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Volvo is partnering with Ericsson to offer a ''Multiservice Delivery Platform'' allowing drivers, passengers and the vehicle to connect to cloud-based services and applications, including entertainment, information, and navigation. These will be accessible through the centre display.

The system will combine Volvo's expertise in driver behaviour and traffic safety with Ericsson's consulting, system integration and managed services expertise from mobile communication solutions.

Look for it to appear in various Volvo models in the near future.

Photo: Volvo

Starting with the 2014 model year, all Infiniti vehicles will be sold under a brand new name. Sedans, coupes and convertibles will use the ''Q'' prefix, while SUVs and crossovers will wear a ''QX'' badge.

Each one will also be defined by a two-digit number relative to its position within the lineup. For example, the current FX and JX crossovers will be called QX70 and QX60, respectively.

The new naming strategy will first apply to the 2014 Infiniti Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January to replace the G sedan.

"The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident,'' said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.

''To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that 'Q' captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45 - Infiniti's first iconic flagship product in 1989."

Photo: Infiniti

Mont-Tremblant, Québec -- Land Rover/Range Rover sales are up 20% globally, year to date. The key to any successful car company is product, this is no secret. With new and innovative vehicles like the Range Rover Evoque or highly revamped existing models like the new Range Rover, it's no mystery as to why the brand is doing well.


The revised 2013 Land Rover LR2 addresses shortcomings present in the first LR2 launched as a 2008 model in North America. The previous entry-level Landy cabin's fussiness was pushed aside and a new, modern and efficient engine has replaced the old, and the exterior shell got a quick once-over. Is it enough?

Jaguar/Land Rover have kept the 2013 LR2 current. With the right ingredients and wise spending, they've managed to accomplish exactly that.

Although, on looks alone few could distinguish a 2008 from a 2013, driving it will show differences. If the drive takes place off-road, many competitors may fall out of favour or fall behind altogether. By driving the 2013 Land Rover LR2 as much as I did, I've rediscovered a player capable of going 10 rounds.

2.0L turbo
This is, in my book, the most noteworthy change made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: Gone is the Volvo-derived 3.2L I6 and in is the Evoque's delightful 2.0T. With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard.

Mated to the Aisin 6-speed autobox, the mill is spiritedly quick, displaying little to no lag, depending on engine speed. The ‘box is quick to play along; however, on some of our great, local country roads, I would have liked some wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

This powertrain combination renders the 2013 Land Rover LR2 far more pertinent on multiple levels. Somehow, the promise of small displacement efficiency and turbocharged performance makes the whole product loads more interesting.

With 240 hp and 250 lb-ft or torque, the 2.0T is not only more powerful, but more efficient and loads more fun to push hard. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

It is, after all, a Landy
Although we spent a fair amount of time rediscovering how competent the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is on the road (which it really is), the fine people from Land Rover did take us on a number of trails less travelled.

Although every bit as comfortable as any other compact SUV on the road, the LR2 shines as bright as the Eddystone Lighthouse did in its heyday when removed from tarmac. To be quite honest, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 doesn't look like a hardcore off-road machine, but it can be.

Some of the terrain traversed in the LR2 seemed to be above the vehicle's perceived capabilities, but never did it falter even when some of the deep, muddy ruts seemed to pose a mild challenge for the leading Land Rover LR4. With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential.

Truly, and much like the Evoque, looks are clearly nothing when it comes to judging a Land or Range Rover's depth of abilities.

With Rover's watertight Terrain Response system set to Mud and Ruts, there was no stopping its AWD mechanicals and Haldex rear differential. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

The Oil of Olay effect
The seven signs of aging (don't ask me what they are) were mostly addressed on the 2013 Land Rover LR2. Mandatory LEDs in the headlights were added for a touch of cool class, and the taillights were also revised. As well, updated wheels were thrown into the mix as an added ”new” bonus. That essentially sums up the outside.

The interior was tackled with the same light-and-easy approach. Land Rover simplified the LR2's cabin by reducing the switch count. Essentially, they've classed up their entry-level player by giving it a more business-like environment -- like a Range Rover.

I'm not sure if the new aesthetics are enough to make a marked difference in the 2013 Land Rover's take rate; however, the addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2.

The new centre console with a 7” colour touchscreen and the optional satellite navigation system are always winners in the high-end luxury game. The kicker for me is the Meridian audio system which simply belches out flawless sound. As well, the new instrument cluster with a 5” screen centre display is as attractive as it is functional.

The addition of new hi-tech options might reel in those who are not fully set on the LR2. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

In related news
There are a few other noteworthy changes made to the 2013 Land Rover LR2: One has to do with the improved chassis bracing and structure reinforcements which not only affect NVH highly, but serve to stiffen up the vehicle's structure. This Land Rover displayed no -- I repeat, no -- rattles. True story.

Also, the LR2 now features Land Rover's Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM). This Smart Regenerative Charging system means the alternator only charges the battery while the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy. Nice touch.

The 2013 Land Rover LR2 offers comfort, class and on- and off-road performance like few others in its class. As quality continues to improve (which involves reliability), Land Rover products are becoming even more alluring. Few would not want to own one of these robust and luxurious vehicles.

From GMM

Caterham is almost ready to complete its 2013 driver lineup, new team boss Cyril Abiteboul has revealed.

Having fielded Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov this year, Caterham has already announced that Frenchman Charles Pic will drive one of the green cars next season.

Finn Kovalainen's hopes of staying in F1 are now pinned on Caterham's plans, but the sponsored drivers Petrov, Dutchman Giedo van der Garde and Bruno Senna are reportedly all also looking to the Tony Fernandes-founded team.

"There are different options," Abiteboul admitted to F1's official website.

Photo: Caterham F1 Team

Russian Petrov's hopes appeared to get a boost last week, when a delegation for his sponsor Russian Helicopters visited Caterham's factory.

"One option," Abiteboul said, "is someone who he (Pic) can learn from and who he can use as his benchmark for what we want from both our drivers. Another option, more radical, is to accept the fact that 2013 is a transition year that we use to continue building the team before a period of greater stability in 2014, when a lot of other things in the package will change. Both types of candidates are out there, and we are close to making a decision."

Introduced at the Paris Auto Show in September, the 2013 Chevrolet Trax will arrive in dealerships across Canada this winter with a starting MSRP of $18,495.

Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine, the Trax delivers 138 horsepower while burning just 7.8L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission (8.1 and 5.9, respectively, with the six-speed automatic). When equipped with all-wheel drive, fuel consumption increases to 8.7L/100km in the city and 6.5L/100km on the highway.

The 2013 Chevrolet Trax, which can seat five and swallow up to 1,370 litres of cargo, will rival the likes of Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi RVR and Scion xB.

''Trax is an important addition to the Chevrolet portfolio in Canada,'' said Marc Comeau, vice-president of sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet in Canada. ''We believe Trax will be a popular choice with Canadians looking for the convenience and utility offered by a small SUV, which will be ideal to drive in urban centres and cities across Canada.''

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

Niki Lauda is looking to tweak the Christmas holiday plans of team staff, as he bids to get Mercedes up to speed for 2013.

Germany's Bild newspaper said that, since the triple world champion started his new job as Mercedes' non-executive chairman, he often "arrives unannounced" at the team's Brackley headquarters.

The report said Lauda, 63, has concluded that "the communication between the departments of the factory is in great need of improvement".

Bild claimed that great Austrian Lauda has also been studying the vacation plans of Brackley's 450 staff, with many to be completely absent in December and January.

"Understandable after a long season," said Bild. "But that is when ideas for the new car are needed."

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W03. (Photo: WRi2)

Lauda told Welt am Sonntag newspaper: "I am in England very often; right now just to analyse things. It is interesting that Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg were always in the top five at the beginning of the year, and we won in Shanghai. Everything was on track until suddenly it was completely backwards. Together with Ross Brawn we have to ensure that never happens again."

He also confirmed that Christmas will not be a period for quiet reflection.

"When everyone else is on vacation, I will use the time to do everything to bring Mercedes to the front again -- because that's where we belong," said Niki Lauda.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel has admitted his teammate Mark Webber initially had a better handle of Red Bull's 2012 car.

Ultimately, on the way to collecting his third consecutive drivers' title this year, German Vettel outscored Australian Webber by more than 100 points.

And Webber won two grands prix in 2012, both in the first half of the season, compared to Vettel's five.

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber on Silverstone's podium. (Photo: WRi2)

A report in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Red Bull's renowned designer, Adrian Newey, "took half a season" to get the RB8 fully up to speed.

"I just felt more comfortable in the car (in the second half of the season)," Vettel explained.

"The balance was better for me than it was at the beginning, which caused problems especially in qualifying. For a long time I was not happy with the exhaust, even though it brought more downforce than the old version. I couldn't play with the car the way I wanted, to fit my driving style. I get my speed in the corners in the entry, while Mark is better at the exit. Only the last 'Coanda'-solution got me close to what we had last year," added Vettel.

The Marussia F1 Team announced Tuseday that British driver Max Chilton will make his Formula 1 racing debut with the team in 2013.

The 21-year-old Briton is the team's Reserve Driver, a role he was appointed to with effect from the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix, following his performance with the Marussia Carlin GP2 team, part of the Marussia F1 Team Young Driver Programme.

The 21-year-old Briton replaces Charles Pic, gone to Caterham.

Max Chilton's father Grahame is Chairman of Aon Benfield and Vice Chairman of Aon Group, and reportedly has a personal fortune in the region of $150 million.

The Marussia F1 Team have provided Chilton with two separate driving opportunities with which to demonstrate his talent and readiness for a Formula 1 race seat - at the 2012 Young Driver Test at Silverstone in July, and more recently the Free Practice 1 session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month.

“On both occasions, Max has impressed with his speed, quality of feedback, ability to set up the car and potential for being able to contribute to its development. Not only that, but Max has proved an extremely popular addition to both the team and the Formula 1 Paddock in recent months,” says the Marussia press release.

From GMM

Gary Hartstein has admitted his fury at F1's governing body.

Last month, the 57-year-old American revealed on Twitter that the Jean Todt-led FIA had decided not to renew his contract as F1's chief doctor beyond 2012.

He said at the time: "Not sure about the 'why's' of the decision, but not down to me to know."

But Hartstein's tone changed radically this week, when he admitted to his almost 8,000 Twitter followers that he is "righteously pissed off" to have lost his job.

"I might launch a crusade to get some answers, or get my f***ing job back, or let the world know what's really going on on the medical side of the FIA.

"Understand this: I am not bitter or sad," Hartstein insisted. "I am seriously angry. And that's bad. Not sure how or when, but there's dark clouds a-gatherin'. This is gonna be a f***ing blast!"

Mercedes AMG started the 2012 season the best way possible with Nico Rosberg's victory in China. Fitted with a tricky aerodynamic device called a double DRS, everyone expected the Mercedes W03 to be THE car to beat this year. Unfortunately, it was not the case...

Let the numbers do the talking. The team from Brackley, UK finished the season with a total of 142 points. However, 106 of those points were scored during the first 11 Grands Prix of the season (for an average of 9.6 points/race). After that, Mercedes scored just 36 in the remaining nine races (for an average of 4 points per race).

Nico Rosberg (Photo: Mercedes AMG)

After the season was over, team principal Ross Brawn admitted that having spent so much time and efforts on that infamous double DRS was a mistake.

This is quite suprising as the technical staff of the team is one of the best in the business with veteran and highly qualified engineers such as Bob Bell, Geoff Willis, Aldo Costa and Loic Bigois

Nico Rosberg
9th in the Driver's Championship with 93 points
Best place in qualifications: 1st (once, China)
Best race result: 1st (once, China), 2 podiums
Retired 3 times (in the last 6 races)

Michael Schumacher
13th in the Driver's Championship with 49 points
Best place in qualifications: 2nd (once, China)
Best race result: 3rd (once, Valencia), 1 podium
Retired 7 times (4 imes in the first 7 races)

Michael Schumacher (Photo: Mercedes AMG)

Racing in his 7th season in Formula 1, Nico Rosberg's breakthrough finally came as he scored first his maiden F1 pole and then his first F1 victory at round three in China. Then, the team suffered an unexplicable and big dip in performance, and the German driver struggled to finish in the points on a regular basis. On certain occasions, the poor Nico could do no better than fight against the Caterhams and the Toro Rossos...

With Lewis Hamilton as his new teammate next year, Rosberg will need to raise his game dramatically.

Ironically, Ross Brawn revealed that Schumacher's indecision about his future led the team to pursue Hamilton. The team needed a strong front runner for 2013, and Hamilton had a perfect career resumé. That pushed Schumacher into retirement, for good this time.

The seven-time World Champion climbed on the podium once this year, but also had all sorts of problems. He retired four times in the first seven Grands Prix and also mysteriously rear ended the cars of Bruno Senna in Spain, and Jean-Eric Vergne in Singapore.

From GMM

Gerhard Berger could be a candidate to replace Mercedes-Benz's departing head of motor sport Norbert Haug.

That is the claim of the Swiss magazine Speed Week, specifically naming the former Ferrari and McLaren driver as potentially in the running for Haug's job.

Austrian Berger, 54, was BMW's joint motor sport director last decade, and until 2008 the co-owner of the second Red Bull team, Toro Rosso.

"We will inform you about everything in due course," a Mercedes spokesman is quoted by the German news agency DPA.

Ross Brawn and Norbert Haug, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

From Bentley press release

Team M-Sport will work on the development of the new Bentley Continental GT3, that will make its racing debuts by the end of 2013.

Following the announcement of Bentley's return to motorsport in the GT3 category, response to the Continental GT3 has been overwhelmingly positive with significant interest from numerous potential customers. With detail design now underway at Bentley's new motorsport department at the factory in Crewe, the Continental GT3 is on schedule to make its first on-track appearance by the end of 2013.

To assist with the design of specialist components and offer focussed technical expertise during the development of the programme, Bentley is delighted to announce a technical partnership with M-Sport Ltd, whose credentials include the successful running of World Rally Programmes since 1997, including winning two Manufacturer's World Rally Championships.

Photo: Bentley

M-Sport will design and develop specialist components, together with design work and project organisation being undertaken in-house at Crewe.  The company's Dovenby Hall base in Cumbria complements the Crewe-based team and factory facilities, together creating an array of expertise and equipment that will help to ensure the development of a competitive GT3 racecar worthy of Bentley's return to the racetrack.

Infiniti is renaming its entire product portfolio for the 2014 model year, returning to the letter 'Q' from the brand's early history for every car and 'QX' for every Infiniti crossover and SUV. Nissan Motor Co.'

Also in this episode: Toyota is on track to take back the title of largest automaker, and the Germans manage another excellent showing at the Race of Champions.

Conventional wisdom would say the more hours a salesperson works, the more money he or she earns. Not so, according to a new industry report on the automotive dealership work force.

General Motors has idled the primary assembly plant that makes the Chevrolet Malibu for nearly three weeks amid swollen inventories of the mid-sized sedan.

Johnson Controls, the lead bidder at the auction for assets of bankrupt A123 Systems, said it is appealing the court decision that gave China's Wanxiang Group approval to buy most of the assets.

A startup automaker financed by the federal government won a regulatory decision that Chrysler Group LLC said will give its competitor a monopoly on selling wheelchair-accessible minivans to transit agencies.

Chrysler Group wants to invest nearly $162 million in an Indiana plant finished in 2008 but never occupied because of a failed joint venture and Chrysler's bankruptcy.