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While BMW may herald “M” as the most powerful letter in the alphabet, if I could rewrite the age-old list I'd put “S” right next to it. Why? Well, Audi's S-driven family of sedans and coupes definitely have something to do with it, as does the brand new 2013 Audi S6 powerhouse.


It might have four doors, but that doesn't mean it will be a run-of-the-mill sedan. The 2013 Audi S6 will hit the 100km/h mark from zero in less than 5 seconds. How? With i's 4.0L V8 TFSI engine that produces 420 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.

Really, I could stop there. That's all you need to know. But there is more:

Althought the 2013 Audi S6 sports a rear sport differential, their renowned quattro all-wheel drive is present to monitor the wheel's performance on the road at all times to adjust grip as you need it. This will help eliminate understeer to keep you firmly planted around the corners you'll inevitably encounter in your S6.

And it's not just Audi's quattro technology that works to keep you on track: Rack and pinion steering with Servotronic Speed Sensitive Power Assist as well as 5-link front suspension, wishbone and sport air suspension are set to make driving the 2013 Audi S6 as dynamic as possible. Ventilated disc brakes all around will help bring the S6 to a halt, even if you want to try and hit the 250km/h top speed.

Making your way up to that top speed can be achieved via Audi's S tronic 7-speed autobox.

The 2013 Audi S6 will hit the 100km/h mark from zero in less than 5 seconds. (Photo: Audi)

While Audi is not the only manufacturer to offer a cylinder-management system, it's something they are quite proud of in the 2013 Audi S6. In basic, layman's terms their cylinder management system monitors throttle response and uses the right amount of cylinders based on this. For example, cruising on the highway means a 4-cylinder drive; mash the throttle and all eight will fire up.

This nifty bit of technology will help you save a bit at the pumps and allows the 2013 Audi S6 to reach fuel consumption numbers in the 12.7/8.3 city/highway range. Not bad for a car that pushes out over 400 horses.

The interior of the 2013 Audi S6 is set to be a very pleasant place, indeed. Along with the Valcona leather seats embossed with the “S6” logo, the vehicle will be outfitted with 4-zone automatic climate control; power-adjustable driver and passenger seat; heated front and rear seats; an electrically controlled blind for the rear window and manual shades for the rear passenger windows; rain and light sensors; electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and leather throughout, the 2013 Audi S6's list of standard features is long and plentiful -- just as it should be.

Options are few, but include Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats, rear- and top-view cameras, Audi head-up display, night vision, adaptive cruise control, and their signature LED headlights.

The interior of the 2013 Audi S6 is set to be a very pleasant place, indeed.(Photo: Audi)

From the outside, the 2013 Audi S6 has received the same front fascia treatment seen across the Audi lineup: beefier grille, aggressive headlights and exaggerated bottom lip. With the optional LED headlights, the Audi S6 has a menacing look that is instantly recognizable on the road. Despite the four-door set-up of the 2013 Audi S6, it still manages to achieve a sporty stance sitting atop optional 20” 5-twin-spoke design alloy wheels.

The entire sporty, rather attractive 2013 Audi S6 package can be had now, starting at $82,300.

From GMM

Red Bull chose not to use a new specification of alternator last weekend in Austin, it has emerged.

Engine supplier Renault's Magneti Marelli units have been troublesome in 2012, and Red Bull team figures were scathing last weekend when Mark Webber had to retire from the US grand prix.

At the Circuit of the Americas, designer Adrian Newey referred to the alternator as a "ticking time bomb".

"It has been on the Renault engine since about 2005 and it has been failing since 2005 as well," he said.

Photo: WRi2

But as far as Renault is concerned, the solution for the crucial season finale in Brazil this weekend was simple.

"We go for the new spec," said the French marque's F1 track boss Remi Taffin. "It has passed all the tests."

Indeed, it had already passed those tests prior to Austin, when other Renault-powered teams on the grid began to use the new, improved alternator.

But why didn't Red Bull choose to fit the new units in Austin?

"Because they are human beings and at some point as humans they have some feelings," Taffin is quoted by Australia's Sydney Morning Herald.

"Sometimes you go into a shop and there are two different things and your head says you should buy this one but your heart says you should buy the other one," he explained.

I hate to do this, but... Well, in fact, I don't ‘cause I've already done it. Roughly a year ago, I put together a Japanese manufacturer report card, and in it I essentially said that the game was over for a certain company.

I got flack for it; I was told that I was too harsh, even irrational. Shortly thereafter, I prepared a list of cars and trucks expected to pass  in 2013, and in it I threw in the entire Suzuki brand. Once again, I got in trouble.

It's not that I'm a bad guy; it's just that I can read the writing on the wall. Reality is a tough thing to deal with and it's understandable that no one wants bad things to happen. I get it. And for the record: I'm sorry I was right.

But here's the kicker (and the reason why I'm gonna get into more hot doo-doo): Suzuki Canada will not survive. They say they've no current plans to discontinue new automobile sales in Canada. No current plans? Really? What does that mean? OK, I'm going to back off. I'll let you, the reader, figure out what it all really means.

NOW! About Mitsubishi: My esteemed colleague, Mike, eloquently describes in his blog what the company needs to do in order to get back in the game. I would have been a little harsher and suggested that they can the i-MiEV altogether and divert all their efforts for this car into getting the Mirage here, right now.

Despite their best intentions, the strong Yen, the cutthroat nature of the business, shaky economy, consumer impressions, feelings, confidence, and everything that makes the car world so volatile can all easily make or break a company. Mitsubishi has done nothing but pull products off the shelf for the last few years. That does not bode well for a company that's been struggling to keep its head above water for the last little while.

There are a few other brands at which I could point the finger and remind to keep an eye on the wall.

One such example is Chrysler: Although storied and proud, I wonder how a brand with essentially only two nameplates can survive. In fact, with the intended demise of the Town & Country in the U.S., where does Chrysler go from there? The current 200 is a fleet car; let's not mince words. The 300 is a fantastic product, but it cannot carry Chrysler solely on its shoulders.

Should the 300 become the luxury Charger under the Dodge name? Will consumers wait for the next Town & Country CUV? The next 200 is expected to mimic an Audi A4; will potential customers buy into it? So many questions.

I see something on the wall, but can't quite make it out. I hope it reads, “More Fiats.”

I guess it could be argued that Buick has done seemingly the impossible by rejuvenating a brand that was all but completely geriatric. I suspect that Chrysler will be able to do the same.

Times are still tough, and difficult decisions and situations need to be addressed. Dragging evils into the light is no pleasant matter, but is sometimes necessary.

Jeb Burton, son of Daytona 500 winner, Ward Burton, has been signed to a two-year contract with Turner Motorsports to race full-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule and a limited NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) schedule in 2013 and 2014.  

Burton made his first Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway this past March, and notched one top-ten finish in five starts. Jeb is also the nephew of Jeff Burton, who drives in the Sprint Cup series for Richard Childress Racing.

"I'm really proud that I can race for Turner Motorsports over the next two years," said the 20-year-old Burton. "This team has had so much success, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to work with such a quality team." 

Photo: NASCAR

Steve Turner, owner of the team said "I'm really excited that we will have Jeb under the Turner Motorsports umbrella. Everyone at Turner Motorsports feels he has the skills to be successful in NASCAR and we are eager to welcome him to our team." Turner, also noted, that he is proud to have Jeb's father, Ward Burton onboard to assist with driver development at Turner Motorsports.

Ward Burton, 50, drove to an eighth-place finish in the series opening round in Daytona in February.

In its' third year of racing Turner Motorsports expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR's top-tier touring series.

In the realm of the sub-compact, the Honda Fit will always be a queen for me. Its decent resale value, unbeatable Honda engine and its "go-anywhere" good looks are all qualities I associate with the brand. With stingy gas consumption and well-sorted mechanicals that make it a pleasure to drive, the Fit LX does, indeed, boast many assets. That being said, it will still leave some fans of the latest hi-tech gadgetry feeling somewhat dissatisfied.


Small pleasures
The lively little 1.5L engine produces 117 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque. That may sound modest, but makes perfect sense as the driving force of this sub-compact, mainly meant for city driving. Although the VTEC system's work is discreet and is only felt when the engine exceeds 6,000 rpm, aficionados will certainly appreciate the extra kick, again, something appropriate to the brand.

The 5-speed manual transmission is fantastic with great response and excellent engagement. It makes driving a joy. As for the stickshift, I've experienced smoother shifting on earlier Honda models. Still, although you can't change gears with your little finger, it's in line with the current market, and remains flexible and easy to use.

I got an awesome fuel economy of 5.8 L/100km. But I have to say that this was in summer and with not much use of the A/C. Nevertheless, vehicles in this same category list consumption rates that generally fall somewhere between 6.5 to 7.5 L/100km.

This little beast's suspension stays true to the manufacturer's mantra, namely, very clinical. Mind you, we're not talking Honda Accord level luxury and sweetness, but the ride is pleasant nonetheless. The suspension is giving, without being too soft, and hunkers down, as well as it is able to, when cornering; the Fit doesn't pretend to be a sports car. The electric rack and pinion raises no problem and steering is honest and straight.

The lively little 1.5L engine produces 117 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

A beauty, both inside and out
This is a small car - nothing surprising in the world of sub-compacts. Unlike the Toyota Yaris, interior sound damping is good. At least you don't imagine yourself inside a rattling cookie tin as you barrel along.

Better yet, there's plenty of room! With a high roofline and lots of headroom, seating is generous and comfortable. Excellent legroom came as a pleasant surprise to both front and backseat passengers. I remember a much tighter squeeze in a Chevrolet Sonic and I'm only 5'3".

There's nothing complicated about the Fit's cabin. Seats are neither heated, nor electric. And the steering wheel is not heated either (unlike that of the Kia Rio SX). Steering wheel buttons have been reduced and no 25 wiper functions, as in the Ford Fiesta. Controls in the Fit are simple and uncluttered...all part of an attractive cabin that includes a 3-spoke steering wheel with matte metallic finish reminiscent of the one found in the Honda Civic SiR.

As for storage place, you'll love it: the rear seats fold away for a flat floor configuration. For me, that means no more tearing my hair out finding space for boxes, grocery bags or stashing equipment from the local hardware store.

I liked the excellent visibility, thanks to the enormous windscreen. Plus, the "A" pillar windows let in a lot of light and give great all-round sightlines. Where you get a little lost is getting a good view out the rear window - a common problem in many hatchback models.

At Honda, user-friendliness is on top of the list: the back seat headrests can be lowered all the way down, becoming perfectly integrated, flat with the seat tops, providing a much better view out the back. That's a step ahead of Ford whose headrests sprout like mushrooms in the Fiesta!

Better yet, there's plenty of room! With a high roofline and lots of headroom, seating is generous and comfortable. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

It's time for long-term thinking
You'll find the 2012 Honda Fit LX manual offered at $16,980. That may seem less expensive than competitors who also offer heaps of options, including a sunroof, keyless entry, heated seats or sound systems to rock your socks off. But it's simply not the case.

Here's what the 2012 Honda Fit LX's competition goes for: the Ford Fiesta SE at $15,999, the Hyundai Accent GL for $15,599 $ and finally, the Toyota Yaris at $15,990.

But keep in mind that the Honda Fit's resale value is superior to that of the Hyundai Accent and the Toyota Yaris.

This 2012 Honda Fit LX review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

Marcus Ericsson set the best performance in the first day of GP2 collective testing in Jerez, Spain.

Ericsson, who ranked 8th in the GP2 championship this season, set the best lap time Thursday, with a lap in 1m26''717 during the afternoon session. Felipe Nasr was fastest of the morning session.

Marcus Ericsson, DAMS. (Photo: GP2 Series)

GP3 series' champion Mitch Evans drove a Team Arden car and took 7th position on Thursday morning. Formula 3 Euroseries champion Daniel Juncadella made his GP2 debuts with team Rapax.

The collective tests will resume Friday.

Jerez - Thursday morning:
1 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 1'26"810
2 - Stephane Richelmi - Trident - 1'26"898
3 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 1'26"926
4 - Marcus Ericsson - Dams - 1'26"934
5 - Johnny Cecotto - Carlin - 1'27"110
etc.

Jerez - Thursday afternoon:
1 - Marcus Ericsson - Dams - 1'26"717
2 - Alexander Sims - Addax - 1'26"883
3 - Kevin Giovesi - Lazarus - 1'27"043
4 - Adrian Quaife Hobbs - Arden - 1'27"059
5 - Stephane Richelmi - Trident - 1'27"111
etc.

Toyota Canada announced a safety recall on approximately 9,000 Tacoma pickup trucks from the 2001 to 2004 model years.

During manufacture, the spare tire carrier lift plate underneath the rear bed may not have received adequate rust protection. The lack of phosphate coating combined with prolonged exposure to high road salt use and other environmental factors may contribute to the development of more than normal corrosion of the lift plate on some vehicles.

Over time, and in limited cases, a rusty lift plate could break and result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle.

Affected owners will receive a notification letter by mail starting next month. Any authorized Toyota dealer will inspect the spare tire carrier lift plate and provide a remedy if necessary, all at no charge.

The Swiss Sauber F1 Team has finalised its line-up for the 2013 season: Esteban Gutiérrez is confirmed as the team's second race driver.

The 21-year old Mexican will be driving alongside Germany's Nico Hülkenberg.

Robin Frijns, from the Netherlands, who is only two days younger than Esteban, has been taken on board as the team's test and reserve driver.

Kamui Kobayashi, who spent the last three years with Sauber, is now looking for a new job.

Esteban Gutiérrez began his career in karting. He raced in the Formula BMW USA series in 2007 and then went on to win the Formula BMW Europe crown a year later. After a spell in the Formula 3 Euro Series, he switched to the GP3 Series in 2010 and stormed to the championship title with five race wins.

Esteban Gutierrez. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Two seasons in GP2 followed, the second of which in 2012 saw him collect three victories and finish third in the standings. Gutiérrez was given his first chance to test for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2009 and further opportunities have followed since then. His most recent outing in the Sauber C31-Ferrari was at the Young Driver Days test in Abu Dhabi on 7th and 8th November.

Robin Frijns is going to be the Sauber F1 Team's new test and reserve driver. The 21-year old Dutchman also started his career in karting. In 2008 he entered single seater racing, improved constantly and went on to win the Formula BMW Europe title in 2010 by taking six race wins.

One year later he took the title in the Formula Renault Eurocup before going on to win the title in the highly competitive Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2012.

Robin Frijns. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Starting at $26,100, the 2013 Toyota Prius comes standard with seven airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and Toyota's Star Safety system.

Three options packages are available:

Panoramic Roof Package ($29,350): solar panels, navigation, XM satellite radio and more;

Touring Package ($29,655): auto-levelling LED headlights, 17'' alloy wheels, navigation, XM satellite radio and more;

Technology Package ($34,185): dynamic cruise control, pre-collision warning, navigation, JBL premium audio and more.

The 2013 Toyota Prius is now on sale across the country.

Photo: Toyota

During a special demo at the Big Science Summit in California, a team from the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS) pitted its autonomous Audi TTS against a professional driver.

The latter won the race, but only a few seconds ahead of the driver-less car, proving the extraordinary advancements of the technology.

Fear not, autonomous cars won't replace race car drivers anytime soon. They're just further demonstrating how capable and safe they can be in real-world settings.

BMW expects to sell one million cars in China by the end of 2014. Is it too ambitious? Not exactly.

"It is realistic unless the market deteriorates. If conditions remain as they are, then yes, it is a fair estimate," a Germany-based spokeswoman said, referring to the comments of Duan Jianjun, deputy sales chief at BMW's JV with Brilliance China Automotive.

The luxury car market in China has slowed after years of rapid growth. Yet last month, BMW's Chinese sales jumped 52% to 27,828 units.

By comparison, BMW Canada sold 31,703 cars... in all of 2010.

Source: Automotive News

Richard Petty Motorsports confirmed its current drivers, Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola, have re-signed for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Almirola, driving the No. 43 Ford continued a late-season charge by starting fifth and finishing seventh in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway last Sunday. And he would have finished higher if he hadn't run out of fuel on the final lap.

Next year, Ambrose will enter his third season driving for the organization. He will again be behind the wheel of the No. 9 Ford with partners Stanley and Dewalt.

The two RPM drivers, Aric Almirola and Marcos Ambrose. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

Almirola will begin his second season as the driver of the No. 43 Ford with primary support from partner Smithfield Foods and its family of brands, Smithfield, Eckrich, Farmland and Gwaltney. In addition, long-time Petty sponsor, STP, will also continue as a primary partner of the No. 43.

RPM previously announced its continuing relationship with Ford Racing and the addition of crew chief Drew Blickensderfer. Also confirmed earlier this season, RPM will continue to field the No. 43 Pilot/Flying J Ford in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with driver Michael Annett.

BMW released a video that shows how you can create postcards using a BMW M6 coupe as a printing press. Seriously.

A trunk-mounted, pressurized ink system sprays the rear tires. All the driver has to do is to roll over pieces of paper that are placed in straight lines, and voilà!

These one-of-a-kind postcards will be cut and sent to BMW M6 fans around the world.

Kevin Magnussen, who was already quickest on Wednesday, set again the best performance during the second day of F. Renault 3.5 collective tests in Alcaniz.

The Dane set the fastest time ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr in the morning session, then he ran quicker than fellow countryman Marco Sorensen in the afternoon.

Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix winner Antonio Felix Da Costa was 4th in the morning and 5th in the afternoon.

Kevin Magnussen, DAMS. (Photo: Renault)

Thursday morning:
1 - Kevin Magnussen - Dams - 1'39"479
2 - Carlos Sainz - AV Formula - 1'39"617
3 - Norman Nato - Tech 1 - 1'39"649
4 - Antonio Felix Da Costa - Arden Caterham - 1'40"075
5 - Daniil Kvyat - Fortec - 1'40"351 - 44
etc.

Thursday afternoon:
1 - Kevin Magnussen - Dams - 1'39"980
2 - Marco Sorensen - Lotus - 1'40"017
3 - Stoffel Vandoorne - Dams - 1'40"137
4 - Marlon Stockinger - Lotus - 1'40"268 -
5 - Antonio Felix Da Costa - Arden Caterham - 1'40"291
etc.

All-Wheel Drive Cars

All the AWD on sale now. No trucks, SUVS, or crossovers allowed.

With the winter months approaching, many Americans are looking for the safety and stability provided by all-wheel drive. Sending power to all four wheels can help a vehicle gain traction in all weather conditions. Luckily for all-wheel drive shoppers, there are many options to choose from without venturing into the realm of high-riding trucks and SUVs. Although the advantages of four driven wheels are obvious in slippery road conditions, the technology usually comes at a cost - both upfront and at the pump. We've indicated the extra cost of the all-wheel-drive option, or the cost differential compared with the equivalent two-wheel-drive model, as well as its EPA gas mileage ratings, and the fuel economy penalty versus the two-wheel-drive version of the same car for every vehicle on our list.

Photo Gallery: All-Wheel Drive Cars - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: All-Wheel Drive Cars - Automobile Magazine

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2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

Although the GT-R might appear to be unchanged since its launch in 2009, a lot has been going on behind the scenes.

Although the GT-R might appear to be unchanged since its launch in 2009, a lot has been going on behind the scenes. In 2010, it gained five horsepower, a revised launch control system, and an updated navigation system. For 2011, Nissan tweaked the suspension tuning, and added conveniences like automatic wipers and a USB audio input. Bigger changes came in 2012, when the GT-R gained a new front fascia (dig those de rigeur LED running lamps!), another 45 horsepower, new dampers and revised suspension geometry, and a new top-spec Black Edition model. Alas, Nissan still wasn't done. The 2013 GT-R is almost identical to last year's model, save for the fact the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6's output has been cranked up another 15 hp to 545 hp.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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Videos 22 Nov, 2012

Hyundai has created a Need For Speed-style race using the new Veloster Turbo... and some Lego

VW Group's supervisory board is expected to increase planned investment in new vehicles and factories as it looks beyond a European slump to its long-term goal of being the world's largest carmaker by 2018.

VW Group's supervisory board is expected to increase planned investment in new vehicles and factories as it looks beyond a European slump to its long-term goal of being the world's largest carmaker by 2018.

Volkswagen's supervisory board is expected to increase planned investment in new vehicles and factories as it looks beyond a European slump to its long-term goal of being the world's largest carmaker.