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Friday will mark the first time that 2012 Formula 1 cars will tackle the new Circuit of the Americas, the new home of the United States Grand Prix. Renault Sport engineers explain here the many technical challenges of this ondulating track.

From Renault Sport

Simulations predict an average speed over one lap of 196kph during the race and just over 205kph during qualifying. There are two long straights but the average speed is lowered by the high volume of low gear corners; eight of the 20 turns are taken in third gear or lower. This puts the Circuit of the Americas in a similar bracket to Valencia.

Similar to Abu Dhabi, the longest straight is not the pit straight, but rather the burst between turns 11 and 12. The straight here is 1,016m, meaning the RS27 will spend a touch over 13secs at wide open throttle. Top speed is predicted to be 314kph at the end of this straight and the engine will spend 2.5secs at max revs before braking for the hairpin of turn 12.

Main straight line. (Photo: Circuit of the Americas)

The second long straight is the pit straight. Both straights run in different directions so correctly selecting seventh gear will depend on wind direction on the day. Selection for the one may compromise end of straight speed for the other, so ambient conditions will be carefully monitored throughout Friday practice to find the optimum ratio.

The track is similar in power sensitivity to Malaysia, with 57% of the lap taken at full throttle during the race, and just under 60% during qualifying. The predicted lap time is around 1min 39secs.

Three hairpins triangulate the track; turns 1, 11 and 12. Revs will drop to 9,500rpm and the car speed to just 80kph. All three come after a long period of open throttle, meaning engine braking and rear stability on the apex are crucial. The exits and correct engine response from the hairpins are however equally important since they each lead back onto another straight.

Fuel consumption is one of the highest of a season over one lap, similar to Abu Dhabi. The lower temperatures of Austin offset its relatively high altitude and change of gradient, but low ambient humidity and the twisty first and last sectors where the driver is constantly on and off the throttle increase consumption. The starting fuel load will be one of the heaviest of the year, on a par with Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.

What a surprise: Since the Jetta, the Golf, the Passat, and the Touareg all offer diesel powertrains, it was only a matter of time before Volkswagen dropped the 2.0L TDI engine into the Beetle.

And why not? The TDI serves up plenty of low-rpm torque and is highly fuel efficient, making the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle even more interesting for those seeking a distinct, compact coupe (and soon, convertible).


At $25,575 for the base Comfortline TDI with the 6-speed DSG automated gearbox, it's also two grand more expensive than the 2.5L inline-5 equipped model. However, you don't lose much performance while gaining more than 2L/100km, as the TDI's city/highway ratings are 7.0/5.0L/100km.

Muscle for takeoff
As in other VW products, the 2.0L TDI develops 140 hp as well as a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque. With the DSG transmission, which bangs off quick gear changes, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI scoots to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds.

All that torque makes the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI amusing to drive, which quickly rushes up to normal driving speeds before the power band starts tapering off. The 200-hp 2.0 TSI engine is obviously the unit of choice for sporty driving, but I prefer the TDI over the base 2.5L five.

On the road, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI feels composed and offers a dynamic driving experience, despite not being a sports car. The McPherson struts up front and torsion beam at the rear do a good job of soaking up bumps while enticing you to take that curve a little faster than you normally would -- you know, just for kicks. The hydraulic power steering provides just the right amount of assist at any given speed.

Fuel economy with the DSG 6-speed automated gearbox is 7.0/5.0L/100km city/highway. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

Red dash
Comfortline and Highline versions of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI get a colour-coordinated dash surface and steering wheel trim that are obviously striking in a red-painted car; the Sportline trim gets imitation carbon fibre trim.

There's not much else to distinguish the Beetle's cabin from the rest of VW's lineup of cars. On the other hand, its layout is simple and straightforward. You get firm yet supportive seats, while climbing in back is relatively easy. As for cargo space, the trunk's volume in the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI is rated at 436 litres, bigger than in the Honda Civic Coupe, the Hyundai Elantra Coupe and even VW's own Golf hatchback.

Standard features include 16” alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated front seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth connectivity and a height-adjustable driver's seat, while USB/iPod integration and power sunroof are optional. The equipment list is shorter than some of its competitors, such as the Hyundai.

The Beetle's dash and steering wheel trim are colour-coordinated with the car's body colour. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

More masculine?
With a lower roofline and less cartoonish proportions, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI should please a greater number of dudes. However, it remains (in my humble opinion) a ladies' car.

Yet guys and girls have something to love in the Beetle TDI, fun to drive and delivering excellent fuel economy just like VW's other diesel-powered cars.

From wrc.com

Former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica's possible full-time switch to rallying would be good news for the sport according to his friend Michal Kosciuszko.

Kosciuszko is one of Poland's best rally drivers and is a friend of Kubica, a fellow native of the city of Krakow.

Kubica was badly injured in a rally crash in Italy on February 6, 2011. His right forearm was partially severed. Since then, he has not driven a Formula 1 car but has contested some regional rallyes.

Speaking to WRC.com, Kosciuszko, who finished fourth in this year's FIA Production Car World Rally Championship standings, said: "It's good to have Robert back in motorsport and most probably he's thinking about rallying now than Formula 1. Hopefully we will see him in some championships next year and I keep my fingers crossed for him because he's a very talented driver, everybody knows that."

Kosciuszko, who is hoping to continue in the World Rally Championship next season, added: "For sure having him in rallying will increase the popularity of the sport. I like him as a person and it will be good to have him back in the game."

Kubica, who won the 2008 Grand Prix du Canada with BMW Sauber will contest two more rallyes soon behind the wheel of a Citroen C4 WRC. However, his programme for 2013 remains unclear.

Citroen C4 WRC. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

Here is the full schedule of events of the maiden United States Grand Prix held this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.

Friday - November 16, 2012
08:20am   Formula One MEDICAL INSPECTION
08:30am - 08:45am  Formula One TRACK INSPECTION AND TRACK TEST
09:00am - 10:30am  Formula One FIRST PRACTICE SESSION
11:00am - 11:30am  Historic Grand Prix PRACTICE SESSION
11:30am - 12:30pm  Formula One PADDOCK CLUB PIT LANE WALK
12:30pm - 12:40pm  Formula One TRACK INSPECTION
01:00pm - 02:30pm  Formula One SECOND PRACTICE SESSION
03:00pm - 03:45pm  FERRARI CHALLENGE PRACTICE SESSION
03:00pm  PIRELLI GT3 CUP TROPHY USA WEST DRIVERS MEETING
03:00pm - 04:00pm  Formula One PRESS CONFERENCE - PRESS ROOM
04:00pm   Formula One DRIVERS' MEETING
04:15pm - 04:45pm  PIRELLI GT3 CUP TROPHY USA WEST PRACTICE SESSION
05:00pm  TRACK ACTIVITY MARSHAL PIT LANE WALK

Saturday - November 17, 2012
07:00am - 07:40am  Formula One TEAM PIT STOP PRACTICE
07:00am - 07:40am  Formula One PADDOCK CLUB PIT LANE WALK
07:45am - 08:15am  FERRARI CHALLENGE QUALIFYING SESSION
08:20am  Formula One MEDICAL INSPECTION
08:30am - 08:45am  Formula One TRACK INSPECTION AND TRACK TEST
09:00am - 10:00am  Formula One THIRD PRACTICE SESSION
10:30am - 11:00am  Historic Grand Prix QUALIFYING SESSION
11:05am - 11:40am  Formula One PADDOCK CLUB PIT LANE WALK
11:30am - 11:40am  Formula One TRACK INSPECTION
12:00pm - 01:00pm   Formula One QUALIFYING SESSION
01:30pm - 02:00pm  FERRARI CHALLENGE FIRST RACE (10 LAPS OR 25 MINS)
02:30pm - 02:50pm  PIRELLI GT3 CUP TROPHY USA WEST QUALIFYING SESSION
03:20pm - 03:55pm  Historic Grand Prix RACE (11 LAPS OR 30 MINS)

Sunday - November 18, 2012
09:30am - 10:00am  PIRELLI GT3 CUP TROPHY USA WEST RACE (10 LAPS OR 25 MINS)
10:00am  Formula One DRIVERS MEETING (IF NECESSARY)
10:30am - 11:00am  FERRARI CHALLENGE SECOND RACE (10 LAPS OR 25 MINS)
11:05am - 12:15pm   Formula One PADDOCK CLUB PIT LANE WALK
11:15am - 11:30am   Formula One MARSHALING SYSTEM TRACK TEST
11:30am  Formula One FORMULA ONE DRIVERS PARADE
11:45am - 12:15pm  Formula One STARTING GRID PRESENTATION
12:00pm  Formula One MEDICAL INSPECTION
12:10pm - 12:20pm  Formula One TRACK INSPECTION
12:30pm  Formula One PIT LANE OPEN
12:45pm  Formula One PIT LANE CLOSED GRID FORMATION
12:46pm  Formula One NATIONAL ANTHEM
01:00pm - 03:00pm  Formula One GRAND PRIX ( 56 LAPS OR 120 MINS)

TORONTO, Ontario - Auto123.com, Canada's leading automotive web portal, has announced the winners of the 4th annual Auto123.com Awards.

Auto123.com's judging panel of 10 voting journalists cumulated their scores in each of the 20 vehicle categories, including Green Vehicle of the Year.

Winners from left to right: Julie Lychak, Subaru Canada, Joe Felstein, Subaru Canada, Sandra Lemaitre, Mazda Canada, Daniel Labre, Chrysler Canada, Patrick Danielson, Hyundai Canada, Michael Minielly, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Patrick St-Pierre, Porsche Cars Canada, Thomas Tetzlaff, Volkswagen Canada, Didier Marsaud, Nissan Canada, Robert Dexter, BMW Group Canada, Laura Heasman, Honda Canada, Barbara Barrett, Jaguar Land Rover Canada, Chantel Bowen, Ford Motor Company of Canada (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Here are winners of the 2013 Auto123.com Awards:

2013 Subcompact Car of the Year: Hyundai Accent
Finalists: Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio

2013 Compact Car of the Year: Hyundai Elantra
Finalists: Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus

2013 Midsize Car of the Year: Honda Accord
Finalists: Kia Optima and Ford Fusion

2013 Full-size Car of the Year: Dodge Charger
Finalists: Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Genesis Sedan

2013 Wagon of the Year: Volkswagen Golf Wagon
Finalists: Subaru Outback and Toyota Venza

2013 Convertible of the Year: Mazda MX-5
Finalists: BMW M3 cabriolet and Porsche Boxster

2013 Compact Utility of the Year: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Finalists: Subaru XV Crosstrek and Ford Escape

2013 Midsize Utility of the Year: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Finalists: Kia Sorento and Volkswagen Touareg

2013 Full-size Utility of the Year: Ford Flex
Finalists: Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada

2013 Van of the Year: Honda Odyssey
Finalists: Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan

2013 Pickup of the Year: Ford F-150
Finalists: Honda Ridgeline and Ram 1500

2013 Sports Car of the Year: Subaru BRZ
Finalists: Ford Shelby GT500 and Scion FR-S

2013 Luxury Compact Car of the Year: Cadillac ATS
Finalists: BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60

2013 Luxury Midsize Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series
Finalists: Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2013 Luxury Large Car of the Year: Porsche Panamera
Finalists: Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2013 Luxury Compact Utility of the Year: Range Rover Evoque
Finalists: Volvo XC60 and Acura RDX

2013 Luxury Midsize Utility of the Year: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Finalists: Acura MDX and Porsche Cayenne

2013 Luxury Full-Size Utility of the Year: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Finalists: Audi Q7 and Range Rover

2013 Prestige Car of the Year: Porsche 911 Carrera
Finalists: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Audi R8

2013 Green Vehicle of the Year: Nissan LEAF
Finalists: Ford Focus Electric and Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Chrysler Canada is recalling 29,186 Jeep Liberty (2002-2003) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (2002-2004) SUVs due to a defect in the supplemental restraint system that could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner.

This could startle the driver or even cause minor injuries to occupants in some instances.

Chrysler dealers will therefore install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue.

Source: Transports Canada

Toyota Canada will conduct two voluntary recalls involving 14,816 Prius hybrid sedans from the 2004 to 2009 model years.

Due to insufficient hardness treatment, the splines that connect the steering intermediate extension shaft to the steering gearbox may deform if the steering wheel is frequently and forcefully turned to the full left or full right position while driving at slow speeds.

Toyota dealers will inspect and, in some cases, replace the steering intermediate extension shaft.

Meanwhile, 8,740 of these same Prius vehicles are also being recalled to replace the electric water pump for the hybrid system.

Basically, the electric motor installed in the water pump may stop functioning which, in limited instances, could cause the hybrid system to stop while the vehicle is being driven.

Affected owners will receive a notification letter by mail starting next month. For more information, call 1-888-869-6828.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

To no real surprise, Graham Rahal is set to be confirmed Wednesday as primary driver for his father team, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the upcoming 2013 IndyCar season.

The young Rahal, who left Chip Ganassi Racing at the end of the 2012 campaign, has been linked ever since with his father's squad.

The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons with Ganassi but his results were not what everyone had expected and a return with his father could help the young American to show what he can really do on the track.

Father and son had previously teamed up at the 2010 Indianapolis 500, where Graham finished 12th.

The team preparing Takuma Sato's car at Detroit. (Photo: Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing)

After attempting to set a Guinness record for the longest wishlist to Santa Claus, MINI now wants to break the world record for the number of people inside a MINI Cooper.

A team of 28 flexible, non-claustrophobic gym members will try to squeeze into the popular hatchback, breaking MINI's own previous record of 27 people.

As if that wasn't spectacular enough, 22 of them will try to fit inside a classic Mini just moments after the first record attempt.

Both events will take place on Thursday at Potters Fields Park in London, England.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has hinted he wants many more American races on his F1 calendar.

After a five-year absence from the country, F1 has returned to the US in 2012, this weekend christening the brand-new and bespoke Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

And Ecclestone wanted two American stops on next year's schedule, until plans for a street race amid the Manhattan skyline were put on hold for financial reasons until at least 2014.

"It's a world championship, so you need the US," the F1 chief executive is quoted by German news agency DPA. "America is about as big as Europe. So we should have the same number of races (in each)."

In 2013, seven of the 19 grands prix - Spain, Monaco, the UK, Germany, Hungary, Belgium and Italy - will be in Europe, the sport's traditional homeland.

For now, many in the F1 paddock are simply relieved that the US is back on the calendar at least with one race -- Norbert Haug pointed out this week that it is Mercedes-Benz's single biggest road car sales market.

But F1 chief executive Ecclestone acknowledged that his sport is "not very big" in America, causing the US-naturalised Mario Andretti to proclaim: "I can only say thank god for the Texans!"

"This," agreed McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh, "is a golden opportunity for the sport to finally put down roots and find a long-term home (in the US)."

After contractual and construction delays, the Circuit of the Americas is a hive of activity in the hours before the F1 paddock comes alive on Thursday.

Signs, seats and landscaping are still being finished off, circuit spokeswoman Julie Loignon admitting: "Things are very hectic, but everyone is making steady progress."

Michael Schumacher, a regular visitor to the US, is already in town, kicking off his stay by watching the NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Bild newspaper.

Before it launched, I read about Cadillac's new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system with much interest. Dotted with words like “advanced,” “sophisticated” and “cutting-edge,” the initial press releases on this new system got the gadget-loving side of my brain salivating more than Homer Simpson in a bacon factory.

All that drooling was for a good reason: Turns out, there's a lot right about how this CUE thing works.

On a recent test drive, I introduced my Android Smartphone to the CUE system in one Cadillac ATS via Bluetooth, after which point they became fast friends.

As in any other car, the pairing of phone to vehicle means drivers can handle phone calls, browse their contacts and stream music from internet radio or other apps directly into the car -- no wires required.

However, it's not the functionality itself, but rather how it all comes together at your fingertips that makes CUE so impressive.

The central screen, for instance, is made of glass -- not plastic. It feels firm, solid and substantial. It vibrates out a little “click” sensation with every button press to confirm your inputs. Slide, expand and pinch gestures are all usable in most screens. It feels intuitive and natural, and reminded me of interfacing with my Motorola Razr phone.

2013 Cadillac XTS (Photo: Cadillac)

When quickly browsing through various functions, some in-car systems lag harder than a Commodore 64 trying to play Doom 3D. With CUE, swapping between screens is seamless, smooth and instant. They're all vividly colored and animated nicely.

You feel and see the thing responding to you instantly. And, unlike Audi's MMI, Mercedes's COMMAND, or (and especially) BMW's iDrive, CUE doesn't overload you with a cluttered sub-menu of icons and fields or buttons around the border of the display. Left alone, all of that secondary stuff fades away, leaving only vital data on the display until proximity sensors detect your reaching for the screen, and display the additional stuff a half-moment before your digits hit the glass.

That's if you use your fingers on the screen at all. Buttons on the steering wheel allow for nearly full system control using only your thumbs. Manipulated thusly, a secondary full-colour screen in the instrument cluster reflects your choices, many of which are repeated in the optional head-up display.

Or, you can use your voice. And when you do, CUE doesn't require filling in the blanks in a rigid speech template. Rather, it dissects what it hears and makes a usually accurate guess before engaging the selected radio station, phone call, or navigation routing to the nearest sushi joint.

Entering an address is similarly slick. Forget individual screens or fields for “city,” “province” or “street name.” With CUE, you simply type in an address (or partial address) the way you'd see it on an envelope and it does the rest. CUE actually “thinks” and the advanced intelligence here works to take the load off the driver.

It's ultimately a smart, sexy, seamless, powerful, and truly evolved information and communications hub. This is how in-car infotainment should be. Learning curve? Sure. However, if you can operate an iPad or Nintendo Wii remote, you'll have it down in about 20 minutes.

From GMM

The Nurburgring's chances of staging the German grand prix as scheduled next year have receded yet further.

Bernie Ecclestone was already in talks with Hockenheim about replacing the mid-July event next year, while the crisis-struck Nurburgring is grappling with an insolvency process.

Still, there was a chance the Nurburging would pull through.

However, multiple German reports - including in the daily Rhein and Allgemeine newspapers - have now revealed that negotiations between the existing management and the managers of the insolvency have broken down.

A circuit spokesman confirmed to the DPA news agency that there will indeed be "no more formula one" at the Nurburgring, as talks with Bernie Ecclestone had also ended.

But Pietro Nuvolini, the spokesman for the financial recovery experts in charge of the Nurburgring situation, insisted: "If the tenants want to return to the negotiating table, our door is not closed."

Aerial view of the Nurburgring track.

Fort Lauderdale could become a new destination for the upcoming 2013 IndyCar season if everything goes according to plan following a recent meeting between the Broward County Commission and Andretti Sports Marketing.

Michael Andretti's promotion group, which already promotes the Milwaukee and Baltimore events, was in Fort Lauderdale this week along with one of the city's favorite son and 2012 IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Photo: IndyCar

Still there is a long way to go before receiving final approval but the corporate community present at this gathering showed a lot of enthusiasm and support.

Reports in the local press are speculating that the event could be held during the famous Ft Lauderdale Boat Show but ASM President John Lopes says that the race won't be held in a manner in which the event could interfere with the show.

Organisers are looking at a date between September 1st (Baltimore) and October 5th (Houston) but whatever date, if the race is to be presented in 2013, Lopes states that Christmas is the deadline to receive final approval. Beyond that, we are talking 2014.

Then the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth's kill ratio would be very low. Certainly, its arsenal of weapons tells a different story, but in the game of life, the Abarth leaves behind doubts and questions as to why it even exists.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is a fun car destined for those desiring thrills in a very compact format. Although the car's heart is in the right place, the pint-size cabin poses far too great a compromise unless the owner is single or likely enjoys short partners.


Despite looking like it might lunge for the jugular, the $23,995 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is still too cute to be taken seriously, unless Abarth means something to you and those you are trying to impress.

What is an Abarth?
Abarth (pronounced any way you please) is a race shop that was founded in 1949 by racer Carlo Abarth in Turin, Italy. Much like AMG and other highly specialized tuner shops, Abarth was eventually absorbed by the company that produced the products they enjoyed tinkering with.

Their speciality was making their cars go faster and win races. Their success engendered a slew of production cars of which the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is the first to reach our shores as a production car.

Stand-out design is dated
The Abarth is meant to be the bulldog version of the unseasonably cute Fiat 500. To many, the car's uber-Euro styling is still new and intriguing, however, the fact is that the 500 is nearing 7-model-years-old and its wrinkles are beginning to show.

In Abarth trim, the Fiat 500 gains oversize, dual chrome exhaust tips, a tasteful skirt-kit, and choice optional 17” forged hyper black alloy wheels. Altogether, they endow the 2012 Fiat 500 with much needed ‘tude, but the bottom line remains: A nun with a tattoo is still a nun.

The fact is that the 500 is nearing 7-model-years-old and its wrinkles are beginning to show. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

1 ¾ + 1 ½ interior
The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth's cabin is tight, not especially well laid out and swathed in cheapish, hard plastics. The styling is fair, but not quirky enough like a smart fortwo or semi-conventional like the Honda Fit.

The largest fault, or fail, in the 500's passenger quarters are the seats. Although the driver's is height adjustable, it is flat and provides little support. The latter two comments apply to the passenger's, however, it is not height-modifiable. My 5'6” wife's hair (poofed up, but not a la Snooki) would rub against the headliner. The backseat is very unyielding.

The second-worse aspect is the steering wheel. I love the flat bottom, but the spokes are far too wide for proper grip, much like the Ford Mustang Boss, and the column does not telescope. In order to find a better driving position, I had to pull my seat close to the wheel. In this situation, leg- and hip-room are next to nil. As I Tweeted, my gentleman bits were very relieved to see the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth go.

Other niggles include the OBD-II plug which is easily accessible and visible (draw your own conclusions). I've not seen this in nearly 15 years of criticising cars. As well, the equally visible foam by the footwell harkens to a time when a finished product meant that there were fewer than a dozen pieces left over at the end of the build...

The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth's cabin is tight, not especially well laid out and swathed in cheapish, hard plastics. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

MultiAir engine is fantastic
The principal ingredient that makes the 2012 Fiat 500 an Abarth is the turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir 4-cylinder engine. Its output of 160 hp is identical to that of the 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye which features the same engine. Torque figures vary (184 vs. 170 lb-ft for the 500), however, the Dart tips the scale at nearly 315 kg (693 lb) more than the 500.

Maximum boost is an impressive 18 psi (1.24-bar) which is well in play up to the motor's 6,500 rpm redline. The 5-speed manual gearbox is loads of fun to fiddle with, especially with the well-spaced pedals that enable heel-and-toeing.

The point here is that this diminutive powertrain makes the Abarth a serious sub-compact performance car. At wide-open throttle, and in Sport mode, the lithe car rockets forward with gusto and its roar is satisfying.

The principal ingredient that makes the 2012 Fiat 500 an Abarth is the turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Driving technique
The 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is a seriously quick car, and requires two hands on the wheel at all times. The non-existent overhangs and wheels at each extremity manage the car's speed with brilliant grip despite the front-biased 64/36 weight distribution.

The Koni-kitted sport suspension and Pirelli P-Zero Nero bite hard on turn-in and never let go. To a certain extent, the tires' adherence causes the 500 to tramline; corrections are constantly needed at speed. The electric steering is responsive, if a little heavy on occasion. Its principal fault is in the tiny car's large turning radius. The four-wheel disc brakes perform admirably.

Driving the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is an exercise is fun, but is not without a few compromises that should be seriously taken into account before the purchase.

From GMM

According to Nico Rosberg, a current formula one driver smokes cigarettes.

The conversation of smoking come up when Rosberg was recalling the last time F1 visited Texas.

The Mercedes driver's father, the inimitable 'Flying Finn' Keke Rosberg, won that 1984 race in Dallas.

"Yes," smiling Rosberg told Italy's La Stampa, "it was 40 degrees and while the other drivers wore refrigerated suits, he (Keke) was bare-chested in the sun, smoking a cigarette. He had beaten them all before it started."

The La Stampa newspaper said the behaviour of Rosberg's father almost 30 years ago would today be "unthinkable". Indeed, it was believed the last smokers in F1 were Jan Magnussen at the end of the 90s, or perhaps Mika Salo.

"About the smoking?" Rosberg wondered. "No, you're wrong -- there's one driver who lights one cigarette after another."

"I'm not naming names," he quickly added.

From GMM

The current owners are seeking EUR 40 million for the struggling backmarker HRT, according to the Spanish sports daily AS.

The newspaper also revealed that talks with potential buyers from India and Abu Dhabi are underway.

HRT, currently owned by Madrid based investment company Thesan Capital, confirmed this week that "the time has come for the team to continue growing with new financial backing".

Media reports suggested HRT was in the process of sacking 32 employees, and needed a buyer before the first days of December to avoid closure.

HRT race team. (Photo: HRT F1 Team)

AS claims that the situation inside the team has become dire, to the point that engineers are concerned that Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan are being put into grands prix at the wheel of unsafe HRT cars.

Indeed, at the most recent grands prix in Abu Dhabi and India, Karthikeyan and de la Rosa respectively retired in spectacular style with fundamental technical failures.

De la Rosa crashed due to brake failure, while Mercedes' Nico Rosberg was sent airborne when Karthikeyan slowed because his steering wheel "locked solid".

"Narain told me that his steering broke," said Rosberg, "and he needed to brake which I didn't expect in a high speed corner."

AS suggests that HRT has considered simply withdrawing from the 2012 championship, but is pushing ahead for now due to its commitment to the Concorde Agreement.

According to the report, HRT was hoping its association with Chinese reserve driver Ma Qing Hua would bear fruit.

Chief executive Saul Ruiz de Marcos reportedly wrote a letter to China's motor racing federation, saying Ma would make his F1 debut in 2013 if he could bring EUR 30 million in backing.

First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester Prototype

A little more SUV.

The Subaru Forester was among the leading wave of compact crossovers in the late 1990s, but it was hardly the definition of the segment. As the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V wrote the rules that would be followed by every major mainstream automaker for the coming decades, the Forester marched to its own wagon-like beat. Riding on the Impreza platform, the original Forester resembled a car more than an SUV.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester Prototype

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2014 Subaru Forester Prototype

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Toyota agreed on Tuesday to pay $25.5 million to settle a shareholder class action lawsuit in federal court accusing the company of not disclosing safety and quality issues related to recalls and reports of unintended vehicle acceleration in 2010.

What is it?

Ford is planning a seven-passenger vehicle aimed at young families that features sliding doors and enough interior space to hold some 465 soccer balls. But don't call it a minivan.