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News 30 Nov, 2012

We ask the residents of LA what they think of the new Range Rover...

Ford reckons November will be its best hybrid sales month ever with over 6,000 units sold.

Mazda's CX-5 compact crossover has claimed the 2012-13 Car of the Year Japan (JCOTY) title. The award, first given in 1980, is decided by a panel of 60 automotive journalists. Last year's winner was the Nissan Leaf and this is the fourth time Mazda has won; the MX-5 (or Roadster as it is known in Japan) won in 2005.

Valeo says it has agreed to sell its unit which makes locks, handles and similar car components to Japan's U-Shin for 223 million euros ($289.42 million).

Magna International has secured EU regulatory approval for its 308 million euro ($397.61 million) purchase of German car hydraulic pump manufacturer Ixetic Verwaltungs GmbH.

Renault and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen were both hit by strikes on Thursday as the two carmakers struggle to cut costs and boost productivity amid slumping European sales.

French supplier body, FIEV, is cautioning competitiveness is becoming a "real issue" for the country as the debate surrounding the so-called 'delocalisation' process heats up.

Scandinavian supplier body, FKG, is urging the Swedish government to look to the British model for its domestic automotive industry as the country struggles with the overall European downturn.

When Porsche's $100 million North American headquarters in Atlanta opens in 2014, dealers will have another tool to close a sale or reward a loyal customer.

Porsche SE is seeking to reverse a ruling in the United States that the company must face a lawsuit by hedge funds accusing it of hiding a plan to corner the market in Volkswagen shares.

From Rally America

Rally America President, Bill Fogg, announced a seven-event Rally America National Championship schedule for the 2013 season that will once again begin with the Sno*Drift Rally in Atlanta and Lewiston, Michigan on January 25 - 26, 2013.

The 2013 Rally America National Championship will include five of last year's events plus the revival of two extremely popular events.

Rally America is proud to bring back the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota and the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula - both of which spent the past three seasons as Rally America Central Region Championship events.

Photo: Scott Rains

The 2013 Rally America National Championship calendar is as follows:

Round 1: Sno*Drift Rally, Atlanta, MI - January 25 - 26
Round 2: 100 Acre Wood, Salem, MO - February 22 - 23
Round 3: Oregon Trail Rally, Portland, OR - May 3 - 5
Round 4: Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally, Wellsboro, PA - May 31 - June 1
Round 5: New England Forest Rally, Newry, ME - July 26 - 27
Round 6: Ojibwe Forests Rally, Detroit Lakes, MN - August 23 - 24
Round 7: Lake Superior Performance Rally, Houghton, MI - October 18 - 19

Former Formula 1 and Le Mans racer, Finland's JJ Lehto has been freed over boat crash that killed one person in 2010.

Lehto and a friend were on a boat that crashed against a bridge support pillar in southern Finland back in 2010, killing the driver's friend.

Lehto has been released from all charges of drunk driving because the court of appeal in Turku on Friday said it was not clear whether Lehto or his friend had been driving the boat at the time of the accident.

The former teammate of Michael Schumacher at Benetton F1 was sentenced last year to two years and four months in prison by a district court, which said Lehto was drunk when driving the boat.

JJ Lehto appealed the sentence, stating he was sitting in the back of the boat when the impact happened.

Let's compare the performance of the two Williams F1 Team drivers this season to see who was the most regular point scorer.

Wednesday, November 28, Williams unveiled its 2013 driver lineup with Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas, ousting Brazilian Bruno Senna from the equation.

"It has been extremely satisfying to be the team's most regular point scorer, and for me to demonstrate my pace in all 20 races,” said Senna in a press release shortly after the announcement.

Bruno Senna, Williams, at Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WRi2)

Was he really?

In 20 Grands Prix, Senna scored points on 10 occasions and collected a total of 31, for an average of 1.55 points/race.

In comparison, Venezuelan Maldonado scored 45 points by finishing in the top 10 on only five occasions, giving him an average of 2.25 points/race.

Maldonado scored a big chunk of his total (25 points out of 45) by winning the Spanish Grand Prix, true; however, he then failed to score a single point over a period of nine consecutive races. In the second half of the season, Maldonado only scored points three times compared to five for Senna.

So, by scoring points in 10 races this season, yes, Bruno Senna can claim that he is the most regular point scorer of the team. Pastor Maldonado's inconsistency, collisions and penalities cost him dearly.

From GMM

Ferrari on Friday said the controversy about Sebastian Vettel's alleged illegal overtaking move is "now closed".

The Italian team had contemplating protesting the result of the championship-deciding Brazilian grand prix, after video footage purportedly showed Red Bull's German driver passing a Toro Rosso under yellow flags.

Ferrari sent the FIA a letter requesting "clarification".

"The federation ... informs it has replied to Scuderia Ferrari... stating that as the overtaking manoeuvre was not in breach of the regulations ... there was no infringement to investigate".

Ferrari said in a statement on Friday: "Ferrari duly takes note of the reply sent by the FIA this morning and therefore considers the matter now closed."

Red Bull responded: "We are pleased, but not surprised, that the FIA has confirmed there is no case to answer regarding the 2012 Brazilian grand prix."

Triple world champion Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Reports that Michael Schumacher has signed up as Mercedes' F1 test driver for 2013 are wrong.

The reports were sparked when the retiring seven time world champion was quoted in English-language reports as saying: "I have signed a contract and will be active as a test driver".

In fact, the 43-year-old's interview was with Stern, the German weekly newsmagazine.

And he clarified to the Germany daily Bild that he will be a test driver in 2013 -- for the Italian kart chassis maker Tony Kart.

He explained: "I like karting. It's always been a big thing for me."

Michael Schumacher, Tony Kart. (Photos: Angelo Scaroni/South Garda Karting)

Indeed, Michael Schumacher told Stern that he is looking forward to "not thinking so much about F1" in 2013 and beyond.

One of his new passions is skydiving. "I'm still a beginner, but I am looking forward to not always having to be thinking of F1."

Adapted from wrc.com

According to news that circulate in Europe, former Formula 1 star Robert Kubica is in hot demand, and could well find a new home at Citroen Racing in the World Rally Championship.

The former Renault F1 driver, who was badly injured in a rally crash in February 2011, is considering a switch to rallying and has entered several events of late while he returns to fitness.

Kubica came very close to winning the French championship-counting Rallye du Var last week -- the second of two events he was tackling in a Citroen Racing-supported C4 WRC -- only to crash out on the penultimate stage while leading.

Robert Kubica. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

Citroen Racing boss Yves Matton liked what he saw - despite Kubica's car being destroyed by fire in the accident - and is keen to extend the relationship with Kubica.

“We are interested to do something more with Robert and it can be possible to do something with the DS3 WRC next season,” Matton told British magazine Autosport.

“We run three cars some times, but this year we have run as many as five cars, so it would be possible for us to have a car for him to use. What we need to find is the budget, it's sure that we cannot just give the car to him - but I think it is possible for him to find a partner.”

If Kubica, who tested a Ford Fiesta RS WRC in the summer, did join Citroen then he could link up with nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb on occasion. Loeb is set to tackle up to five rounds in 2013 under his partial programme of events.

Eight young drivers tested the Audi A5 DTM at the circuit of Monteblanco in Spain.

The German car constructor had invited the following young guns : British F3 driver Carlos Sainz Jr ; James Rossiter (who drove the Lotus LMP2 in World Endurance Championship this year) ; F3 Euroseries' driver Tom Blomqvist, and GP3 drivers Nico Müller and Will Buller.

Italian GT championship driver Andrea Sovinco was also present, together with GP3 and F2 driver Miki Monras, and Johan Kristoffersson who was crown both in Superstars series (the Italian supertouring car championship) and the Scandinavian touring car championship.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

The Dodge Grand Caravan is an undeniable choice for hauling the family around in utter comfort. However, the minivan's size and versatility also make it a worthy contender for helping your business' cargo carrying needs.

For professional duty, the Dodge Grand Caravan gets a name swap to Ram Cargo Van, and can be configured in many ways for a variety of purposes. Starting at $29,845, it's also an affordable solution for professionals on the go and competes with the Ford Transit Connect.


Great capability
The 2013 Ram Cargo Van is equipped with the company's widespread 3.6L Pentastar V6, which develops 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 12.2/7.9 L/100km city/highway.

The muscular powertrain provides the Cargo Van with a towing capacity of 3,600 lbs (or 1,633 kg) when equipped with the Class II tow hitch. For the 2013 model year, a trailer-sway damping system was added. It can also carry up to 4,089 litres (or 144.4 cubic feet) of cargo, and loading is easy with the rear liftgate and sliding doors on each side of the vehicle. There are no rear seats available.

Sixteen-inch wheels and covers are standard, wrapped with commercial Yokohama Avid C33 tires. The 2013 Ram Cargo Van also features a heavier-duty suspension with load levelling, an engine oil cooler and a block heater.

Solid side panels are standard; you can, however, choose a liftgate window with a wiper/washer system, and replace the side panelling with rear-quarter and rear-door glass. A concealed storage space under the cargo-area load floor can also be added, as can a cargo divider.

Decent amount of features
The standard equipment list includes dual-zone climate control, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, front-door power windows, a telescopic steering column, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.

Just because it's a commercial vehicle doesn't mean the 2013 Ram Cargo Van can't be filled with comfort and convenience features. Uconnect 430 and 730 touchscreen infotainment systems with a USB port and navigation, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, satellite radio, a rearview camera, a power driver's seat, rear power windows, an alarm system, and rear air conditioning are all available options.

The 2013 Ram Cargo Van is on sale now, with a choice of five colours: Billet Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Stone White, Redline Pearl, and True Blue Pearl.

From GMM

As the candidates clamour for his seat, Romain Grosjean has acknowledged that formula one is a "world without pity".

"Yes," he confirmed to the Swiss daily Le Matin. "But that's normal for the top level. It's also the case with banking and watchmaking. There is no room for mercy. Seats in F1 are scarce; there are no presents."

The interview with the 26-year-old took place amid reports he might lose his Lotus seat after his often impressive but equally tumultuous return to F1 in 2012.

The reports suggest Kamui Kobayashi and Heikki Kovalainen are being considered by the Enstone based team.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Dropped by Sauber, Japanese Kobayashi's chances appear to have been boosted by his race seat donation website, which so far has raised EUR 775,000 to contribute to the budget of his 2013 employer.

The money will be returned to his fans if he fails to secure a seat.

"It has been a huge show of support after a campaign of only five days," Kobayashi told the AFP news agency.

Finn Kovalainen, on the other hand, appears to have acknowledged that his chances are slim not only of staying at Caterham but of finding a seat elsewhere.

"Outside of F1, there are not many things that interest me," Kovalainen is quoted by Russia's f1news.ru. "But sometimes I'm a little surprised that more F1 drivers haven't tried rallying. Let's see what happens next year. There is life outside of F1."

In the meantime, the Swiss-born Frenchman Grosjean also has his fingers crossed.

Asked what he has learned in 2012, he answered: "A lot. More than what I thought. The world of F1 is more difficult than I imagined. When I returned, I saw that there was a mountain to climb. And once I started to climb, I saw how high it really is."

If anything remotely crossover (or worse, sport-utility) makes you sick to your stomach, but you have a propensity for taking the road less travelled, then there is no other compact alternative save for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.

Extremely solid, well conceived, but not quite uniquely designed, the Crosstrek manages people, gear and treks off the beaten path with surprising, uneventful ease. Sadly, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) sours up what is otherwise a lovely go-anywhere-do-anything car.


Why not Outback Sport?
The Outback is without a doubt the best known Subaru product, ever. Fuji Heavy Industries can thank, in part, Paul Hogan for that. The Legacy based, sport-utility station wagon was such a huge hit at the end of the '90s that it spawned an Impreza-sourced version: The Outback Sport was born, and it did well.

I ask the above question because the new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek uses the same ingredient and business plan as did the Sport. It begins by taking an existing 2013 Subaru Impreza 5-door and slapping on some exterior cladding all round, increasing the ride height to 220 mm or 8.7” (same as the Forester, which is better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee) and some unique wheels. That's pretty much it, and I really like it.

Friendly cabin
The final product is rugged and urban-friendly enough for any and all applications. The cabin is untouched from the regular Impreza. This means that the dash's layout is simple and, more importantly, functional. Soft-touch materials are commonplace, as are easy-to-navigate controls.

The seats are fair, lacking some lateral padding on the seatback up front. All measures of interior volume in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek are aplenty as is the surprisingly capacious trunk for a compact car. Undoubtedly, the most appreciated aspect of the cabin's features is outward visibility. The low shoulder line, relatively narrow “A” pillars, and high hip seating position are all responsible for this.

Soft-touch materials are commonplace, as are easy-to-navigate controls. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Boxer-4 4EVER
Any self-respecting Subaru car must be powered by a horizontally opposed cylinder, internal combustion engine. The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek features the latest FB 2.0L 4-cylinder which is good for 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

The stated output is not standard-setting, but is plenty for this application. The principal goal of the de-volumized engine is fuel efficiency, which works. Rated at 8.2 city/6.0 highway L/100 km, I managed a reasonable 8.5L after my week-long test.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek features the latest FB 2.0L 4-cylinder which is good for 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

CVT woes
These results are due, in good part, to the presence of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission. How do I feel about it? I can put it to you this way: The Subaru Impreza was a finalist on my list of cars to purchase. In the end, the CVT nixed it. Had the Subaru been equipped with a conventional automatic, it would be sitting comfortably in my driveway.

The impression or effect this ‘box has on the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's drive is that of a worn-out slingshot. Stepping on the gas is met with some delay, followed by a slow swell of push.

The immediate reaction at this point is to release the throttle. As well, when using the wheel-mounted paddles (there are 6 pre-set gears) to manually downshift, the engine's speed does not drop quickly enough and makes the car scuttle forward.

Further woes come from the standard 5-speed manual gearbox which, as tested in a 2012 Impreza, not only increased fuel numbers but lacked bite and throttle response fell off.

Solid car
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is surprisingly lithe on its toes for an AWD hatchback. Its chassis is robust beyond question and is unaffected by ruts or sidewalks.

Let me explain: I drove over a tall sidewalk in order to get a few pictures by a wooded area. The amplitude and roughness of the climb would have discouraged me from doing this had I been in a “regular” compact crossover.

The slightly raised suspension poses no issue to the car's handling, much like the Outback. The front McPherson and rear double-wishbone suspension is firm but not punishing, all the while being very capable at filtering and controlling road harshness.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's electric power steering is generally light and provides a fair amount of precision. Assistance and feedback are by no stretch of the imagination sporty, but the overall drive is very reassuring. For those who may have towing needs, the Crosstrek is capable of hauling up to 1,500 lb (680 kg); a rare capability in this segment.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is surprisingly lithe on its toes for an AWD hatchback. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Symmetrical AWD for the win
The final words of this review belong to the aspect that has made Subaru a household name, especially in the northern parts of the United States and Canada.

Subaru's and the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's transparent and highly efficient Symmetrical AWD is without a doubt any driver's biggest ally in wintery months, along with a good set of winter tires. Traction and drivetrain reactions are immediate. To try it is to adopt it.