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From GMM

Valtteri Bottas insists securing a contract to race a Williams in 2013 would not change his life.

The young Finn, who this year has been testing on Fridays for the famous British team, is waiting to know if he will debut as expected alongside Pastor Maldonado next year.

"I don't think it would change anything," Bottas told Finland's Turun Sanomat, when asked how a race contract would change his life.

"I would race just as I have done in other classes. Of course, I would then be racing against the very best in the world's fastest cars, but on the other hand, nothing else changes," he insisted.

Valtteri Bottas and Toto Wolff, Williams director and manager of the young driver. (Photo: WRi2)

"This year has been good in the sense that I know now what to expect through a season. I've been all over the place. Of course, it takes more energy to do more driving, and perhaps even more media work as well as more with the sponsors even in the breaks."

As for his likely 2013 teammate, Bottas said he has a "good relationship" with Venezuelan Maldonado, and thinks the pair would enjoy a competitive 2013 car.

"The rules are staying the same and so I think the balance of power will be pretty much the same as now," he said.

"Some though will make small improvements. At Williams we have been developing the car for a long time and we believe that it will certainly be better than this year."

From press release

The Coca-Cola Company will return to Formula 1 in January 2013 through its global energy brand “burn” in a multi-year sponsorship of Lotus F1 Team.

Details of the sponsorship will be revealed in 2013 when the partnership officially launches.

Burn is available in more than 80 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

“We are proud that The Coca-Cola Company has chosen Lotus F1 Team as the best vehicle to represent the burn brand in its most high profile partnership,” said Eric Boullier, Team Principal, Lotus F1 Team.

“We are excited to partner with burn to build a new and innovative model for sponsorships that will combine experiences, content creation and social media ; an area in which our team has been at the cutting edge in Formula 1 for the past 18 months, recording the highest growth rate amongst fans this year."

More details about the deal will come later.

If the distinctive styling of the 2013 Ford Flex doesn't wow the neighbours, its optional Active Park Assist will. I put two local dads into the driver's seat of my tester and switched on the self-park feature. I simply told them to follow the instructions as they appeared on the navigation screen.


Both men were as giddy as school boys cutting class as the Flex reversed itself into a curbside parking spot with deadly accuracy. While both chaps had a vague awareness of self-parking technology, they had never experienced it firsthand.

After the magic of Active Park Assist, all three of us huddled next to the Flex commenting on its “Beach Boys” styling. At least that's how we interpreted its boxy, retro appearance, finding unity in our preference for it over the mundane look of a minivan.

And really, that's the allure of the Flex: It serves family needs like a minivan, but with a dose of coolness not found in a minivan -- the plebe of the automotive world.

Flex functionality
This is a well thought out vehicle in many ways. Its seating arrangement is 2+2+2, although a third seating position is available with the 60/40-split second-row bench in place of the two optional second-row bucket seats. This seating position is not a comfortable perch and should be considered a “when needed” asset, not a regular butt host.

Second- and third-row seating is accessed through unusually wide rear doors that open in a conventionally hinged manner. The width of the doors combined with the fold and tumble second row seats allow remarkably easy access to the third row. I sat back there and found adequate room for my 5' 11” frame.

The first and second rows of seating provide marvellous room to stretch, which adds to the exceptional comfort of the Flex. Large sheets of glass ensure that all seating positions are granted expansive panoramas during road trips.

The width of the doors combined with the fold and tumble second row seats allow remarkably easy access to the third row. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Plenty to spoil occupants
While I had the privilege of cavorting in an all-wheel-drive (AWD), fully loaded Limited version of the 2013 Flex -- powered by Ford's acclaimed 3.5L EcoBoost V6 -- the base vehicle is by no means bereft of content.

The Flex hierarchy begins with the well equipped front-wheel-drive (FWD) SE, which is stickered at $30,499. Midrange between the SE and the Limited is the SEL, which is available in either FWD or AWD. Likely to satisfy the preponderance of Flex buyers, the SEL offers good value at $37,099 and $39,099, FWD and AWD respectively.

My top-shelf Limited was stickered at a rather steep $55,000, which included $11K worth of options, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning, airbag-equipped second-row seatbelts, power-folding third-row seating, voice-activated navigation, Titanium Appearance Package, and a panoramic roof that contained no less than four glass panels. My tester also included Ford's spellbinding Active Park Assist. Yet as effective as the self-park technology is, there was something greater to spoil me.

Outstanding EcoBoost performance
Ford's expanding line of EcoBoost engines utilize turbocharging, among other technologies, to increase performance without increasing displacement or consumption. The EcoBoost engine powering my Flex is a great example of this approach. It generates 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Those numbers serve the Flex well, easily overcoming its 2,103 kg (4,636 lb) curb weight to deliver strong, steady acceleration along with an abundance of highway passing performance.

While EcoBoost engines are touted as more fuel-efficient, my best short-trip city consumption was 14.9L/100km according to the Flex's onboard data. A short highway stint brought that figure down to the 11L range.

As rewarding as EcoBoost power is underfoot, the base engine in the Flex is no slouch and shouldn't be overlooked. At 285 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, it's likely more than enough engine for most applications. Both V6 engines are paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions, with shift paddles accompanying selection of the EcoBoost mill.

The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 produces 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Driving impressions
Perhaps the most subjective aspect to assess in any vehicle is the way in which it drives, and from this perspective I really enjoyed seat time in the Flex. The vehicle is notably solid and composed over rough surfaces and corners with surprising agility while also delivering a smooth, absorbent ride.

There are few V6 engines that I enjoy listening to, and the EcoBoost unit in my tester is among them. It generates a pleasing exhaust note that sounds rich yet isn't annoying or excessive. Overall, the vehicle is quiet on the road and operationally refined, which makes it a delight on the highway.

It's also a delight to wow the neighbours with a vehicle that parks itself.

Veteran NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver, Jeff Burton, had successful, minor wrist surgery Tuesday afternoon to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome according to a statement by Richard Childress Racing.

"After feeling some reoccurring symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, my physician and I decided routine surgery would be best for this situation," said Burton, who returned home soon after the outpatient procedure.

"There is no such thing as an offseason in this sport so I wanted to get it done as soon as possible to be ready for my Caterpillar Visitors Center appearance with Richard (Childress) early next month. Plus, we have many test sessions planned in December with the No. 31 Chevrolet team in preparation for the 2013 season with my new crew chief Luke Lambert. I will be ready to go."

Jeff Burton, Richard Childress Racing. (Photo: NASCAR)

RCR and Burton will bring their 2013 Chevrolet SS Sprint Cup car to their sponsor's visitor center in Peoria, Ill, on December 5th, to offer a preview of next year's new look or Gen 6 racer.

Next year will be Burton's 20th fulltime season in NASCAR's premier division. The Virginia native has scored 21 wins, 132 top-five finishes, 248 top-10 finishes, six pole awards and led 6,513 laps during his career. Burton finished 19th in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings with two top-five and six top-10 finishes. The RCR veteran driver qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup from 2006-2008 and in 2010 with 14-time NASCAR championship winning car owner Richard Childress.

Gone are the days of smiling front fascias and jolly exteriors. As the 2013 model was rolled out in Australia in early October, Mazda has taken on a more serious, aggressive look that's got the public paying attention to their KODO-styled CX-9.


As the first major design update since its North American launch in 2007, the 2013 Mazda CX-9's new exterior look is both refreshing and eye-catching. With a more assertive front end featuring Mazda Motor Corporation's new pentagonal grille -- also seen on the latest iteration of the Mazda6 -- as well as a much sportier overall look, the 2013 CX-9 is set to turn heads again.

While the outside of the 2013 Mazda CX-9 has changed, the engine will remain the same as the outgoing model's: a 3.7L V6 coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the updated 2013 Mazda CX-9 will see an upgrade in refinement and quality in terms of fit and finish. As far as technology is concerned the infotainment will feature Mazda's intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) controlling the latest navigation and audio voice-recognition system. Along with onboard entertainment, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 will also feature a bevy of advanced safety systems such as Lane Depature Warning, High Beam Control System, and a Forward Obstruction Warning System.

Overall, the upgrades on the new 2013 Mazda CX-9 are more cosmetic than anything else. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. The sporty crossover was in need of a new look, and Mazda complied.

North American availability and pricing has not yet been announced.

The 2013 Mazda CX-9's new exterior look is both refreshing and eye-catching. (Photo: Mazda)

From GMM

Eric Boullier has once again played down speculation Romain Grosjean's place at Lotus is in doubt for 2013.

At the end of a tumultuous season for Frenchman Grosjean, the 26-year-old admitted this week that he is yet to sign a new deal for next season.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus, in India. (Photo: WRi2)

But team boss Boullier told French-language f1i.com: "We believe in him. For us he is a long-term project and we consider him to be similar to (what McLaren did with) Lewis Hamilton."

"He has shown he is able to do superb racing, but then of course there were some errors that sometimes cost him very dearly. More recently he has been a bit more cautious and has been building up again, but I am sure that in 2013 we will see the real Romain," he added.

Eric Bachelart, owner of Conquest Racing, is looking forward to make a full-time comeback to the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2013 and he says one Dallara DW12 is already prepared to receive any engine.

Because he could not obtain an engine lease last season, Bachelart was only able to run his DW12 at the Indy 500 in conjunction with Andretti Autosport and with Brazilian Ana Beatriz behind the wheel.

Indianapolis 2012. (Photo: Conquest Racing)

The former Indy Lights champion also said that everything was in place for his squad to run in the season's finale at Fontana but, once again, he could not obtain an engine, so he was forced to stay home.

As soon as the official withdrawal of Lotus of the series will be announced, Bachelart believes that it will be easier to have an engine lease either with Honda or Chevrolet. Once, that situation resolved, he will work hard to make this comeback a reality.

Meanwhile, Bachelart's incursion into sports car racing with his team Conquest Endurance will continue and he looks forward to 2014 when the Grand-Am and American Le Mans Series will merge.

Accused of presenting unfair competition for rival dealerships and violating state franchise laws, Tesla Motors can now exhale after a Massachusetts judge denied a request by dealers for a preliminary injunction against the electric car maker and its retail stores.

To get an injunction in Massachusetts, as in federal court, plaintiffs must show that they are likely to prevail in the case or will otherwise suffer irreparable harm. Apparently, that's not the case, here.

Robert O'Koniewski, executive vice president of the Massachusetts association, says the group is considering an appeal.

"Dropping the lawsuit is not an option at this point," he told Automotive News. "We feel very strongly that Tesla is operating a factory store outside parameters of our franchise law and our license law, and they are operating that store illegally.''

Source: Automotive News

On its official web site, McLaren mentions that it has beaten the Scuderia Ferrari for the highest number of victories in Formula 1.

The British team began to race in F1 at Monaco in 1966. When Lewis Hamilton won the US Grand Prix last Sunday, he gave McLaren its 181st victory, becoming the most successful team in 46 years in the category.

Bruce McLaren, Mclaren M2B-Ford V8, Monaco 1966. (Photo: WRi2)

The web site says: "As of last weekend's victory at the USA Grand Prix in Austin, McLaren have now won more Grands Prix than any other Constructor since the team first appeared in Formula 1 at Monaco, 1966.

"McLaren now leads Ferrari 181-180 in the post-Monaco 1966 period in which both teams have been competing."

Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren M23 Ford-Cosworth, France 1975. (Photo: WRi2)

Ferrari has raced continuously in F1 since 1950. The Italian team has contested 850 Grands Prix and has collected a total of 219 wins.

Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, McLaren MP4/4, Monaco 1988. (Photo: WRi2)

Mika Hakkinen, McLaren MP4/13, Germany 1998. (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-27, USA 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

We are now rapidly approaching the end of 2012 -- the year that marks the 30th anniversary of the tragic loss of Canadian Formula 1 driver Gilles Villeneuve when qualifying for the Belgium Grand Prix on May 8, 1982.

The director of the Imola circuit, Enzo Ferrari, Gilles Villeneuve and Roberto Nosetto. (Photo: Archives Nestore Morosini)

Here is a second set of rarely seen photos of his brilliant Formula 1 career, driving for the prestigious Scuderia Ferrari.

Click here to see Part 1.

Villeneuve testing the 126C2 at Fiorano with Didier Pironi looking on. (Photo: Ferrari)

Shakedown of the 126C2 at Fiorano with Villeneuve in the centre. (Photo: Ferrari)

More tests at Fiorano before the start of the 1982 season. (Photo: Ferrari)

Ferrari 312T4 of 1979. (Photo: Ferrari)

Gilles Villeneuve in the 312T4 during the French Grand Prix. (Photo: Jean-Claude Loustau)

Gilles Villeneuve, 1979, French Grand Prix (Photo: Jean-Claude Loustau)

Gilles Villeneuve, Ferrari 126CK, 1981 Canadian Grand Prix (Photo: René Fagnan)

Gilles Villeneuve piloting Walter Wolf's helicopter. (Photo: Lucie St-Jacques)

Gilles with René Arnoux (Photo: WRI2)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso's former teammate thinks the Spaniard could have been this year's world champion at the wheel of a Sauber.

Nelson Piquet jr, who was Alonso's teammate at Renault in 2008 and 2009, thinks the 2012 Ferrari has been outclassed by the likes of Lotus and Sauber this season.

"The Ferrari is worse than those two, but sometimes a miracle is done because of Alonso. I think if he was in a Sauber or Lotus he would be world champion easily," the Brazilian, who switched to Nascar after the 2009 'crashgate' scandal, told Jovem Pan radio.

"I see those cars (Lotus and Sauber) in the front sometimes, but there is always the question: is it the car or the driver?" added Piquet, now 27.

Lotus won in Abu Dhabi ahead of Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

The Brazilian looks back at his F1 career with some sadness, but insisted: "Alonso was not guilty of anything. It was great to have a teammate of his level. Before, when I was testing with Fisichella and Kovalainen, I could go at the same pace, but when I started to be with Alonso, I was suddenly half a second slower. Alonso made me work like crazy to find that there was more in me."

Of F1's next generation after him, Piquet said: "The two at Force India look good, and those at Toro Rosso seem better than Buemi and Alguersuari."

Commenting on some others on today's grid, he continued: "Maldonado has always been fast but makes many mistakes. Perez has done a few good races, but we don't know if that's just because of the car. I think Button will be better than him at McLaren."

Sergio Perez, Sauber C31. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

General Motors agreed to buy the rest of Ally Financial's international auto-finance businesses in a deal with proceeds of $4.2 billion as the carmaker seeks to spur rebounds in Europe and South America.

General Motors agreed to buy the rest of Ally Financial Inc.'s international auto-finance businesses, including operations in Europe, in a deal with proceeds of $4.2 billion.

Toyota said it is recalling about 150,000 Tacoma pickup trucks because the spare tires can fall from beneath the trucks. The trucks -- built for the 2001 to 2004 model years -- were sold or registered in 20 cold-weather states and Washington, D.C.

Driven: 2013 SRT Viper

It’s not what it was.

Herb Helbig, the engineer who made the first three generations of Viper the most ruthless, intimidating car on the road, was a deviant. He was so hell bent on creating a hairy-chested sports car -- one that scared women and children -- that he considered building the Viper without doors. That the 1992 Viper and subsequent iterations came with two conventional doors bolted to the body didn't dilute Helbig’s twisted philosophy when it came to dynamics, though. His Vipers were evil.

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine

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Hyundai Capital America, the U.S. auto finance unit of Hyundai Motor Co., has asked banks for proposals for a new $1.2 billion three-year revolving credit line.

Also in this episode: Audi makes our day by announcing an expanded lineup of diesels bound for the U.S.

Polestar takes factory Volvos, tunes them up to 11 and releases them on the unsuspecting public. You can buy a

The Porsche 911 is turning 50 next year, but instead of a gold ring, the Amelia Island Concours is gathering a boatload of

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

From the humble V-6 all the way up to the 200-mph Shelby GT500, the modern Mustang lineup delivers a rare blend of performance, fun, and affordability.

Something caught my eye last year while rifling through historic Mustang Boss 302 photographs. It was a striking gold-on-black 1969 Boss 302 Trans-Am car, and it was parked in the driveway of a building marked Kar Kraft. Talk about history -- Kar Kraft essentially served as Ford's performance and race engineering skunkworks for the better portion of the 1960s, and helped develop both the road-going and racing Boss 302s back in the day. I thought it would be fun to hunt that facility down if I ever had a chance to drive a modern Boss, and I finally got a chance when keys to this striking school bus yellow 302 were tossed upon my desk.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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