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From GMM

Renault is open to supplying more formula one teams with engines.

That is the news, after the French carmaker's president Carlos Ghosn made a visit at the weekend to the Brazilian grand prix.

Currently, Renault supplies engines to four teams: Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Caterham.

But there have been reports the other Red Bull-owned team, Toro Rosso, will switch from Ferrari to Renault power for the new turbo V6 rules in 2014.

"During a small media round he (Ghosn) confirmed that Renault will equip more teams with engines," the journalist Mathias Brunner wrote in a Speed Week report from Interlagos.

The Renault engine aboard the Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

With Craig Pollock's 2014 'Pure' engine foray now regarded as defunct, it is expected that HRT and Marussia supplier Cosworth will bow out of F1 along with the V8 rules at the end of next year.

"(For) 2014 we've got, as far as I know, only three manufacturers (Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes) committed to the sport," McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh said in Brazil.

But there remain rumours Honda, having pulled out of the sport at the end of 2008 amid the global financial crisis, is interested in the 2014 rules.

"But there's no concrete signs they're doing anything at the moment," said Ross Brawn, who was Honda's team principal. "I gather, as a company, they're improving after some difficult years and I think there are lots of engineers there who would love to get involved."

Mazda will debut several vehicles in North America at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

''It's definitely an exciting time for the Zoom-Zoom brand,'' said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. ''The long awaited, redesigned 2014 Mazda6 will naturally receive much interest, but let's not take away from our strong SUV lineup in the CX-5 and CX-9, which are segment leaders in their own right.''

The 2014 CX-5 will be available with an upgraded Technology Package on GT models, while the face-lifted 2013 CX-9 (already on sale) offers Mazda's next-generation audio and infotainment system with a 5.8'' touchscreen display.

Mazda will also use the L.A. Auto Show to unveil its new 2.2L turbocharged SKYACTIV-D engine, which runs on clean diesel, as well as the all-new competition race car that will take part in the 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Mazda Motor Corp. CEO Takashi Yamanouchi told Automotive News last week that the Japanese manufacturer wants to increase its U.S. sales to more than 400,000 units by the fiscal year that ends on March 31st, 2016. That would mean a 43% improvement from the current volume.

While the U.S. is Mazda's largest market, the small, cash-strapped company (which represents a mere 2% of the entire industry) has its work cut out for it.

The plan is to launch many new and more upscale products over the next few years, starting with the third-generation Mazda6 sedan in January. Similar to the new Mazda CX-5, which made its American debut last spring, these models will offer the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies -- representing 80% of Mazda's lineup by 2016.

Yamanouchi wants to achieve that 43% spike in U.S. sales with the same number of dealers. The goal is to boost their earnings so they will invest more in their stores.

Source: Automotive News

A German worker has found a way to save time by turning his car into a mobile office -- literally. It's not the safest way to drive or work...

You would think that the patrol officers who caught him would agree, but the man only received a ticket for speeding since they couldn't prove that he was using his electronic devices while driving.

As the use of cell phones behind the wheel is the target of a growing number of safety campaigns, what should we make of this guy?

Source: Caradisiac

Tesla is a start-up car company on the verge of world domination. Every new model to come out of Elon Musk's brilliant mind and company has sent ripples through the automotive world.


At first, there was the Roadster. Here was a slightly understated, 2-seater sports car capable of humiliating supercars without ever using a drop of fuel or making the slightest noise. Then, they announced the luxury family sedan to end all others: The Model S promised to and delivered performance, styling and more features than anyone could shake a stick at.

Now, Tesla is offering the Model X for larger families to consider. This upwardly mobile people and gear mover has, as the company describes, been designed from the ground up blending the benefits of an SUV and a minivan.

On paper or, more accurately, on screen, the 2014 Tesla Model X is as handsome as it is versatile. It is able to accommodate up to 7 passengers along with plenty of gear wherever the road may take you and your family.

The cabin offers an impressive array of state of the art technology, luxurious materials and top-drawer craftsmanship. Tesla's massive Touchscreen serves as the front passengers' gateway to the 2014 Tesla Model X's multiple accessories and entertainment system.

The 2014 Tesla Model X has many distinctive features, to be sure, but the traffic-stopper are its Falcon Wings. Much like the gullwings found on the Mercedes SLS AMG coupe, the X sports a pair of rear doors that fold up and out of the way in a graceful and elegant manner. The fronts are of the conventional style.

Although stunning to behold, the reason for their existence is equally functional. No more do passengers climb aboard their vehicle. In the 2014 Tesla Model X, occupants simply step in. The opening is in fact so wide that access to the third row is possible without removing a child seat that may be installed in the second row.

Motivating the X out and about is an electric powertrain that delivers varying levels of power and the choice between a single rear drive motor and the addition of a second front drive unit.

There will be two battery options made available to buyers. The base output is rated at 60 kWh while the option is a whopping 85 kWh. The pairing of two drive units, or motors, drastically augments the 2014 Tesla Model X's appeal, especially here, north of the border.

The 2014 Tesla Model X has many distinctive features, to be sure, but the traffic-stopper are its Falcon Wings. (Photo: Tesla Motors)

Now, if you're in the market for a green AWD family vehicle, there's no need to throw performance out the window. In Performance trim, with twin 85 kWh motors, the 2014 Tesla Model X will snap its way to 100 km/h in only 5 seconds. This, then, makes it one of the quickest SUV/CUVs on the market. Not bad for zero tailpipe emissions.

Deliveries of the 2014 Tesla Model X will begin in 2014. Final Canadian specs and pricing should be available during the course of next year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4MATIC

The latest Mercedes-Benz CLS is very true to the original's design, and that is a great thing.

The latest Mercedes-Benz CLS is very true to the original's design, and that is a great thing. The menacing front end keeps it from looking too soft, which is also good. The design is very distinctive, but one unexpected annoyance caused by the car's appearance is the fact that the rear doors are extremely long, such that you must be very careful opening them lest you bump them into another car. The CLS also inflicted pain because of the hunched-over positioning required to install a pair of child seats. Fortunately, I wasn't uncomfortable with the rear roofline when I sat back there (I'm 5'6").

Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4MATIC - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4MATIC - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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As Volkswagen plots a course toward its goal of becoming the world's biggest automaker by 2018, it's increasingly clear that the path to global dominance runs through places like Lanzhou, in western China.

As Volkswagen plots a course toward its goal of becoming the world's biggest automaker by 2018, it's increasingly clear that the path to global dominance runs through places like Lanzhou, in western China.

News 25 Nov, 2012

Jenson Button has won the Brazilian Grand Prix, while Sebastian Vettel finished sixth to clinch his third consecutive drivers' championship

Nissan's luxury Infiniti brand is planning to commence sales in Brazil from 2014.

From GMM

Jenson Button has admitted 2013 will be a perfect chance for him to win the world championship for the second time.

Since arriving from Brawn as the reigning world champion in 2010, the 32-year-old has been paired with the highly rated 2008 title winner Lewis Hamilton.

But Hamilton, on pole for his last McLaren race at Interlagos, is setting off for Mercedes, leaving Button as the de-facto 'number 1' at the great British team.

His teammate in 2013 is Sergio 'Checo' Perez, the 22-year-old Mexican who has shown promise at Sauber since debuting last year.

So when asked if next season is his best chance so far to be champion again, Button said in Brazil: "Yeah definitely."

The Englishman suggested that being so closely matched with Hamilton since 2010 has dented both of their title prospects.

"When you compare it to Lewis and I, when you look at our three years together, there has not been a massive amount of points difference between us," Button is quoted by British newspapers.

"And that means we were taking points off each other as well.

"If I have a quick car next year I am going to score a lot of points.  But I am sorry to see him (Hamilton) go," he added.

Robert Kubica crashed out in the penultimate stage of rallye du Var, while leading the event by almost five minutes aboard his Citroën C4 WRC.

The Pole, who recently won rally Como, faced his toughest challenge since coming back to motor racing this year at the last round of the French rally championship.

Kubica was dictating the pace early on, and even pulled a five-minute lead when his main rival Freddy Loix (Peugeot 207 S2000) crashed out in ES7.

But the former F1 driver, who was on his way to an easy win, eventually crashed out in the penultimate stage of the rally. He and co-driver Emanuele Inglesi escaped unhurt of the accident.

Cedric Robert inherited the lead and took win aboard his Peugeot 207 S2000.

From GMM

Red Bull would set its sights on F1's other two top drivers - Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton - if Sebastian Vettel switched to Ferrari.

That is the claim of the energy drink company's mogul Dietrich Mateschitz, responding to rumours German Vettel could seek a new challenge after achieving so much with Red Bull.

In a rare interview about F1, on the eve of Vettel probably securing his third consecutive drivers' title, Mateschitz told Salzburger Nachrichten that the 25-year-old is "one of the three best drivers" on the grid.

Referring also to Hamilton and Alonso, Mateschitz said Vettel "is the youngest of the three, and definitely there is potential for further development.

"Perhaps he is near his zenith in terms of the speed, but with more experience he can certainly keep getting better and better," he insisted.

Mateschitz moved to play down rumours Vettel is toying with a switch to Ferrari.

"There are not only contracts, but he is bound to us as well through loyalty and friendship," he said.

"But that doesn't exclude that he gets offers from other teams," Mateschitz admitted.

Fascinatingly, he even said he can understand Ferrari's lure.

"If I was a driver, I would probably enjoy the thought of driving for Ferrari one day as well," said Mateschitz. "It's not only natural, but quite legitimate.

"If he should ever leave us, we would wish him well, and then nothing would stop Alonso or Hamilton driving for us."

From GMM

According to authoritative media sources, Valtteri Bottas will definitely replace current Williams race driver Bruno Senna in 2013.

The news was reported from Brazil not only by Finnish broadcaster MTV3's race commentator Oskari Saari, but also the respected Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt, as well as others in the Interlagos paddock.

Schmidt said Brazilian Senna, and also his countryman Luiz Razia, have "run through the paddock with suitcases full of money, finding no takers".

Williams is not confirming the reports about its Finnish 2012 reserve Bottas, 23, but the team's driver coach Alex Wurz said on Saturday: "He is a great talent."

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper said the official announcement could be made next week.

Williams shareholder Toto Wolff, who is involved with Bottas' management, said: "We do not want to talk about the driver situation this weekend.

"There's nothing to report now," he insisted.

But MTV3's Saari promised to "eat my hat" if Bottas does not make his race debut with Williams in Australia next March.

From GMM

Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, will become reigning world champions Red Bull's title sponsor from 2013.

The sponsorship and on-car branding deal began in 2011, but from next year the Milton-Keynes based team will be known officially as Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull is powered by engines supplied by Renault, the 44 per cent owner of Nissan, a Japanese carmaker.

The F1 team said on Sunday that the new title sponsorship is for four years.

"Having a committed technical partner like Infiniti gives us a great platform for working together on technical projects, such as the Energy Recovery Systems for the 2014 season," said Adrian Newey.

I like to understand what I drive. I like to know how many cylinders it has, what the horsepower is, which wheels are being powered; and with the 2013 Chevrolet Volt there's a lot more than pistons, spark plugs and drivetrains working beneath its futuristic shell.

So, I'll try my best to explain it all, but bear with me.


Is it an EV or a hybrid?
Even I was confused by this when I first learned of the Volt's engineering way back in 2007. They called it an "extended range electric vehicle" -- they still do today.

It's an electric vehicle (or EV), and here's why: The electric motor drives the wheels which is why they can classify it as an EV, despite the gas tank. This combination of battery and gas make up the Voltec Electric Drive Unit which uses two electric motors, three clutches and a planetary gear set.

With a long-life 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt can run in pure electric mode for 40-80 km. If and when that charge runs out, the 1.4L ECOTEC gas-powered generator keeps you on the road by backing up the batteries that are powering your wheels -- in essence, acting as an electric power generator.

If you run on the gas motor often, you'll see mileage similar to subcompacts on the road today: 4-5L/100km range. However, for the amount you're likely to use the gas motor, it'll be more like 1-2L/100km (at least, that's what I saw by the end of the week).

Charging times? Well, for a full charge on a standard home outlet (120V) it will take approximately 10 hours. That's shorter than most, but the range limit is also smaller than most. If you spring for the 240V at-home filling station that time is cut in half and will take approximately 4 hours.

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt can run in pure electric mode for 40-80 km. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Does it drive like an EV or a gas-guzzler?
Well, both... Kind of. The driving dynamics of the car are almost as confusing as the technology behind it.

When lined up against "pure" EVs like the Nissan LEAF and Ford Focus Electric (as we did for our EV Comparison Test), the 2013 Chevrolet Volt clearly offered something different. While the Ford's regenerative braking was choppy and rough, and the LEAF's acceleration so smooth it was like greased butter, the Volt fell somewhere in between.

Somehow driving the Volt just feels... different. Acceleration is linear, but stunted, like it's holding itself back. Braking feels soft at first, then stiffens up under harsher use. Again, like it wants to be normal, then remembers it's an EV. When the gas motor turns on, it's not extremely audible, but there is a noticeable vibration in the throttle and the steering wheel.

Speaking of the steering, piloting the 2013 Chevrolet Volt is actually quite enjoyable. Small and compact it's a breeze to park and drive in a crowded downtown core. Be warned: Pedestrians will not hear you coming in full EV mode.

Visibility in the 2013 Chevrolet Volt could be good, if it wasn't for the ridiculously small rear window. Thankfully, my tester was kitted out to the nines (which also meant its price brushed the $50k mark) and had a backup camera.

Small and compact it's a breeze to park and drive in a crowded downtown core. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

iGeneration will dig it
Technology aside, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt is a good looking car. From the outside, it's different enough to grab attention without being so over the top (read: i-MiEV) that people stare. It's sophisticated, in a black tie (or bowtie, as the case may be) kind of way.

It's inside where things get interesting. My particular 2013 Chevrolet Volt was rocking the full tuxedo look inside as well with the optional white-plastic inserts across the doors, dash and centre stack.

However, what I absolutely loathe is the touch-sensitive centre stack. It's not practical nor is it easy to use while driving. Thankfully, steering wheel mounted buttons and a 7" configurable touch-sensitive LCD screen means you can, for the most part, avoid the button-less mess.

Besides that, the 2013 Chevrolet Volt's onboard system tracks fuel mileage, battery use, regenerative braking, and countless other things. And all of this can be conveyed to you via an iPhone App called RemoteLink.

My particular 2013 Chevrolet Volt was rocking the full tuxedo look inside as well with the optional white-plastic inserts across the doors, dash and centre stack. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Saving money at the pumps, but spending it at the dealer
Here's where the 2013 Chevrolet Volt loses some of its appeal, in my opinion. With a base price of over $40k, it's not cheap, even when you consider government incentives or the odd promotion from GM.

And when you start adding all the doodads you'll inevitably want in a car like this you're going to hit that $50,000 mark pretty quickly. And I'm not sure those in the market for an EV will want to spend that much when vehicles like the Toyota Prius essentially offer a similar drive and technology for nearly half the price.

This 2013 Chevrolet Volt review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

We reported last month that a new technology developed by scientists at the University of Keio, in Japan, can make the rear seats of a Toyota Prius invisible through an ''optical camouflage'' system. More details have now been provided to explain how it actually works.

Cameras capture what's going on behind the car and the image is projected in real time on a semi-reflective mirror positioned between the front seats, which gives the impression of seeing through the rear seats. It's as simple as that.

Researchers ultimately want to expand the system to cover all 360 degrees and eliminate blind spots for good.

From GMM

Gerard Lopez, the owner of the Lotus team, has played down rumours Romain Grosjean could be dropped.

Before the Frenchman got involved in yet another incident this weekend - a high-speed qualifying clash with Pedro de la Rosa - whispers in the Interlagos paddock suggested Grosjean's future was less than secure.

That's because of the 26-year-old's tumultuous 2012 season, and the fact his teammate Kimi Raikkonen's 2013 deal has already been announced.

"It is not yet completed, there are ongoing discussions," said Lopez, the head of Lotus' investment company owner, Genii.

"The decision will be made after the season."

When asked by France's RMC Sport if Grosjean could be ousted, Lopez answered: "No, this is not the subject right now.

"The subject is to sit down and see what we are going to do."

The buzz in the Interlagos paddock has been that Lotus is pursuing a high-profile figure for 2013, just as it did when it brought Raikkonen back from a rallying sabbatical this season.

One name mentioned a few times has been Robert Kubica's, even though the talented Pole is saying openly that his injuries are still preventing him from driving a single seater.

And Lopez told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "There is no 'Kimi' on the market right now."

Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel laid hand on his third consecutive drivers' crown at a wet and crazy Brazilian Grand Prix, which capped off an exciting 2012 Formula One season.

The title-deciding contest between the German and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso did not bode well for Vettel, who slipped from fourth to seventh in the first corner, and crashed moments later with the Williams of Bruno Senna, and the Sauber of Sergio Perez. While Alonso was moving up the field from seventh, he was going backwards.

Luckily for Red Bull, the reigning champion was able to turn it around, swiftly earning back what he had lost in the opening stages of the grand prix. Intensifying rain helped putting the two title rivals back on a playing field.

Meanwhile at the front, Jenson Button (McLaren) and Nico Hulkenberg (Force India) were stealing the show. The two drivers stayed out on slicks when everybody else pitted for intermediate tires. Their strategy was proved right when the rain stopped, prompting the whole field but them to pit once more to revert to slick tires.

The gap Hulkenberg managed to pull on Button was wiped clear by the safety car Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) brought out when he punctured a tire. A mistake by the leading Force India driver then allowed Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), who had already disposed of his teammate, to slot in first position.

But while fighting, Hamilton and Hulkenberg crashed, bringing the Brit's McLaren career to a disappointing end. Hulkenkerg managed to re-join the race, only to see a drive-through penalty end his impressive bid for the win.

The leaders' misfortunes prompted Alonso in the runner-up spot, behind Button, Felipe Massa (Ferrari) to the last spot on the podium and Vettel to sixth. As the positions were, Vettel still had a three-point cushion over Alonso in the championship battle. A three-point cushion which proved sufficient to clinch the title, since Paul di Resta (Force India) froze the race positions by bringing out, with a crash, another safety car, one lap from the finish.

Vettel's title-clinching performance aside, it was Button who won the race.

Also noteworthy, Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) ended his second Formula One career in a discrete seventh position.



Race results* - Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo)
1 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 71 laps 1.45'22"656
2 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 2"754
3 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 3"615
4 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 4"936
5 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 5"708
6 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 9"453
7 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 11"907
8 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 28"653
9 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 31"250
10 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1 lap
11 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1 lap
12 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1 lap
13 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1 lap
14 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1 lap
15 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1 lap
16 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1 lap
17 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2 laps
18 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 2 laps

Fastest lap of the race by Lewis Hamilton (1'18"069)

Retirements
Lap 1 - Sergio Perez
Lap 1 - Bruno Senna
Lap 2 - Pastor Maldonado
Lap 6 - Romain Grosjean
Lap 55 - Lewis Hamilton

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 281; 2.Alonso 278; 3.Raikkonen 207; 4.Hamilton 190; 5.Button 188; 6.Webber 179; 7.Massa 122; 8.Grosjean 96; 9.Rosberg 93; 10.Perez 66; 11.Hulkenberg 63; 12.Kobayashi 60; 13.Schumacher 49; 14.Di Resta 46; 15.Maldonado 45; 16.Senna 31; 17.Vergne 16; 18.Ricciardo 10.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 460; 2.Ferrari 400; 3.McLaren-Mercedes 378; 4.Lotus-Renault 303; 5.Mercedes 142; 6.Sauber-Ferrari 126; 7.Force India-Mercedes 109; 8.Williams-Renault 76; 9.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 26.

*Unofficial results

2012 Fiat 500C Pop

All Fiat 500s should be cabriolets.

All Fiat 500s should be cabriolets. The 500 is so awkward to drive that you might as well peel the roof back, slow down even more, and let in the scenery. I cannot get past the seat height/clutch pedal relationship in any 500, so I'd like to try an automatic transmission. This car can't get much slower, right? At least the folding cloth top distracted me from the ergonomics for a little while.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500C Pop - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500C Pop - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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