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Honda Division is reinvigorating its dealer advertising in major metropolitan markets with lavish new funding from the factory.

Don't accuse Coda Automotive CEO Phil Murtaugh of shying away from a challenge. He's selling $38,000 electric vehicles while interest in EVs is tepid. His EVs are made mainly in China, viewed by many Americans as a low-quality manufacturer.

After opening several stores without much pushback, Elon Musk's ambition to replicate the Apple experience in Tesla factory stores is now facing potential roadblocks.

The current Mazda6 was designed to compete with such family favorites as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Some might see an eight-acre pond amid three auto dealerships as a big chunk of wasted space. Scott Casebeer saw opportunity. Casebeer, owner of Capitol Auto Group in Salem, Ore.

"You're driving a spaceship." That's what Megan Jacoby tells customers when she pitches an extended-service contract to them. And when Jacoby, the finance director at Bob Smith BMW in Calabasas, Calif.

More than three years after embarking on a plan to mass produce electric cars in America, Nissan North America is putting the final touches on its $1.6 billion factory in Smyrna, Tenn.

From WRC

Citroen driver scored his 75th victory in WRC in Alsace, France, and became world champion for the ninth time.

Is this as good as it gets?
“It couldn't get any better. I have still the memory from two years ago and when we won here then - it was the best memory. And now again, on the last few rallies I thought maybe it was possible to do it here, but to do it is something else.”

Was it a foregone conclusion that you'd win?
“When we start the rally a lot of people were saying we would win again... but it's not easy - we had to fight. The conditions we really difficult on Sunday morning. It wasn't easy to keep the car on the road, especially in our position when we didn't have to push too hard.”

How did you feel when you reached the finish of the final stage?
“When it's finished, it's an incredible moment. In Haguenau, my hometown, it was really a relief and the feeling was incredible!”

The amount of spectators here this year has been incredible, were you surprised by the numbers?
“It feels incredible. The sensation when we drive the road sections was unbelievable. There was one stage which we were using for the first time yesterday, it was people everywhere. We didn't believe a few years ago when we came here for the first time that it would be like this; we knew it would be some people but not like this. The atmosphere is magic.”

Photo: WRC

And this is your final year of true competition after you announced you will retire...
“At the moment, I don't think so much to this. At the moment, I think to what we live, we will see next year. I try to enjoy what happens, this is the last one [world championship] in rally. It's not an easy decision to stop driving like that, a few years I think about it and I know one day that we have to decide. So we decide this year not to continue. For a few rallies, yes, but not the whole season. To take this decision I needed something else, another challenge. We spoke to Citroen and finally we decided we want to go together in WTCC and this helps me.”

There has been some speculation that you might do a selected programme and fight for a tenth title?
“You think it's possible with five rallies?”

But it's you, Seb...
“The plan is not this. The plan is for Monte Carlo - this is an important rally for me and the team. But when you see the atmosphere when it's like this, it's hard to say we do four [WRC rounds] and not this one, maybe we do this one - to finish my career here would be great.”

It wasn't an easy start to the final day with all the rain - what was it like?
“We were aquaplaning a lot and, as there was more and more water on the road, I really took it easy. I didn't have to win the rally to secure the championship.”

How much of a threat was Latvala on this rally?
“I know that Latvala is now very competitive on Tarmac and I had to push really hard to stay in front. I was not exactly taking it easy, but I was not taking any unnecessary risks either.”

From GMM

Some more pieces of the 2013 'silly season' puzzle are set to fall into place.

British broadcaster BBC reports with confidence that, with his return to the podium at Suzuka following a two-year drought, Felipe Massa could have his new contract to stay at Ferrari confirmed "before" this weekend's Korean grand prix.

It's a blow for Force India's Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg, who were linked strongly with the Maranello team's potentially vacant cockpit.

But Switzerland's Blick newspaper reports that German Hulkenberg has a back-up plan that is now "ready for the signatures".

"Nico Hulkenberg will go to Sauber for at least two years," veteran correspondent Roger Benoit reports from Japan.

Blick said former Toro Rosso racer Sebastien Buemi, who this year has been Red Bull's official reserve driver, is in the hot seat to replace Hulkenberg.

But Force India's Otmar Szafnauer is quoted as telling Blick's Benoit: "Why doesn't Sauber take Buemi?"

What will the 2013 grid look like, for the opening race in Australia? (Photo: WRi2)

Mugen, Honda's tuning partner, has come up with several concepts of a faster CR-Z over the years. This is the production model that will soon go on sale in Japan exclusively.

The Honda CR-Z RZ boasts a modified version of the IMA hybrid powerplant. With the help of a supercharger, the 1.5L i-VTEC engine now generates 154 hp (and 136 lb-ft of torque). The electric motor supplies an extra 20 hp.

Performance figures have yet to be made official, but the concept sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, or 3 seconds faster than the standard CR-Z.

Only 300 units will be built and sold by Mugen starting November 26th. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

Source: CarScoop

Photo: Mugen

Photo: Mugen

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton accused his McLaren teammate Jenson Button of lacking respect in the hours after Sunday's Japanese grand prix.

Earlier media reports - indicating that the pair's relationship was breaking down ahead of Hamilton's switch to Mercedes - revealed that Button had 'unfollowed' the 2008 world champion on Twitter.

"After three years as teammates, I thought we respected one another but clearly he doesn't," Hamilton told his 1.1 million Twitter followers. "Funny thing is, we are STILL teammates!"

Less than an hour later, the 27-year-old realized his mistake.

"My bad, just found out Jenson never followed me. Don't blame him!"

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. What is now their relationship? (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton also criticised his McLaren successor, Sergio Perez, after the Mexican spun behind him at Suzuka.

"He didn't drive very well," Hamilton told reporters, describing the current Sauber driver's Japan antics as "crazy".

"He went off on turn one, then he kept going off all over the place and then he crashed. It was ... interesting."

Before the driver criticised McLaren's current and future drivers, team boss Martin Whitmarsh said Hamilton would be welcome to return to the great British team in the future.

"I don't think Lewis' intention is to hop from team to team on an annual basis and I am sure that is not Ross (Brawn's) intention either, but never say never, as they say, and let's see what happens in the future," he said.

Over 15,000 people have registered as members of car2go in Calgary in the 60 days following the launch of the city's first large-scale carsharing program. Given its popularity, 150 additional smart fortwos will soon be introduced, bringing the fleet to 300.

This makes Calgary the world's fastest-growing market for car2go. Later this month, the Home Area network will expand to encompass a total of 93 square kilometres.

Overall, more than 40,000 trips have been taken with car2go throughout Calgary since July 21st.

“Launching car2go in Calgary has given an entire city access to a new and innovative personal mobility solution,” said Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go Canada Ltd. “As thousands of residents of Calgary embrace carsharing with car2go, they are setting an outstanding example of intelligent urban mobility for the rest of their city, and for other cities around the world.”

Photo: smart

From GMM

South Korea has indicated it could keep organising an annual grand prix.

Despite the Yeongam race only joining the F1 schedule in 2010 and having a contract through 2016, recent speculation suggested organisers are baulking at the financial losses.

But organiser Park Jong-moon has been quoted by the Korea Times as saying losses from "big sports events" are "inevitable".

"Even the 1988 Seoul Olympics was a money-losing event, (but) it is worthwhile, considering other effects that were far greater than profit," he said.

Park also said Bernie Ecclestone has agreed not to charge the usual 10 per cent fee increase for the 2012 race, which is taking place this weekend. But the Korea Times report said two main sponsors of the grand prix have pulled out.

"After reviewing our corporate image and alternatives, we decided not to take the main sponsor deal this year," an official for POSCO, a Korean steel company, said.

Sebastian Vettel winner with Red Bull in 2011 at Yeongam. (Photo: Pirelli)

The first time I got behind the wheel of a BMW Z4 was about six years ago. I had just started off in the business and I, of course, immediately fell in love with the little roadster. At the time, I tested the 3.0L and couldn't believe the power, responsiveness and driveability of it. Then I thought perhaps I was just easily swayed as I was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and new to the industry and cars in general.


Well, six years later and my love for the BMW Z4 has yet to fade. Since then, I've driven about four or five more Z4s in various trim levels and with different engine configurations and it has yet to disappoint.

The latest iteration, the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i, might be the most perfect Z4 yet. While not even the top of the line Z4 available right now, it felt like it could have been.

An attention-grabber
The Z4 is not the only convertible I've driven over the years. From Mustangs to MX-5s, MINIs and even Volvos, I've been in my share of drop-tops. However, I always seem to get the most attention and looks in the Z4 (both good and bad). It's a head-turner, no doubt about it. Sumptuous lines, low-slung and oh-so sexy, the BMW Z4 is stunning -- there's really no other word for it. And in Mineral Metallic White with a Cohiba beige leather interior, it truly was a looker.

The beauty of cars is all in the proportions: just like a human face. We see beauty where we see symmetry and balance. The same is true in the automotive world. It's all about harmony and the lines of the car working together. Well, do they ever work together on the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i. It's like a symphony of design elements coming together in one fluid, almost liquid-like form.

Roof up or down, the Z4 makes you take a second look. The hard top, while convenient, seems a bit slow to operate at times. And the fact that you have to leave your hand on the button to operate it is a bit obnoxious. However, it sure beats unclipping a cloth roof and storing it in the trunk yourself.

Inside, the Z4 is bare bones, but not to MX-5 extremes. Power-adjustable seats and iDrive are really all you need when it comes to driving the Z4. As far as storage goes, if you purchase the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i you are not doing so because the trunk is cavernous so talking about cupholders and cargo space is pointless. My tester was outfitted with BMW's 8-speed automatic gearbox, and even that is sufficient enough.

Sumptuous lines, low-slung and oh-so sexy, the BMW Z4 is stunning -- there's really no other word for it. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Oh that sound
That's the thing, even in automatic trim this car is an absolute joy to drive. Not once did I long for a clutch (though I've heard from an esteemed colleague that once I drive the Z4 stick shift, I'll never want any other transmission). So good is the automatic that I was sure I had BMW's dual-clutch system, which I didn't. Shifts happen quickly and efficiently, especially in "Sport" mode. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters are ideally located, and should you wish for an even faster shift, stomp the throttle quickly for an uber-fast downshift for overtaking.

Sporting BMW's new 2.0L L4 TwinPower turbo engine, the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i is wonderfully quick. In all honesty, it wasn't even the power of the turbo that had me gaga, but the sound of it working hard to suck in all that air and push out 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

On the notes of aural pleasure; the sheer sound of the BMW Z4 sDrive28i will make you want to floor it wherever you go. From the glorious whistle of the turbo spooling to the blipping, barking exhaust, the Z4 sounds fantastic. Driving with the top down makes the aural symphony that much better, but even with the top up the spool is audible and the exhaust note is still smile-inducing. If nothing else, I'd spend the near $70k just to listen to the Z4 every single day. Honestly, I would (though a recording on my iPhone might be slightly more economical).

Sporting BMW's new 2.0L L4 TwinPower turbo engine, the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i is wonderfully quick. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

For the sheer pleasure of the drive
BMW really didn't make many changes to the Z4 for 2012. Essentially, it's the same car (but with a smaller engine that's just as effective -- if not more -- than the previous generation) and that's just fine by me. Sometimes, automakers get it right the first time and it's a wonderful thing when they realize that themselves.

This 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

F1 insiders had a keen eye on Venezuela's presidential election on Sunday.

The sport's main focus was, of course, in Japan, where Pastor Maldonado was racing his PDVSA-branded Williams around Suzuka.

But in his native Venezuela, countrymen were busy re-electing the socialist incumbent Hugo Chavez -- probably a significant moment for the continuation of Maldonado's career.

Chavez, who achieved 54 per cent of the vote, is a known supporter of Maldonado's F1 career, backing the 27-year-old in millions through the PDVSA brand.

State owned oil company PDVSA's backing of Maldonado has been highly controversial, and on the eve of the Japanese grand prix, the driver sounded unsure if the money would keep flowing in 2013 -- probably because Chavez's now-defeated opponent Henrique Capriles Radonski was vowing sweeping reforms.

But with Chavez now elected, analysts expect the status quo for PDVSA, with a Reuters report saying the 58-year-old uses the company to pay "for everything from sports teams to health clinics".

"Congratulations to all Venezuelans for their participation in the elections," Maldonado wrote on Twitter. "Long live democracy!"

Team Williams celebrating Pastor Maldonado's victory at Barcelona, Spain. (Photo: WRi2)

Spending a few days behind the wheel of a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI reminded me once again how well diesel engines perform. In pretty much every application, a turbodiesel will produce a modest amount of horsepower, but plenty of torque down low, which means good acceleration from a standstill.

These engines also provide excellent fuel economy. In the Jetta, I averaged 6.3L/100km and I wasn't even trying. If I'd eco-drive as if I were in a hybrid, or spend more time on the highway, shaving 1L/100km off my average would be an easy task.

As much as turbodiesel engines make sense, the fuel itself stinks. Yeah I know, gasoline smells too, but diesel is greasy and foamy. Ever use a soda fountain? It's easy to fill up a cup with cola, but root beer makes a lot more suds, and if you want to fill your cup to the top you have to wait for the suds to pop.


Diesel is similar to root beer. It takes patience to top up a diesel tank because you have to wait for the suds to disappear. If you're patient enough, you can squeeze another couple of bucks in the tank. Problem is, many people overfill their diesel vehicles, causing a mess on the ground, on the pistol and on the pump. Yuck.

Ever step in a puddle of diesel? It'll take a week for your shoes to stop smelling like an oil refinery. You must wash your hands more than once after you grasp a dirty diesel fuel pistol. And if you spill that stuff on your clothes before heading in to work, expect to get some negative comments about your new perfume.

I might be picky, but this is what would prevent me from buying a diesel-powered car. It wouldn't be an issue if everybody was more careful handling the fuel at gas stations; unfortunately, some messy people ruin it for the others.

Solutions? I could wear gloves that would be stowed away in the trunk, and I could choose service stations on my daily commute whose staff proactively keep the diesel pump and its surroundings clean. However, there would need to be a station on my commute that sells diesel, because it's not available everywhere. A full-serve station would also be an easy solution.

First world problems; I know.

Luxury car companies aren't often associated with extreme, sometimes dangerous, dirty driving conditions. Besides Land Rover, it's difficult to imagine some of today's luxurious, high-end SUVs hopping the pavement and slamming into a huge pile of mud.

Well, I did just that with a brand new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK. Then again with a brand new 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL. And with a 2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class. Oh, and I took out the new (but still iconic) 2013 G 550 as well. And I made sure they were all well coated with mud before I parked them back at the designated start point.

Why? Because Mercedes-Benz told me to.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

They gathered a bunch of automotive journalists at a local race track with a rough-and-tumble off-road course and a few good country roads nearby to test out their line of newly redesigned and updated G Class SUVs, as well as the M Class SUV.

Luxury SUVs are just as capable at the rough stuff as the bare-bones cheaper models made to handle everything dirty and unpaved. Trust me. From $45,000 all the way up to $150,000 no matter what the model, Mercedes-Benz has engineered them to do what SUVs are supposed to do: handle anything, as well as all your cargo.

And I wasn't so sure they could. Like dressing up a super model in hiking boots, handing over ropes and telling her to scale the nearest mountain, I wasn't sure the vehicles could (and would) do everything we were told they could.

I was proven wrong.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Equipped with Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel drive as well as 4 Wheel Electronic Traction System, it didn't matter if I was in the city-appropriate GLK or the uber-manly G 550 off-roader, they handled like superstars.

I'll admit that I was the most comfortable in the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 and the Mercedes-Benz G 550. I know, extremes, right? Here's the thing: In the GLK I felt nimble, light and in control. I didn't feel like I was driving an SUV or crossover. Steering was precise and the handling spot on. I was happy to traverse large mud puddles, huge dips in the dirt and tight, sandy corners (all of which were present on our drive route).

And in the G 550 monster I had no fear because I knew it could take on anything with its three locking differentials and two speed transfer case. On its 18” alloy wheels I traversed a track I wouldn't even have tried on foot. Vertical drops, massive mud sections, 3-point turns and something called “elephant tracks” were taken on with ease in the G 550. It was fantastic.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

While the GL models and M models were a pleasure to drive I didn't feel the same connection and their floatiness took away from the off-road drive. It was a bit too “soft” for me.

So, what did all this prove? Well, for starters, that Land Rover isn't the only player when it comes to driving luxuriously through any terrain in any weather. It's not just about a fancy exterior when it comes to a luxury SUV.

From GMM

The final five races of the 2012 season will likely stage a head-to-head contest between Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, with the protagonists each pushing to add a prestigious third crown to their tallies.

Mathematically, however, there are plenty of contenders still in the running, including Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and even the beleaguered Romain Grosjean and Felipe Massa.

But Bild newspaper confidently predicts German Vettel "will be world champion" after he won so dominantly from pole at Suzuka, with Alonso's Ferrari stranded in the first-corner dirt trap.

Until very recently, Spaniard Alonso was the overwhelming title favourite, causing Austria's Kleine Zeitung to muse after Japan that Suzuka was "The great turning point" in the 2012 battle.

Some think it is not Alonso's bad luck that is the major factor, but Red Bull's latest - and until now low-profile - Adrian Newey-penned aerodynamic development.

The new 'double DRS' has undoubtedly been a factor as Vettel overcame McLaren's recent dominance with wins in Singapore and now Japan.

Great victory for Sebastian Vettel in Japan. (Photo: WRi2)

So will Ferrari and McLaren have to rush out copies now?

"You don't develop something like that overnight," Germany's Auto Motor und Sport quotes Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali as saying.

McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh adds: "It's not a good idea to panic." But the Briton admitted McLaren has a double-DRS "project" on the back-burner.

Former F1 engineer and manager Joan Villadelprat wrote in Spain's El Pais newspaper: "Less than a month ago nobody would have bet on Red Bull in this championship. But Ferrari cannot give up because they have the means to develop until the very last race, despite the problems they're having in the wind tunnel. And they have an extraordinary driver in Fernando Alonso, who even after two retirements is still able to aspire for the title with only five races to go."

Fernando Alonso, however, is clearly frustrated that a title he once seemed destined to secure is now dwindling.

"For six races," he told Spanish reporters after retiring in Suzuka, "we have had the same car, without a single new piece. Felipe (Massa) did a perfect race, driving well, but I see his second place as a little coincidental. There were people with much faster cars, making mistakes and going off the track one after another."

Stefano Domenicali is quoted by Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo: "I can fully understand his frustration right now. But you all can be assured that we are working hard to give Fernando a car with which he can express his talent."

But German commentator Christian Danner said: "Red Bull has made such a big jump, and now have such an incredibly good car, that I can hardly imagine Ferrari challenging them now."

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën) takes win in rallye de France Alsace, and secured his ninth (and last) world championship win in rally.

On Saturday evening, the Frenchman led by 30 seconds ahead of Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford), and 54 seconds ahead of his team mate Mikko Hirvonen, who was the last driver to prevent Loeb from being world champion again.

Finally, after a little off road on Sunday morning, Sébastien Loeb maintains his lead for 15 seconds ahead of Latvala, and takes rallye de France Alsace win, putting himself out of reach in the world championship battle. It was the ninth WRC crown for the Citroen driver, who announced a partial retirement from rallying at the end of the season.

Sebastien Loeb happy in France after his victory. (Photo: WRC)

Thierry Neuville (Citroën) takes fourth position, which was his best WRC finish despite a 20 second penalty for checking too late on Saturday morning. The Belgian driver concluded the rally ahead of Mads Ostberg's Ford Fiesta.

WTCC driver Yvan Muller (Mini) was 14th, as Audi endurance driver Romain Dumas (Mini) takes 16th position after an accident on the last day.

Final classification:
1. Loeb-Elena (Citroen DS3 Wrc) in 3h32'53”0

2. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 15”3

3. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 44”0
4. Neuville-Gilsoul (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'07”2

5. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'16”3
6. Tanak-Sikk (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 2'27”8

7. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'51"5
8. Atkinson-MacNeall (Mini Cooper Wrc) + 6'42”3

9. Prokop-Hruza (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 8'46”7
10. Ogier-Ingrassia (Skoda Fabia Super2000) + 9'03"6
Etc.

Championship:
1. Loeb 244 points, 2. Hirvonen 173, 3. Latvala 131, 4. Ostberg 125, 5. P. Solberg 119, etc.

Matt Kenseth overcame a spin and avoided the 25-carmeggeddon last-lap crash to win at Talladega on Sunday.

Matt Kenseth, winner at Talladega. (Photo: NASCAR)

“Clint (Bowyer) and I got together a little bit on the backstretch,” Matt Kenseth said. "I don't know if that was my bad and we weren't exactly all the way clear or what happened there, but that really slowed the group and we got a big lead, which typically isn't good here.  I just looked in my mirror and saw them coming at me three-wide.  I kind of let Tony (Stewart) have his spot there.  It didn't look like he had a big push behind him and lined up with Kevin and we pretty much stayed locked together there until we got to turn three and I thought it was gonna be a drag race to the finish.  I didn't know what was gonna happen and I'm still not sure what happened.  Somehow I think Tony got turned and caused a big wreck."

Photo: NASCAR

The 500-mile race boiled down to a green white-checkered finish. Three-time Sprint Cup Champion, Stewart, broke away from the pack, and was attempting to defend his line. Only Michael Waltrip, who was being pushed by Casey Mears, had a huge head of steam.

Stewart went to block but Waltrip could not slow and the typical Talladega “Big One” erupted as his car went up in the air, rolled over, and became the meat in the sandwich of two or three other cars.

Photo: NASCAR

As Stewart explained "I just screwed up. I turned down across, I think it was Michael (Waltrip) and crashed the whole field. It was my fault blocking to try to stay where I was at. So, I take 100% of the blame."I was trying to stay ahead of Matt (Kenseth) and I turned down. It was a mistake on my part it cost a lot of people.”

Kenseth added “There is no safe place. Tony was leading when he got wiped out."

Photo: NASCAR

Jeff Gordon who overcame a stuck throttle in the opening Chase race had his second-straight second place finish, but, he was amazed. "That was craziest, craziest finish I've ever been a part of,'' he said adding. “That's what we need to do. lts like a win.”

Kyle Busch, fresh off of his apology to Toyota for complaining, last week, about their motors' fuel economy finished third.

Photo: NASCAR

“Got behind Jeff who was behind the 5 (Kahne) who was behind the 15 (Bowyer)” Busch explained. “I was quarter throttle running all over the 24 (Gordon), we just weren't going anywhere. The outside lanes were kind of going by us, and got to turn three and the wreck ensued.”

Brad Keselowski who finished seventh continues to hold the points lead in the Chase by 14-points over Jimmie Johnson who finished 17th. Denny Hamlin, who finished 14th is third 23- points back and Kasey Kahne, who started on the pole and finished 12th, is 36-points behind.

Many of the drivers concurred that this was the craziest finish they've seen at Talladega, but, there was one surprise.

Dale Earnhardt Jr, one of the of the most successful drivers at NASCAR's longest oval, said "that's bloodthirsty. If that's what everybody wants, that's ridiculous."

None of the drivers were injured.