Auto News 5

Opel declined to comment on a report that Volkswagen manager and former Continental CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann is set to become CEO of the money-losing GM division.

Suppliers Visteon and Delphi said they were accelerating cost cutting as carmakers slash production in the face of slowing demand, especially in Europe.

Opel declined to comment on a report that Volkswagen manager and former Continental CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann is set to become CEO of the money-losing GM division.

A few days ago, I received a phone call from a friend of a friend who was about to purchase a new car. I'm always more than happy to help out anyone who is about to jump in the shark tank and try to come out alive, with a new car in tow.

What struck me most about the caller was his fear of getting tangled in some type of web where there would be no possibility of getting out alive from.

The story: He was looking for a specifically coloured 2012 vehicle. As production for the 2013 has long since begun, sourcing the car was going to require a little work. He contacted three different dealers of the same make and got an equal number of diverse answers. The responses varied from “Forget about it, there are none;” “I might be able to find one;” to “Come on down, I've got one.” Who to believe?

The person got the two dealers who said they could find one (the dealer who stated they had one couldn't actually find it...) to work for him, and this is why I got the phone call. Both dealers required deposits for a car they weren't even sure they could deliver. I instructed the person to clearly indicate in writing that the deposits were refundable should the dealers not be able to deliver the desired car within a specified time.

Unfortunately, I do not know how the story ends, but I could not help but think that dealers deal with their reputation as crooks, manipulators, liars, swindlers, and more every day and they don't seem to mind. How is it that someone -- or some people -- can sleep at night knowing that this is how they are perceived by the general public?

This is but one small example of the horror stories I've heard of or witnessed on a few occasions that starred dealerships, their staff and their product.

Why don't they do anything about it? Is it because there's a sucker born every minute, and that there is too much money to be made?

The sad part is that this will likely never change, and the situation is identical in so many types of businesses.

Thousands of gas stations in the states of New York and New Jersey are still closed due to blackouts created by Hurricane Sandy. As a result, drivers don't have access to millions of litres of fuel.

A little more than a third of supply centres are still closed, and two of the main pipelines don't operate at full capacity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, a Canadian refinery was able to deliver a substantial amount of fuel to fill most of the needs.

Authorities say that power should be restored in New York around November 11th, although some areas will have to wait an extra week or maybe more.

Source: journalmetro

BOWMANVILLE, ON - If you've never heard of Sailun Tires, you're not alone. 

In fact, a survey of a group of automotive media gathered at Mosport's Driver Development Track showed only a marginal awareness of the Chinese brand - and that's among industry professionals. 

But the Dynamic Group, the umbrella group marketing the Sailun brand is hoping to change that, with comparison days such as this one. They're very aware that not only is the brand up against a lack of familiarity with its targeted market, there's also the stereotypical bias against Chinese automotive products - never mind that some of the industry leaders such as Pirelli and Michelin also have manufacturing plants located there.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Recognition is of utmost importance - the company's research shows that over 80% of tire purchase decisions are made at the counter.

A 250,000 square foot warehouse in Vaughn, Ontario and a large network of distributors will ensure availability to Canadian customers, and a strong warranty support (100% replacement up to 2/32 inch tread) should earn loyalty in buyers.

With sales of over 10 million tires globally, and a goal of 20 million annually within five years, Sailun is hoping to win over the budget-minded consumer.

"We're not Michelin, we're a value tier tire" acknowledges Brian Mielko, VP of Marketing.

But value-priced tires represent a whopping 41% of overall sales, with the big name brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone and Goodyear constituting 75% of that. So far, none of the smaller tire companies have exceeded more than 3% of those sales.

"Sports cars, luxury cars and SUVs are a great market to be in, but it's not our market" says Mielko.

Instead, the company is focusing on economy and family cars for the bulk of their passenger tire sales.

So accordingly, all of the vehicles in today's testing session are midsize Ford Fusion sedans. We'll be comparing the Sailun brand against a well-known tire, but since the names have been scrubbed from all the sidewalls, we'll have no idea which one has come out on top until the end of the day.

If the Sailun product can prove equal or at least comparable to one of the top name brands - it makes it a compelling choice for the budget shopper.
Our expectations weren't high. At the beginning of the day, on a scale of 1-5, most of us rated our perceived performance of the tires at about 3.0.

The first exercises were performed on a wet slalom track, in identical Ford Fusions, each wearing a set of the competing tires.

After several runs around the cones, it was hard to detect any dramatic differences between the two - both performed similarly on the wet pavement.

There was slightly more road noise from Tire #1, but the difference was miniscule. When the results were tallied, Tire #1 scored higher in overall control and predictability (3.75/3.50), cornering stability (3.75/3.50), steering feel and responsiveness (3.75/3.38) and traction under acceleration (3.75/3.63).

From there, we moved on to the Driver Development Track, or DDT - a 2.4 km road course comprising tight loops, long straights and changing elevations. Again, we were driving the Ford Fusions, each clad in their respective anonymous tires. This test, a road drive, was performed at a leisurely pace of 60-80 km, replicating a typical family drive.

Although both tires performed similarly in terms of road noise and grip, the final results showed that tire #1 scored higher in all categories: Drive comfort (4.00/3.63), overall control and predictability (4.00/3.63), cornering stability (3.75/3.38), steering feel/responsiveness (3.88/3.63) and traction under acceleration (4.00/3.50).

Returning to the track, we drove the same course again but at a faster pace (80-100 km). Here, the results were more varied.

Tire #1 came out ahead in overall control/predictability (3.88/3.63) and cornering stability (3.88/3.75). Tire #2 scored higher in steering feel/responsiveness (3.63/3.50). Both tires had identical scores in braking (3.63/3.63) and traction under acceleration (3.75/3.75).

Overall, Tire #1 scored 31 of 40 points, while Tire #2 scored 30. These are compelling results for the consumer, if the value tier tire that scored marginally less than a premium brand saves the buyer 20-30% or more.

However, at the end of the day, the #1 tire was revealed to be the Sailun Z4+AS with a Toronto retail price of $111. Tire #2 was Continental Extreme, Toronto retail price $189.

The considerable difference in price (70%), with similar, and in some cases better performance makes this value tier brand an easy choice for the everyday shopper.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Hyundai Canada and Kia Canada are correcting the fuel consumption ratings for approximately 172,000 vehicles sold between 2010 and 2012 after testing errors were reported at the automakers' joint facilities in Korea.

As a result, the fuel consumption ratings have been increased by an average of 0.3L/100km.

"I sincerely apologize to all affected Hyundai and Kia customers, and I regret these errors occurred," said Dr. W. C. Yang, Chief Technology Officer of Hyundai/Kia research and development.

The two companies will reimburse these customers with a personalized, pre-paid credit card.

''In addition, as an acknowledgement of the inconvenience this may cause, we will add an extra 15% to the reimbursement amount. Current owners will be able to refill their pre-paid credit card at any time for as long as they own the vehicle,'' the statement reads.

Operation Red Nose's 29th annual campaign -- ''Let Rudy Take the Wheel'' -- kicked off today in more than 100 cities across Canada, including 67 in La Belle Province.

Three-time snowboard cross world cup champion Dominique Maltais is this year's spokeswoman. She invited everyone to either volunteer or take advantage of the service.

''Being unfit to take the wheel is not just the result of alcohol consumption,'' says Johanne St. Cyr, vice president, highway safety at the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). ''Drugs, medication, stress and fatigue can also affect your driving ability. Together, they're extremely dangerous.''

In 2011, Operation Red Nose had over 58,000 volunteers making more than 60,000 trips to drive people back home. They collected $1,166,000 to profit youth organizations and amateur sports in their respective communities.

iPhone and now Android users will be able to download the mobile app. A mobile version of the website will also allow the public to find contact information.

Operation Red Nose 2012 runs from November 30th to December 31st.

The latest member of the Jetta family will arrive in Canadian showrooms this winter as the world's first turbocharged car equipped with an electric hybrid drive system.

Combining a 150-horsepower, 4-cylinder turbo engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid can operate in full electric mode at speeds of up to 70 km/h. When needed, the gas engine takes over to not only propel the vehicle, but also to charge the battery pack. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is completed in 8.6 seconds.

The Jetta Hybrid's "Power Meter" replaces the traditional tachometer and shows the driver's present-state level of driving efficiency.

Interested? The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid starts at $27,875 for the base Trendline model. Comfortline and Highline models are also available.

Photo: Volkswagen

This is crazy: A production car that, out of the box, produces a 662-horse cavalry is about as rational as going moose hunting with a bazooka.


A true American musclecar that sings the Star-Spangled Banner every time you solicit its supercharged V8. A car so brutal, so devastating as the 2013 Shelby GT500 has no right existing in today's rational, environmentally friendly society. Then again, neither do beige Corollas hogging the passing lane. If you feel like a maverick, get yours today. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Yes, when we look at what manufacturers are launching right now, we can safely say that the horsepower war is alive and well. And Ford just won the latest battle.

The 2013 Shelby GT500 is so badass, so tire-shreddingly insane that it's like no one has a clue what an ozone layer is -- and that's what's so addictive about it.

With a base price of $61,699, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 can be considered a helluva deal for the amount of firepower you get to play with. For a Mustang, however, that's pretty steep. Our test car stickered at over $70K.

Mind-boggling acceleration
You can't just stomp on the gas pedal in the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Luckily, it includes a launch control system that allows the driver to choose his or her preferred engine rpm for the imminent blastoff.

According to Ford, the Shelby accelerates to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds; we achieved that speed in 4.2 seconds with near-bald rear tires (we didn't do it), and the launch control set to 4,000 rpm.

However, straight-line speed is only part of the story. The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500's soundtrack is a noisy one, and every time you stab the gas pedal your chest hair grows by a quarter of an inch. This is one macho, extroverted sports coupe.

Driving the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 reminds us of more innocent times, an era when people weren't conscious of the environment and gasoline was cheaper than hair grease. Although the exhaust is so loud you'll barely hear the supercharger shrieking, listening to that blown 5.8L V8 burble at idle and scream at wide-open throttle gives you an instant rush of adrenaline.

You'll want more, but that's when your talents as a driver and as a responsible human being are added to the equation. With 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque on tap, you need to exercise a great deal of restraint or you'll get into trouble. That's part of the fun, right?

Do you really want to know what our fuel economy average was? I'll tell you: 13L/100km with restraint, and 18L/100km without. I knew you wouldn't care.

The 2013 GT500's supercharged 5.8L V8 belts out 662 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque.(Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Retro cockpit
Inside, there aren't obvious clues that you're pimping in a 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 besides a cobra logo on the steering wheel and a small inscription on the passenger side of the dash. But that's OK; your passengers will be too busy looking at the blurred scenery ahead, or hanging on for dear life to notice much else.

We were treated to the optional Recaro leather seats, with no power adjustments whatsoever. No problem, it adds to the retro-ness of the car. On the other hand, we got Ford's SYNC and the optional navigation system in the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, very useful for finding gas stations, a place you'll be visiting quite frequently.

Where's the grille?
One peculiar aspect of the 2013 Ford GT500, and what actually makes it easily identifiable, is the absence of a proper grille. It's just a gaping hole that leads straight to the radiator, perfect for sucking in bugs, birds, flying squirrels, and toy poodles as you try to best your quarter-mile times.

This Shelby looks so nasty, so mean, so angry that you'll get noticed everywhere you go. And Mustang owners everywhere will bow their heads in admiration. If you want attention, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will provide you with plenty of that.

You'll be able to distinguish the 2013 GT500 by the absence of a proper front grille.(Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

High price
Let's not forget that a standard-issue Mustang GT is already a beast with no less than 420 hp, for “just” $35K. Just so you know, the GT500 is the quarter-mile champ; if you want the best-handling Mustang your money can buy, go for the $50K Boss 302.

As for competition, the most potent rival currently available is the 580-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which is a little more, um, affordable at $58,000. And unlike the Ford, you can get a ZL1 with an automatic transmission (just don't tell anyone).

CALISTOGA, Ca - We've long since left the lush benevolence of the lovely Napa Valley behind, and the higher we climb the more hauntingly desolate the landscape appears. Jagged cliffs tumble down to the rolling grey ocean far below, as we stand shivering in the damp, misty air.


This is not what I pictured while packing for California. If this was a convertible launch, it would suck, mightily -- fortunately we have the warm cabin of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder to retreat to. Although we've come to expect heated seats as a matter of course, the Pathfinder comes with two rows of them and -- hallelujah! -- a heated steering wheel to boot.

Maybe it's time I took a refresher course in large, people-moving vehicle nomenclature since the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has once more become a unibody (like the 1996-2004 model) instead of the previous model's body-on-frame construction. I'm confused because the spec sheets still refer to it as an "SUV" instead of a "CUV."

Apparently, the 4th generation Nissan Pathfinder's revised structure reflects "the shifting needs" of consumers, with better handling and fuel economy that such a car-based layout provides. In other words, it has followed the demographic out of the hills and away from the truck-based, off-roader and into the suburbs with a more refined pavement pounder. However, with a 2,268 kg tow rating, and locking centre differential in AWD-equipped vehicles, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is still capable of recreational fun on the weekends.

Less boxy off-roader, more stylish urban pavement pounder
Our ascent to the top of the cold and lonely hill proved that the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder can still clamber up an incline, although the course was more "soft-roader" than hardcore. It was barely breathing hard as we reached the summit, absorbing bumps and potholes admirably, although there was more "lateral toss" than a true off-roader would exhibit.

Along with its change in character comes a more stylish, urban exterior instead of the rugged, squared-off masculinity of the outgoing Nissan Pathfinder model. Its new aerodynamic shape features soft curves and sharp character lines, a sculpted rear end, and a lower ride height (favouring convenience over obstacle clearance). Although it's 2 inches longer than the outgoing model, with much more interior space, the new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is 227 kg lighter than the model it replaces. And it now boasts third-row seating.

Instead of that extra row representing a cramped penalty box relegated to kids and those capable of clambering up and over the second row, it's easily accessible thanks to the "Easy-Flex seating system" featuring a second-row seat that glides forward with one quick motion -- even when there's a child seat installed. It's not as voluminous as the family minivan, but the Pathfinder does boast best in class leg and head room and 2,245 litres of total cargo volume.

Easily accessible thanks to the "Easy-Flex seating system" featuring a second-row seat that glides forward with one quick motion. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

A host of civilized technology
Further proof of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder's new-found urban civility lies in the list of standard technology that it houses.

Nissan's "Around View Monitor" should be required equipment on all big-bottomed utility vehicles for rendering complicated back-up manoeuvres a piece of cake. There's also an available "tri-zone" entertainment system (providing blissful silence for long-suffering parents), the aforementioned heated steering wheel, first- and second-row seat warmers and front seat cooling (or "seat-colders" as my driving partner referred to them).

Properly inflated tires help save fuel, and the "Easy-fill tire inflation system" will honk the horn to let you know when the Pathfinder's are filled to their required psi. An available 8" touchscreen monitor and nav system features 3D-effect graphics, while a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system provides decent background music.

The Pathfinder comes with two rows of heated seats and -- hallelujah! -- a heated steering wheel to boot.

Underhood, a 3.5L V6 puts out 260 hp with 240 lb-ft of torque. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder's engine is mated to a newly developed CVT. We know, continuously variable transmissions are the kiss of death to the driving enthusiast, but Nissan's had 20 years to get these right and this one, the FK-K2, is purported to be the most technically advanced of its kind. Certainly, we noticed little lagging or moaning (from the gearbox) during our day spent with the Pathfinder.

More importantly, its efficiency helps contribute to the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder's class-leading fuel economy of 10.5L/100 km city, 7.7L/100 km hwy -- or 9.3L combined in front-wheel drive models and 10.8/7.9/9.5 in AWD vehicles. By comparison, the Honda Pilot rates 11.8/7.8/10.0 and the Toyota Highlander, 10.4/7.3/9.0.

The "Easy-fill tire inflation system" will honk the horn to let you know when the Pathfinder's are filled to their required psi.(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comfortable and well-sorted
Over a drive route consisting of winding coastal roads, highway and a bit of light off-roading, the Pathfinder proved well-sorted and comfortable, if not exactly exciting. The handling is predictable, there's little road noise and (once we dropped the rear seats with their intruding headrests) visibility is quite good. Overhead is a huge panoramic sunroof that adds to the openness of the cabin.

In all, it adds up to quite an agreeable package: less weight, less fuel and (with $8,000 shaved off the price vs. the outgoing model) less expensive.

The Pathfinder should arrive in Canadian showrooms late October/early November.

The first day of action at the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi saw Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel set the best times in the first two free practice sessions.

The McLaren-Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button dominated the first practice session at the Yas Marina circuit.

Hamilton set a time of 1m43.285 in very hot temperatures to beat his teammate Button, Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel, and Ferrari man Fernando Alonso.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Several drivers experienced wheel lock-ups under braking, as well as off-course excursions, without any harm.

Red Bull's other driver, Mark Webber, ended up fifth ahead of Michael Schumacher (Mercedes AMG), Pastor Maldonado (Williams), Valtteri Bottoas (driving Bruno Senna's Williams) and Kimi Raikkonen in the fastest Renault-engined Lotus.

In the second practice session (held at sunset), Hamilton set the early pace, but Vettel ran a strong lap on the softer Pirelli compound to beat his time.

Interestingly, Hamilton was not able to run a quicker lap on a set of softer tires, suggesting that he was simulating race conditions and had a lot of fuel onboard his McLaren.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Button ranked third in front of Mark Webber who lost a great deal of time when the crew members needed to investigate a problem with the front splitter of his Red Bull.

Lotus' Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen finished 5th and 6th, respectively.

Vettel's main rival in the title chase, Fernando Alonso, was 7th in his Ferrari, followed by his teammate Felipe Massa, Pastor Maldonado and Sergio Pérez in the best-placed Sauber.

Tire degradation proved to be minimal (on both compounds), and experts suspect that most drivers will only do one tire change during Sunday's race.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, Friday first free practice session*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'43"285 - 20 laps
2 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'43"618 - 18
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'44"050 - 21
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'44"366 - 20
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'44"542 - 21
6 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'44"694 - 21
7 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'45"115 - 25
8 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'45"194 - 19
9 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'45"347 - 24
10 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'45"422 - 15
11 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'45"567 - 23
12 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'45"587 - 19
13 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'45"722 - 20
14 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'45"743 - 19
15 - Jules Bianchi (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'45"789 - 21
16 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'45"811 - 22
17 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'46"649 - 23
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'46"708 - 25
19 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'47"418 - 23
20 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'47"891 - 20
21 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'48"354 - 22
22 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'48"887 - 22
23 - Qing Hua Ma (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'50"487 - 20
24 - Giedo Van der Garde (Caterham CT01-Renault) - no time - 3 installation laps

Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, Friday second free practice session*:
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'41"751 - 33 laps
2 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'41"919 - 33
3 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'42"412 - 35
4 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'42"466 - 21
5 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'42"500 - 33
6 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'42"532 - 27
7 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'42"587 - 30
8 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'42"823 - 32
9 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'42"998 - 36
10 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'43"106 - 35
11 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'43"191 - 33
12 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'43"200 - 35
13 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'43"255 - 33
14 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'43"267 - 31
15 - Paul di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'43"578 - 33
16 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'43"689 - 31
17 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'44"260 - 26
18 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'45"073 - 18
19 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'45"245 - 35
20 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'45"782 - 32
21 - Timo Glock (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'46"589 - 34
22 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'46"671 - 30
23 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'46"707 - 25
24 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'47"406 - 34

*Unofficial timing

2013 Technology of the Year: Cameras

They see all.

They watch through the windshield, from the side mirrors, and off the trunk lid, reading the road, traffic, and our surroundings to establish a new kind of safety: calling out potential accidents before they happen. Cameras in cars aren't new, but with capabilities increasing and costs decreasing, they have suddenly become much more common and will be even more so in coming years. Their potential to reduce accidents and save lives is why we've named cameras our 2013 Technology of the Year.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Technology of the Year: Cameras - Automobile Magazine

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BMW's sales in the United States rose 21 percent in October, narrowing the lead of Mercedes-Benz in luxury auto sales this year.

Superstorm Sandy has triggered an outpouring of charitable outreach from automakers.

The SEMA show in Las Vegas is crawling with celebrities from various parts of the auto universe, but few draw a larger crowd than hot-rodder/designer/TV personality Chip Foose.

Group 1 Automotive's 24 East Coast dealerships are facing $2 million in inventory losses after Superstorm Sandy.

2013 Racing Car of the Year: Ben Bowlby's Revolutionary DeltaWing

The Nissan DeltaWing is Automobile Magazine's slam-dunk Racing Car of the Year.

The Nissan DeltaWing is Automobile Magazine's slam-dunk Racing Car of the Year. In fact, we just as easily could have named it Racing Car of the Decade or even Racing Car of the Half Century. Not merely because the revolutionary, Batmobile-like design explodes conventional wisdom about how race cars are supposed to look and perform, but because the very existence of the DeltaWing forces us to question some seemingly self-evident truths about racing.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Racing Car of the Year: Ben Bowlby's Revolutionary DeltaWing - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Racing Car of the Year: Ben Bowlby's Revolutionary DeltaWing - Automobile Magazine

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The 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman is officially for sale, at a cost of $22,700 including $700 in destination charges.

Also in this episode: Comedian Jeff Dunham shows off