom of its recent alternator problems.

The team has had several problems with the Magneti Marelli units supplied by engine partner Renault in 2012.

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport says Renault recently reverted to a 2011-specification alternator that helped Sebastian Vettel to reliably win the last Suzuka and Singapore grands prix.

"We are using a model now that has proved itself over two months," Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko is quoted by the German broadcaster RTL.

Oct
13th

F1: Michael Schumacher says he ”approves” Mercedes’ driver decision

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From GMM

Michael Schumacher has backed Mercedes' decision to replace him for 2013 and beyond with Lewis Hamilton.

The seven time world champion told SID news agency the perception that he was 'ousted' by the German marque is wrong.

"The people in charge repeatedly emphasised that they wanted me to continue working even after the season," the 43-year-old said in Korea.

"And not for one year, but for two more years.

"I thought about it, but it would have been difficult -- even for one year," said the German great, who explained that his motivation is waning after a three-year comeback.

Schumacher therefore backed Mercedes' decision to poach Briton Hamilton from McLaren.

"If you can get Lewis Hamilton, you should," he smiled.  "I would have done the same; he is the right choice."

Oct
13th

F1: Mercedes showing ”anti-Ecclestone” signs

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From GMM

Mercedes could push to have Bernie Ecclestone removed as F1's chief executive, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reports on Saturday.

The report said that even though the German carmaker has signed up for the 2013 Concorde Agreement, it is still concerned about the investigation into Ecclestone's alleged involvement in the bribery of jailed banker Gerhard Gribkowsky.

If the 81-year-old Briton is prosecuted, Mercedes would apparently push fellow teams and sponsors to band together and demand that Ecclestone step down.

"We would not wait for a months-long process, but would act," a Mercedes source is quoted as saying.

But an official Mercedes spokesman replied: "Please understand that we do not comment on speculation."

Another rumour is that in the event Ecclestone is formally charged, he would travel to the 2012 finale in Sao Paulo with his new Brazilian wife, and then not return to Europe where he could be arrested.

A friend of Ecclestone's is quoted as responding: "Nonsense."


Oct
13th

F1: Sebastian Vettel snappy about performances as championship end looms in

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From GMM

Championship lead-chaser Sebastian Vettel hit out at his engineer 'Rocky' on Saturday after missing pole in Korea.

It was his Red Bull teammate Mark Webber trumping qualifying instead, with Vettel hitting out at his race engineer Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin after crossing the chequered flag.

"Why did you not tell me about Massa?" the German, who is 4 points behind Ferrari's championship leader Fernando Alonso after winning in Singapore and Suzuka, shouted on the radio after the 'Q3' session.

Rocky hit back: "What was I supposed to say?"

Vettel told reporters afterwards that Q1 and Q2 went well and that he is "generally happy".

"The last run (in Q3) ... I don't want to blame it on Felipe," said the reigning world champion.

"I thought he was coming in but he wasn't and I caught him in the last sector so I had to back off.  It's not ideal."

And according to the Express newspaper, Vettel is sparing no expense in his bid to join greats Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as the winner of a triple-consecutive drivers' title.

Journalist Bob McKenzie has revealed that, at a cost of almost EUR 250,000, the Red Bull driver has commissioned a private Challenger jet to carry him to the final crucial races of the 2012 championship.

Oct
13th

F1 Korea: Mark Webber puts one over on Seb Vettel in Yeongam qualifying (+results)

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Mark Webber (Red Bull) had the better of teammate Sebastian Vettel during qualifying of the Korean Grand Prix, as they both bid to catch up championship leader Fernando Alonso.

Vettel has had the upper had for the most part of the weekend so far, and was tipped to take pole at the Yeongam circuit, but was powerless to Webber's last offensive in the dying moments of Q3.

The pair upstaged a resurgent Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), who seems to have found his way back to top despite all the talks surrounding his coming move to Mercedes. The Briton easily disposed of his teammate Jenson Button, only 11th on the grid  because of a mistake during his last Q2 lap.

Alonso (Ferrari) also had a better day's work compared to his performance in Suzuka. He lines up on the second row of the grid, just beside Hamilton.

The two Lotus drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean managed to split Alonso from Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa by taking fifth and seventh. Grosjean, who after coming back from his one-race ban caused yet another lap one pile-up, will be closely watched by the stewards.

Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) managed to beat both Mercedes drivers, Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher, who complete the top 10.

Only India driver Narain Karthikeyan (HRT) failed to set a lap, as he was held captive in the pits by brake problems.



Qualifying results* - Korean Grand Prix (Yeongam)

1.Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'37"242 - Q3
2.Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'37"316 - Q3
3.Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'37"469 - Q3
4.Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'37"534 - Q3
5.Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'37"625 - Q3
6.Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'37"884 - Q3
7.Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'37"934 - Q3
8.Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'38"266 - Q3
9.Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'38"361 - Q3
10.Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'38"513 - Q3
11.Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'38"441 - Q2
12.Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'38"460 - Q2
13.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'38"594 - Q2
14.Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'38"643 - Q2
15.Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'38"725 - Q2
16.Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'39"084 - Q2
17.Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'39"340 - Q2
18.Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'39"443 - Q1
19.Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'40"207 - Q1
20.Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'40"333 - Q1
21.Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'41"371 - Q1
22.Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'42"881 - Q1
23.Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - no time - Q1
24.Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'41"317 - Q1 **

*Unofficial results
**Penalized for engine change



Oct
13th

2003-2012 Saab 9-3 Pre-Owned

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History/Description: Selection, uniqueness and Scandinavian design were the largest draws to the quirky Saab 9-3 lineup. Available in sedan, wagon or convertible variants, and with a whack of turbocharged powerplant options, there was a model suited to nearly any shopper.

Front or all-wheel drive were available, depending on the model. Powerplant choices included a number of boosted mills including 4-cylinder units with 175 or 210 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.8L V6 with 250 or 280 horsepower was also available.

2009 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD
The Saab 9-3's styling is unique yet it ages well. (Photo: Luc Gagné)

Look for manual and automatic transmission options, depending on the model selected. Note that "XWD" is Saab-speak for All-Wheel Drive, and that "SportCombi" is Saab-speak for station wagon. Higher-performing models wore Vector or Aero badges.

Feature content included navigation, OnStar (a result of GM's ownership of the brand), heated leather, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless access, Bluetooth, power seats, and more.

What Owners Like: Ride quality, handling, and a "solid" and safe feel combined with the understated uniqueness of the 9-3 were the most common owner-stated positives. Performance, trunk space and fuel mileage on models with smaller engines were also highly rated. Many owners report great seats, too.

What Owners Dislike: The flimsy cupholder, rear seat space, turbo-lag and higher-than-expected noise levels were the more common complaints.

Common Issues: Start your test drive with a check for signs of a worn turbocharger, which may give itself away in a number of ways. Ensure the engine hasn't been pre-warmed ahead of your testdrive, insist that you want to watch it start up "cold." Look for smoke from the tailpipes during idle or acceleration, and have a mechanic look for heavy oil deposits in the charge pipes or the intercooler. Assume the seller is trying to pass an expensive turbo replacement onto you until you have reason to believe otherwise.

2009 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD
A long list of features was one of the strong points of Saab's lineup. (Photo: Luc Gagné)

Continue reading 2003-2012 Saab 9-3 Pre-Owned

Oct
13th

Endurance: Toyota takes home pole at Fuji

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The Toyota TS030 hybrid set pole position ahead of Fuji Six Hours, thanks to local hero Kazuki Nakajima, quickest in qualifying.

The Japanese driver set his best lap in 1'27''499, which was enough to beat the Audi R18 e-tron driven by championship leaders Treluyer, Lotterer and Fassler.

The second row of the grid is shared by the second Audi R18 e-tron driven by Tom Kristensen and Alan McNish, and the Rebellion's Lola-Toyota driven by Nicolas Prost and Neel Jani, first of the independent cars.

After they clinched LMP2 victory in Bahrain, Potolicchio, Daziel and Sarrazin set the best performance of the class aboard their Starworks' HPD-Honda. Felbermayr Proton's Porsche 997 was quickest in the GTE Pro class, while Larbre's Chevrolet Corvette C6 dominated the GTE Am class.

Fuji Six Hours - Qualifying :

1. Wurz-Lapierre-Nakajima (Toyota TS030 Hybrid) - Toyota - 1'27"499 (1st LMP1)

2. Fassler-Lotterer-Treluyer (Audi R18 e-tron) - Audi - 1'27"639

3. Kristensen-McNish (Audi R18 e-tron) - Audi - 1'28"370
4. Prost-Jani (Lola B12/60-Toyota) - Rebellion - 1'29"871
5. Leventis-Watts-Kane (HPD ARX3a-Honda) - Strakka - 1'30"051
6. Brabham-Chandhok-Dumbreck (HPD ARX3a-Honda) - JRM - 1'30"410
7. Belicchi-Primat (Lola B12/80-Toyota) - Rebellion - 1m30"682

8. Baguette-Kraihamer-Sato (Morgan-Nissan) - Oak - 1'30"912

9. Potolicchio- Dalziel-Sarrazin (HPD ARX3a-Honda) - Starworks - 1'32"367 (1st LMP2)

10. Martin-Graves-Nakano (Oreca 03-Nissan) - ADR Delta - 1'32"548

(...)
19. Lieb-Lietz (Porsche 997) - Felbermayr - Proton - 1'40"289 (1st GTE Pro)
(...)
23. Belloc-Bourret-Gibon (Chevrolet Corvette C6) - Larbre - 1'41"386 (1st GTE Am)

etc.


Oct
12th

Scion FR-S to compete in SCCA Pirelli World Challenge with Ken Stout Racing

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Ken Stout Racing Inc. (KSR) Friday announced plans to race a Scion FR-S in the Pirelli World Challenge GTS class in 2013.
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