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The Chevrolet Sonic RS breathes new life into an already popular-selling vehicle.


What's New With You?
Sometimes, when people ask each other: “What's new with you?” the response can be, “Oh, not much.” But if you ask the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS the same question, its answer will not be as short-winded. In fact, this new trim adds a lot of new and cool features to an already darling little hatchback and takes its presence to a new level.

Without creating a laundry list of the factoids that comprise its newness, here are a few features that set it apart, physically, from other Sonic family members. First off, there's the new front fascia with a revised fog lamp design, there's an RS-specific grille, a new rear fascia, a sport exhaust with a chrome outlet, rear spoiler and unique 17-inch 5-spoke wheels.

Motorcycle Inspired
The cockpit of the RS is lively and infused with style. The new front leather seats, flat-bottom steering (complete with red stitching), aluminum sport pedals and standard MyLink stereo system make it a winning combination.

The instrument cluster ahead of the driver was inspired by the designs found on motorcycles and further ads to the sporty dynamics of this hatchback.

The cockpit of the RS is lively and infused with style. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Turbocharged? Yes, Please
Optional on LT and LTZ trims, the RS features as standard fare the turbocharged 1.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, this Sonic has pep coming out of the yin-yang. And it's darn fun to drive.

The pumped up ponies can either be reined in via a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Either one is a good choice. Of the two, the manual has my heart, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the automatic impressed me. Although I'm not a huge fan of its ‘manual' mode just being a small +/- button on the gear selector - it was a little awkward for me to use - keeping it in D was just peachy.

The RS features as standard fare the turbocharged 1.4L, 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Drive Time
Driving along the sinuous roads that comprise a lot of northern California's commuting routes gave me a chance to test out the lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers. It feels firmly planted and, thanks to the unique ride and handling package (its suspension is also 10 mm closer to the ground), it's ready to attack.

I was also pleasantly surprised as to how tight the steering felt. It wasn't limp nor was it too heavy to carry the RS through the turns. The flat bottom steering wheel felt nice in the hands and performed to the task. Whether driving monotonously on a highway stretch or enjoying the roller coaster-like switchbacks of the various streets, a good time was had.

Combined with more aggressive gear ratios in the manual, it made for an engaging experience that I'd like to have more of in the future.

Fuel economy and pricing for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS is TBD.

According to some European web sites, Romanian car maker Dacia - a property of Renault - has decided to withdraw from the Andros Trophy and will not contest the 2012-2013 ice racing series.

During the Paris Auto Show, series' organiser and promoter Max Mamers announced that the presentation of this year's series will be held at Val Thorens, France November 24 and 25. But that would be without Dacia.

Alain Prost, Dacia. (Photo: WRi2)

Dacia's withdrawal from the Andros Trophy should not be seen as a major surprise. Last year's championship was marked by intense frustration and mutual accusations by the two major manufacturers involved: Dacia and Skoda.

The controversy that happened at the last race of the season, when Alain Prost (Dacia) and Jacques Villeneuve (Skoda) collided at the first corner (an incident that almost cost the title to Prost) was probably too much to endure for Dacia.

If Dacia indeed quits the series, that will leave Alain Prost without a drive.

“Since I am an ambassador of the Renault Group, which includes Dacia, I cannot drive for another car manufacturer. It's quite evident. For that reason, I will not contest the Andros Trophy this winter,” Prost told French web site Autonewsinfo.

Nissan Canada announced pricing for the all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra, which is scheduled to arrive at dealerships across the country around the end of October.

The new Sentra is slightly larger and roomier yet 5% lighter and 13% more fuel-efficient than the outgoing model. When equipped with the next-generation Xtronic CVT, it achieves a combined city-highway rating of 5.8L/100km, which translates into a range of about 860 kilometres. The 1.8L engine can alternatively team up with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Available technologies on the 2013 Nissan Sentra include NissanConnect with Navigation and Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant as well as streaming audio via Bluetooth and a 5.8'' touchscreen display.

Sentra 1.8 S M6	$14 848,00
Sentra 1.8 S CVT	$17 548,00
Sentra 1.8 SV M6	$17 548,00
Sentra 1.8 SV CVT	$18 848,00
Sentra 1.8 SR CVT	$19 948,00
Sentra 1.8 SL CVT	$22 998,00

Photo: Nissan

A GM spokesman told Automotive News that GM and Ford are willing to work together on new automatic transmissions in an effort to improve fuel economy, adding that the two automakers "hope to announce a definitive agreement soon."

The Blue Oval preferred to stay mum beyond this short statement: "We always talk to other companies including GM."

In a partnership dating back to 2002, Ford and GM developed a family of 6-speed automatic transmissions for FWD vehicles, including the Ford Fusion and Escape as well as the Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze.

GM is reportedly working on a 9-speed gearbox design for FWD vehicles, while Ford is exploring a 10-speed unit for RWD vehicles such as pickups, SUVs and performance cars.

Significant savings in engineering and product development are expected for both automakers, although they still are in the design phase and probably won't be ready to start production before 2015.

Source: Automotive News

Volkswagen Canada announced yesterday that the new 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will start at $14,990, which undercuts this year's entry-level Trendline model by $885 yet carries even more equipment.

The list includes a height-adjustable, telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, power door locks and windows, 15'' steel wheels, disc brakes at all corners, ESP, and a 5-speed manual transmission, among other features.

Meanwhile, the 2013 Jetta Trendline+ will retail for $16,690 and add air conditioning, an adjustable front centre armrest with storage, cruise control, heated front seats and washer nozzles, and remote transmitters for central locking.

Finally, the top-of-the-line 2013 Jetta Comfortline is priced at $19,590 and stands out with 15" alloy wheels, an alarm system, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, and a power sunroof.

Engine options include a TDI Clean Diesel, a 2.5L inline 5-cylinder, and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. A Jetta Hybrid, featuring the world's first turbocharged hybrid powertrain, will soon join the lineup.

Photo: Volkswagen

By finishing fourth and third in the last two rounds of the year in the Formula 2 Championship, Luciano Bacheta secured the 2012 series' title.

Fifteen-year-old Matheo Tuscher, who was ranking second in the point standings prior to Monza, put pressure on the Brit as he captured pole position. Tuscher then took victory in Race 1 Saturday in front of Christopher Zanella and Kevin Mirocha.

In Race 2 Sunday, Zanella took the win while Bacheta secured the title by finishing in third position ahead of Kevin Mirocha. Bacheta, who was dominant in the early season, was then put under pressure from Tuscher. Bacheta remained focused and managed to clinch a well-deserved title.

Luciano Bacheta, 2012 F2 Champion. (Photo: FormulaTwo)

He will have the chance to have a test a Williams F1 car, while Matheo Tuscher and Christopher Zanella will test a GP2 car.

Race 1:
1 - Matheo Tuscher - 21 laps in 41'36”553
2 - Christopher Zanella - 2”827

3 - Kevin Mirocha - 15”712

4 - Luciano Bacheta - 17”676

5 - Harald Schlegelmilch - 25”932
Etc.

Race 2:
1 - Christopher Zanella - 21 laps in 35'20”423
2 - Kevin Mirocha - 4”780

3 - Luciano Bacheta - 6”366

4 - Mihai Marinescu - 6”957

5 - Matheo Tuscher - 7”030
Etc.

Final Standings:
1. Bacheta 231,5 points ; 2. Tuscher 210; 3. Zanella 196; 4. Pommer 169; 5. Marinescu 161, etc.

Honda Canada issued a voluntary recall on 29,947 Honda Accord V6 sedans from the 2003 to 2007 model years.

In some cases, the power steering hose could crack and leak due to prolonged exposure to high heat. Leaking power steering fluid could lead to a loss of power steering assistance or, if it leaks onto a catalytic converter, it may result in smoke or a fire.

In a statement released by the company on Monday, we've learned that the updated power steering hose necessary to complete final repair won't be available until early 2013. Owners of affected Accords will soon receive an initial notification by mail informing them of this issue.

However, if they believe that their Accord is exhibiting symptoms potentially related to a power steering hose leak, owners should take their vehicle to their local Honda dealer for inspection and, if necessary, interim repair.

Source: Transports Canada

2003 Honda Accord (Photo: Honda)

From GMM

Michael Schumacher's famous former manager has advised the seven time world champion to finally quit formula one for good.

Having recently negotiated the great German's latest personal sponsorship deal, Willi Weber made headlines by announcing that - if he was still in charge - he would travel to Maranello for a chat with Luca di Montezemolo.

In the wake of Mercedes' decision to overlook Schumacher for a 2013 seat, that triggered real speculation that the 43-year-old could return to Ferrari next year to replace Felipe Massa.

Willi Weber, however, hopes it doesn't happen.

"Michael doesn't have to prove one more thing," he told Auto Motor und Sport. "He was the best driver in the world. As a manager I would maybe try to get him in there (Ferrari), but I cannot imagine that it would be considered seriously. With all respect for Michael and his legend, now is the time for the younger ones."

And he said Schumacher should absolutely not court a move to Sauber.

"What is this? Continue with Sauber? With a private team? I can't imagine Michael doing that. Nothing against Peter Sauber, as what he has done this year is better than what Mercedes has done. But someone like Michael belongs with a global company or a famous racing team. And at Sauber he cannot fight for the title," added Weber.

Michael Schumacher and Sabine Kehm. (Photo: WRi2)

The Sauber link, however, will continue for as long as Schumacher and his new manager Sabine Kehm do not rule out otherwise.

Kehm told CNN: "The answer is that we will carefully think about any options we have. We are not in a hurry to do this. In the meantime though we will not give out any reports and discuss the different steps."

Niki Lauda was instrumental in Mercedes' decision to replace Schumacher with Lewis Hamilton, but the great Austrian hopes the former Benetton and Ferrari driver does not retire altogether.

"Naturally, his withdrawal would leave a big hole in formula one," he is quoted by Der Spiegel.

A total of 15,379 Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500 pickup trucks from the 2009 and 2010 model years are the subject of a recall by Chrysler.

On certain vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may have been incorrectly manufactured and could loosen. As a result, the rear driveshaft could become detached from the rear axle, or fully detached from the vehicle.

Pinion nut separation could also cause the rear axle differential to fail suddenly, causing rear wheel lockup and a possible loss of propulsion or vehicle control.

Owners are advised to take their Dakota or 1500 pickup to a Chrysler dealer to have a pinion nut retainer installed.

Source: Transports Canada

2010 Dodge Ram (Photo: Matthieu Lambert)

2009 Dodge Dakota (Photo: Dodge)

One Canadian and two Britons are in the hunt for the 2012 DTM title with just one race to contest in Hockenheim, Germany.

In the penultimate race held in Valencia, Spengler managed to finish 6th while Paffett was forced into retirement with a broken car. This allowed the Canadian to move only three points down to the McLaren F1 test driver.

Here is the points possibility chart with the current standings and the points awared for each position.


Auto123.com will be on location and will provide live reports from Hockeneheim on October 21.

Let's review the three drivers who still have a mathematical chance of claiming the title.

Gary Paffett (Mercedes C Coupe, British, 32-year-old, 127 points
Paffett dominated the early part of the season and seemed to be en route to the 2012 title. However, he collided with another competitor in Zandvoort, and retired in Valencia. He is now just three pointsd ahead of Spengler.

Gary Paffett, Mercedes C-Coupé. (Photo: DTM)

Let us keep in mind however that the Brit is a vastly experienced competitor as well as a past series' champion. He also easily won the opening race in Hockenheim in April. His Mercedes teammates will likely help him during the decisive race.

Bruno Spengler (BMW M3, Canadian, 29-year-old, 124 points
Few experts expected BMW, making a return to the DTM this season after a 20-year absence to be in the hunt for the title. BMW made stunning progress and captured victory in only its second race at the Lausitzring.

Bruno Spengler, BMW M3. (Photo: DTM)

Spengler then captured two more wins at the Nurburgring and Oschersleben, and took sixth place in Valencia this past Sunday despite a costly drive-through for having jumped the start.

However, Spengler has never won the title before although he's been in the hunt five times in recent years.

Jamie Green (Mercedes C Coupe, British, 30-year-old, 109 points
To win the title, Jamie Green must win the Hockenheim race with Paffett and Spengler not finishing higher than 7th and 5th, respectively. This scenario can happen, because the final race will likely be hotly contested and there will be contacts everywhere in the field.

Jamie Green, Mercedes C-Coupé. (Photo: DTM)

Green did also well in Hockenheim back in April when he finished second, yards behind his teammate Paffett.

Usually, the saying is: Respect your elders. After all, those who have been around longer are wiser than you and know more so you must respect that. Well, when you're on the road it's not about age, but about size.

I drive a traffic-packed route to work every single morning. I've seen my fair share of accidents, road rage and wide open stretches (blissfully). I've also seen my fair share of 18-wheelers and cargo-carrying trucks. They're big, lumbering vehicles that take up a lot of room on the road. They are slower than all the other cars around them, taking ages to gear up and gear down. They don't zip from lane to lane and they don't speed off as soon as the light turns green, or the road opens up. Slow and steady wins the race for these guys.

And I respect that. Others, it seems, do not.

All too often have I seen cars cutting off these giants on the road -- poking the bear. They zip around 18-wheelers (or bigger) slamming on their brakes in front, riding in their massive blind spots and honking when these giants are slow to get moving.

I don't get it.

Would you yell at someone carrying a massive amount of luggage at the airport to get out of your way? Would you cut them off in line because you knew they'd be slow to move forward (to exactly the same location as you, anyways)? Would you dart around them like a little gnat, dangerously close to their trolly wheels just to gain a few seconds?

No, because as people outside of our vehicles we generally don't behave like that.

Yet, somehow on the road we become these obnoxious little creatures nipping at the heels of larger delivery trucks, dump trucks, construction vehicles and any other slow-moving cars on the road. Even in flowing traffic I've seen vehicles play a morbid game of tag with big rigs, darting around them as they try and get away from the slower-moving giants.

To me, it's just not worth it.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amours

In all honesty, I like following massive trucks in traffic. Because it takes them so long to gear up, they often don't brake. They leave a great deal of space in front of them (which is always quickly filled with fast-moving, gnat-like cars) so they can just coast, which means the traffic behind them can coast too without hitting the brakes over and over again. I might be going slower than most, but my ankle thanks me for it later.

For those who like to poke the bear on the road remember this: They are much bigger than you. Their braking distance is humungous compared to yours. Drivers of these vehicles have also often been behind the wheel and on the road for days and are in no mood to put up with your sh*t, and they are in just as much of a “rush” as you are.

Give them the respect they deserve.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH's (TMG) TMG EV P002 electric car set a new electric record on the legendary 20.8km Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Using TMG's motorsport-tuned electric powertrain in the Radical chassis, driver Jochen Krumbach set a lap time of 7m22.329, breaking the electric record set by TMG last August by over 25 seconds.

Photo: TMG

The press release indicates that this achievement marks the second milestone for TMG's electric powertrain this year following its new record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

As with the Pikes Peak success, TMG's latest electric milestone used pioneering off-board battery-to-battery charging technology.

The TMG DC Quick Charger was developed in partnership with Schneider Electric to meet the challenge of recharging an electric race car at tracks without reliable access to grid power. This technology also gives the opportunity to charge with CO2 emission-free electric power from renewable sources.

Mounted in the rear of a TOYOTA Hiace van, the TMG DC Quick Charger uses Schneider Electric's EVlink(tm) technology and includes a 42kWh lithium ion battery, which can be charged direct from the AC power grid.

Photo: TMG

After an overnight charge, the TMG DC Quick Charger is able to quickly deliver high levels of power to a battery-based electric car without additional installation or infrastructure, making it the perfect solution for electric motorsport.

"Since our Nurburgring record last year, we have developed our electric powertrain to deliver more power, more consistently, over a longer distance by managing the temperature of batteries, motors and inverter," said Ludwig Zeller, TMG General Manager Electrics and Electronics.

"Pikes Peak was a clear illustration of the improvements and we have now reinforced that at the Nurburgring. But this achievement is not only about on-track performance; we are also very proud of the DC Quick Charger which again provided a reliable power supply in a remote location. This is an aspect of electric motorsport which has not been discussed at length but it is very significant; electric race cars need to be charged and it is a challenge to have the right infrastructure at race tracks, particularly temporary street circuits. Together with our partners at Schneider Electric, we have developed a solution to charge a race car literally anywhere in the world. This, along with the TMG EV P002 powertrain, represents a major step forward for electric motorsport," said Zeller.

Yup, I drove another hybrid. I know, shocking. But in today's market where EVs and hybrids are all the rage (and all the focus of carmakers), it's kind of hard to avoid 'em. So, I took a deep breath and prepared for my week behind Toyota's latest holier-than-thou, environmentally friendly Prius, the c -- the smallest of the Prius family.

Despite my deepest of breaths, I still wasn't fully prepared for life behind the wheel of a hybrid such as the Prius c, especially an econobox such as this one.

Let's start with the good, shall we?


Money, money, money... Saved!
If nothing else, the 2012 Toyota Prius c saves some serious dollars at the pumps. After a week behind the wheel, I've never spent as little filling up a car as I did in the Prius c... at least not since I drove my Sentra GXE in 2002 and gas was selling at 0.87 cents a litre.

Driving an average of 100km a day to work, plus a few trips to-and-from my home to my parent's (roughly 120km total each time) cost me approximately $50 in gas for the entire week. By my books, that's bloody fantastic. The best fuel mileage I achieved after a drive was 3.7L/100km and my average over the week was about 4.0L/100km. Again, fabulous numbers.

If nothing else, the Prius c brought a smile to my face simply because it saved me money. Keeping an eye on the digital power band on the dash became something of an obsession all week. And keeping the car in EV mode, even more so. I think they add those little monitoring devices on purpose in hybrids and EVs because they know how the videogame generation function: see a challenge, must win it.

The 2012 Toyota Prius c saves some serious dollars at the pumps. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Not for drivers
Here's the thing about this hybrid: It is not, by any stretch of the imagination, built for drivers. It is meant to be functional, money-saving husk. It is here to save the environment and boost your green cred. It is not meant for spirited jaunts through the country (believe me), nor is it meant for spirited driving of any kind.

Even when I got completely fed up of driving like a hybrid owner (by about day 3), I couldn't make the Prius c "perform." Pushing the throttle to the floor did little more than push that green bar into the red "power" (ha ha) zone and reduce my ECO score to a failing grade. Not very satisfying.

Driving the Toyota Prius c is all about gentle starts and cruising speeds. The car wants you to leave a stop slowly (keeping it in EV), till the engine gently comes on. Then you can accelerate to get some momentum and let off the gas completely to coast. The Prius c is the ideal coasting car. It doesn't slow down as quickly as most vehicles when you let off the gas, which means you'll travel a greater distance. Then, pop the gear lever into "B" mode to brake and charge the battery more quickly before applying the brakes for a complete stop. Repeat.

Like I said; I lasted all of about three days like that.

What powers the 2012 Toyota Prius c? Well, apart from the electric motor, the Prius c also boasts a 1.5L 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gas engine that combines to create Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Together, both motors produce 99 hp.

What powers the 2012 Toyota Prius c? Well, apart from the electric motor, the Prius c also boasts a 1.5L 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gas engine. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Hybridized looks
Why automakers choose to design their hybrid and electric vehicles to look so strange, I'll never understand. We get it; it's a different car. You don't need to make it unattractive too.

The 2012 Prius c is, essentially, a big Prius that's been shrunk in the wash. It's more compact, but retains the traditional Prius shape and style. The split rear window is lost (thankfully) and the rear lights are a bit more stylized than its big brother's. Otherwise, the looks remain the same. Some may appreciate the car's mug, while others may think it rather unbecoming.

I don't mind the car's stance and size, in actual fact. And just the elimination of the split rear window gives the Prius c a nicer line.

Inside, that's where things get a bit dicey. The moment I entered the Prius c and heard the clunky, clanky door close (like metal on metal) I knew I was in for a treat. The materials throughout the Toyota Prius c are clearly the bargain bits and pieces. Everything is plastic, read: everything. And I'm not talking soft-touch plastics here. The steering wheel feels like corrugated siding and the seats aren't only uncomfortable, but the material feels pretty cheap as well.

I understand that the Prius c is Toyota's econobox in the Prius family, but come on now.

Space inside the Prius c is passable. I packed up the kid for a weekend at the grandparent's without much trouble. Though, the stroller is the only thing that fit in the trunk. There was no room leftover after I shoved it in.

And as for a baby seat install; the baby seat anchors in the back seat of the Prius c didn't accommodate my particular child seat, so I had to use the seat-belt restraint. Not the end of the world, but odd that the restraints weren't universal as they are in most cars.

The steering wheel feels like corrugated siding and the seats aren't only uncomfortable, but the material feels pretty cheap as well. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Prius still top of its game?
While the Prius may have been the hybrid winner over a decade ago, the game has since changed. With multiple hybrids available (and some with a much better ride such as the Lexus CT200h) as well as full EVs like the LEAF and i-MiEV, it's hard to justify purchasing a Prius.

Granted, the Toyota Prius c is just a smidge over $20,000 which is a fantastic price for what the vehicle offers in terms of fuel saving, I'm still not convinced it's worth it. If you live in the city and never use the highway or travel very far then get a fully electric vehicle. And if you do a great deal of highway driving and long distances get a diesel.

This 2012 Toyota Prius c review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

New Jersey governor Chris Christie is not worried plans for a formula one street race next June are set to collapse.

Bernie Ecclestone triggered the uncertainty by revealing that the race organisers currently do not have a contract, despite the fact a June 16 date for the 'grand prix of Jersey' was ratified by the FIA at the end of last week.

The New York race, however, was listed with an asterisk denoting 'TBC' (to be confirmed).

Governor Christie said he phoned chief organiser Leo Hindery after reading about the reported uncertainty.

"He (Hindery) told me that it's absolutely happening," Christie told reporters. "I called and reached out and he told me there's not a problem. It's on the schedule."

A spokesman for Leo Hindery insisted there would be no comment "on financial arrangements with formula one".

Indeed, Christie admitted he didn't know why the FIA listed the New Jersey race with an asterisk.

"No one can explain it to me," he said. "But I called the guy (Hindery) who's in charge of the group that's running the race and he told me it's definitely happening, no problem."

F1 chief executive Ecclestone told the Wall Street Journal on Monday that some provisions of the original New Jersey contract "went unfulfilled". But he added: "If they get together with all the provisions, everything will be ok."

Leo Hindery said: "We expect to fully satisfy all of F1's requirements in the weeks ahead."

With the news of Lewis Hamilton going to the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team next year, it is interesting to note that the Briton started racing karts and single-seaters under the colours of Mercedes-Benz and AMG.

(Photo: Sebastien Blin/Sportimage)

Hamilton and Nico Rosberg raced under the Team MBM.com banner (MBM standing for Mercedes-Benz McLaren) and the pair contested the 2000 Formula A Championship.

Associate sponsors and partners of the McLaren F1 team financed the operation such as AMG and Mobil 1. The karts were already decorated as Silver Arrows.

(Photo: Sebastien Blin/Sportimage)

Hamilton then graduated to car racing, driving silver cars again in the British Formula Renault 2.0 series and then in the Formula 3 Euroseries (a Dallara powered by a Mercedes engine), with sponsorship from AMG, Mercedes, Dekra and Mobil 1.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton (Photo: Sebastien Blin/Sportimage)

So, in 2013 Hamilton will actually come back home in the Mercedes-Benz family with hopes experiencing similar success.

Lewis Hamilton, Manor Motorsport, Formula 3 (Photo: WRI2)

From GMM

Robert Kubica has taken yet another step on his long road back to formula one, by winning the Citta di Bassano rally in northern Italy.

"I still have a long road in front of me," the former BMW and Renault driver said afterwards.

"But this shows the road is not as long as we thought," added Kubica, referring to his extended recovery from an horror rally crash in early 2011.

The main problem for the 27-year-old now is the mobility of his right arm.

Turning a steering wheel inside the narrow confines of a single seater is currently not possible for Kubica.

Robert Kubica's Subaru for the Rally Citta di Bassano. (Photo: First motorsport)

But his arm surgeon Igor Rossello is confident.

"Currently, we estimate his recovery at 50 per cent," he told the Polish source Gwizdek24.

"I assume that we will make it back to 75 to 80 per cent, which would be quite sufficient to drive a formula one car," added Rossello. "I have spoken with his manager Daniele Morelli, who is as excited about his progress as I am. I am convinced that it (returning to F1) is possible, although the recovery can often take many months and years."

From GMM

Jenson Button's Japanese grand prix aspirations have already taken a dent, with news the McLaren driver will move five places down the Suzuka grid.

Writing in the Daily Mail, journalist Simon Cass said the British team has had to change the 2009 world champion's damaged gearbox.

The report said the problem identified was the same one that caused teammate Lewis Hamilton to retire from the lead in Singapore.

Lewis Hamilton's retirement at Singapore for gearbox failure. (Photo: WRi2)

Button's bad news comes mere days after the 32-year-old called on McLaren to improve the reliability of its MP4-27 car, after two mechanical retirements in as many races.

"It is such a shame because the team in every other area are doing such a good job," he told Press Association Sport.

Nissan will start pricing on its redesigned 2013 Sentra compact sedan at $440 less than the outgoing Sentra.

BMW will release two special versions of the X1, designed to reflect the SUV's ability to tackle the winter months. The X1s will be highlighted during the

Canada's Magna International plans to buy Ixetic Verwaltungs GmbH, a German maker of automotive vacuum, engine and transmission pumps, for about 308 million euros ($397 million).