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From GMM

Scuderia Ferrari is still pushing hard to give Fernando Alonso a title-winning Ferrari for the final back-to-back head-to-head with Sebastian Vettel.

With Red Bull and Vettel's qualifying problems allowing Alonso to claw back 3 points in Abu Dhabi, the Spaniard is still 10 points adrift with just Austin and Brazil to go.

And with the red F2012 still not a match for the Adrian Newey-penned RB8, Alonso said after finishing second in Abu Dhabi: "We need to keep working and in Maranello they work day and night to bring new parts."

Indeed, the Spanish sports daily Marca reports that, following two similar straightline aerodynamic outings recently, Ferrari has been back in action at the Idiada facility in Spain.

At the wheel of the car was Frenchman Jules Bianchi, who as well as being Force India's test driver is also in Ferrari's development 'academy'.

The two Ferrari in Korea. (Photo: WRi2)

Marca said Bianchi was testing a new rear wing and diffuser, while other Spanish reports said the F2012 featured even more new parts than that.

"With Fernando, you don't have to give him the best car," Marc Gene, another Ferrari test driver, told El Confidencial.

"You just have to give him one with which he can fight the best car, and he will do the rest.

"The team is working hard to give him the best car possible."

After selling over 1,300 copies of its new Aventador coupe since last summer, Lamborghini is finally introducing the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster.

Featuring an ultra-lightweight, two-piece retractable roof made entirely from carbon fibre, the car is available in several body colours including ''Azzuro Thetis,'' a very light, metallic blue colour whose tone varies with the angle of the light. It recalls the shade of the 1968 Miura Roadster.

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster also sports new Dione 20”/21” rims with an aggressive look, not to mention a 700-horsepower 6.5L V12 engine that delivers 0-100km/h acceleration in 3 seconds flat. Now that will make a mess out of your hair!

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster can be ordered at any Lamborghini dealer across the globe for the price of €300,000, excluding taxes, which is roughly $400,000. Get your lottery tickets ASAP!

Photo: Lamborghini

Porsche has just announced the world premiere of a compact sports car for the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new model, which many industry insiders believe is the future Cayman, is scheduled to debut at 12:05 pm on November 28th at the Porsche stand inside the Petree Hall.

The L.A. show will also mark the American premiere of the 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4, expected to arrive in Canada early next year.

The U.S. is the world's largest Porsche market, and these two additions could give the manufacturer a significant boost.

According to a survey by Goodyear, North American drivers may not be well prepared for the upcoming winter -- even though most think they are.

While over 75 % admit that winter tires make a real difference on the road, 58% of drivers in cold-weather regions choose to make do without them.

The survey also reveals that 23% of drivers wait until the first storm to put on winter tires instead of doing it ahead of time. Even more shocking, one out of four is unaware of the importance of putting winter tires on all four wheels!

Quebec has seen a 5% reduction in the number of crash victims since making winter tires mandatory in 2008.

In addition to relying on a good set of winter tires, Goodyear recommends all drivers to regularly check their tire pressure, clear all snow from their vehicle, and reduce their speed on the road.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

From HRT

The current owners of HRT Formula 1 Team, Thesan Capital II S.a.r.l., would like to confirm that they are currently in talks with a number of groups interested in buying the team.

HRT Formula 1 Team's current management hopes to conclude the sale in the upcoming weeks and, with it, enable the team to continue progressing and become a reference in modern-day Formula 1 after the important achievements already accomplished in this 2012 season.

HRT Formula 1 Team hopes to communicate the name of its new owner in the upcoming weeks.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

According to the HRT Formula 1 Team management, "we believe the moment to let new investors come through for HRT Formula 1 Team has arrived. We're very proud of the work done by the entire team and of the excellent sporting evolution achieved but the time has come for the team to continue growing with new financial backing. We're convinced that the sporting potential of the team is huge and that the presence of new investors can give it a big boost”.

HRT was originally created for the 2010 season by ex-Formula 1 driver Adrian Campos to enter as Campos Meta. But it changed owners before the start of the season and became Hispania Racing Team, and it was sold again to be renamed HRT.

Our 4th annual Awards party is only a few days away.

Last week, we tabulated the votes entered by our panel of 10 journalists from across Canada and came up with the following list of finalists detailed in alphabetical order.

On Wednesday, at noon, the winners will be unveiled. Can you guess who will win?


SUBCOMPACT CAR
Ford Fiesta Hatchback / Sedan
Hyundai Accent Hatchback / Sedan
Kia Rio / Rio 5-door

COMPACT CAR
Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Focus Hatchback / Sedan / Electric
Hyundai Elantra Sedan / GT / Coupe

MIDSIZE CAR
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord Coupe / Sedan
Kia Optima

FULL-SIZE CAR
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Hyundai Genesis Sedan

WAGON
Subaru Outback
Toyota Venza
Volkswagen Golf Wagon

CONVERTIBLE
BMW M3 Cabriolet
Mazda MX-5
Porsche Boxster

COMPACT UTILITY
Ford Escape
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Subaru XV Crosstrek

MIDSIZE UTILITY
Jeep Grand Cherokee / SRT8
Kia Sorento
Volkswagen Touareg

FULL-SIZE UTILITY
Ford Flex
Nissan Armada
Toyota Sequoia

VAN
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey

PICKUP
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Ram 1500

SPORTS CAR
Ford Shelby GT500
Scion FR-S
Subaru BRZ

LUXURY COMPACT CAR
BMW 3 Series Sedan
Cadillac ATS
Volvo S60

LUXURY MIDSIZE CAR
BMW 5 Series
Lexus GS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe / Sedan / Wagon

LUXURY LARGE CAR
Audi A8
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Porsche Panamera

LUXURY COMPACT UTILITY
Acura RDX
Range Rover Evoque
Volvo XC60

LUXURY MIDSIZE UTILITY
Acura MDX
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Porsche Cayenne

LUXURY LARGE UTILITY
Audi Q7
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Cadillac Escalade

PRESTIGE
Audi R8 Coupe / Spyder
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG / Roadster
Porsche 911 Carrera

GREEN VEHICLE
Ford Focus Electric
Nissan LEAF
Volkswagen Jetta TDI

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has turned his newly-famous grand prix-winning catchphrase into a t-shirt for the entire staff of the Lotus team.

The inimitable 'iceman' thrilled his fans with his radio banter - broadcast live on television - en route to the first win of his F1 comeback recently in Abu Dhabi.

And, to mark the Enstone based team's first win since its works Renault days, Raikkonen memorialised his most famous Abu Dhabi uttering - 'Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing' - on the front of t-shirts for the entire Lotus staff.

Photo: Twitter

The 500 t-shirts arrived at Enstone last Friday, according to the BBC.

The 2007 world champion said this week: "I think you can probably find other messages from me in the car if you search Youtube; even from my short time in Nascar."

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier added: "'Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing' has already become a formula one classic!"

The 2012 BMW 328i Sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine, good for 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the optional 8-speed automatic, the 328i delivered an average of just 6.8L/100km over the course of the test.

The 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S punches out a glorious 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo 4.8L V8. It can reach 100 km/h under 4 seconds thanks, in part, to the traction provided by its all-wheel drive system. I averaged 13L/100km, which is pretty good for such a supercar.

Photo: Sébatien D'Amour

Almost as remarkable was the 14L/100km fuel consumption average obtained in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, which boasts a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 that generates 518 hp and 516 lb-ft.

Last year, I drove a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC, which is equipped with a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 that developed 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. In my hands, it averaged just 7.9L/100km.

During a recent test of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, I averaged 7.2L/100km compliments of its 2.0L turbodiesel four that churns out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft.

Matt's test of the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, a 380-hp sedan motivated by a supercharged 3.0L V6 and an electric motor, was highlighted by his impressive result of 8.5L/100km.

Even in our recent review of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which is powered by a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 good for 188 hp and 325 lb-ft, we reported an average of 13L/100km, a non-negligible result for companies and fleets.

Without an abusive amount of eco-driving or cruising on the highway at only 60 km/h, these German vehicles delivered great fuel economy. With the help of start/stop systems, alternator decoupling and many other energy-saving techniques, in addition to good old low-rpm torque, it is possible to match or come close to NRCan's published fuel economy ratings.

Yet none of these vehicles sacrifice a great deal of performance or require a change in driving habits to achieve these numbers. That is what's most impressive.

McLaren Formula 1 team and ART Grand Prix boss Frederic Vasseur have decided to join forces to compete in the new FIA Formula E electric car championship due to begin in 2014.

Formula E will be an FIA-sanctioned championship, with the commercial rights licensed to a Hong Kong-based consortium, which aims to hold races for electric single seaters in the heart of at least 10 cities around the world.

McLaren will provide the electric engine, the transmission and the electronic components of the new car.

Formulec EF01 (Photo: Formulec)

The new company is called Spark Racing Technology and will be responsible to producing the car itself.

"I'm a passionate believer in the role that motorsport can play in showcasing and spearheading the development of future technologies, and regard the Formula E concept as an exciting innovation for global motorsport,"said Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren F1 boss in a press release.

"McLaren has worked with Frederic Vasseur for many years, and our association has been very successful," added the Briton.

Vasseur was the director of the ASM Formula 3 team when McLaren F1 champion Lewis Hamilton raced in the F3 Euroseries.

McLaren Electronic Systems -- a company of the McLaren Group -- is the world leader in rugged, high-performance control and data systems for motorsport. From 2012, it will provide control electronics to Formula 1, NASCAR and IZOD IndyCar race series.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech could stay at the helm of Europe's largest carmaker beyond the term he was granted earlier this year, he told a German paper.

Volkswagen patriarch Ferdinand Piech said he may stay on as VW chairman beyond his current term and he sees room for the automaker to expand further.

To win over China's affluent consumers and help establish Cadillac as a bonafide global luxury brand alongside BMW, Mercedes and Audi, GM is tweaking the venerable marque's styling.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its annual list of the best-fitting booster seats for children from 4 to 8 years old.

As it turns out, 15 of the 17 new models for 2012 earn the top rating. Overall, there are 47 ''Best Bets'' among the 91 boosters rated, along with five ''Good Bets''. Two models from Safety 1st -- the All-in-One and Alpha Omega Elite -- are "Not Recommended."

The IIHS test is based on fit to a dummy that represents an average sized 6-year-old child. Criteria include support behind the child's head and the ability to correctly position the vehicle's seat belt, among others.

See the full list at iihs.org

Photo: Graco

Adapted from Grand-Am.com

Grand-Am driver Memo Rojas Jr. experienced one of the most meaningful moments of his motorsport career Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, celebrating the career of Ricardo Rodríguez.

Ricardo Rodríguez was a promising young Mexican driver who killed himself while testing ahead of an unofficial Mexican F1 race, at the age of 20. His brother Pedro also race in F1 and he too killed himself at the wheel.

The pair also raced together in endurance, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The track where the Mexican F1 Grand Prix was held until 1992 now bears their name in their honour.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Rodríguez's death, Rojas completed laps of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez aboard a Formula Junior Cooper T56 raced by the departed talent himself.

"Each lap, each turn, I kept thinking what Ricardo Rodríguez would've been thinking while driving this car," Rojas said.

"This has been an awesome experience and one of the best in my career."

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën) took over the lead of the rally of Spain from former leader Mads Ostberg (Ford), who had a very difficult second day of competition on Saturday.

Ostberg was leading Friday to a good starting position terrible weather. But the young Norwegian driver dropped down the order on Saturday.

First, he went off the road, then had a contact with the barrier on ES8, and eventually dropped in pace over the remaining stages, to conclude the day in 5th position, 1.30 minutes behind Loeb.

Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford) inherited second position and was the last threat for Loeb. The Finn however, who was 27 seconds behind the Frenchman on Saturday evening, admitted himself he didn't expect to to catch the nine-time world champion on Sunday.

Latvala leads his fellow countryman Mirko Hirvonen (Citroën), while Ott Tanak moves up to 4th position ahead of the third and final day of rally of Spain.

Classification after day 2:
1. Loeb-Elena (Citroen DS3 Wrc) in 3.16'14”1
2. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 27”0
3. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'14”1
4. Tanak-Sikk (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'28”8

5. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'31”4
6. Weijs-Degandt (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 9'02”9
7. Breen-Nagle (Ford Fiesta S2000) + 12'26”2

8. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 13'25”1
9. Nikara-Kalliolepo (Mini Cooper Wrc) + 13'39"2

10. Andersson-Axelsson (Proton Satria Neo S2000) + 15'45"5
Etc.

If you're looking for an easy way to save on fuel without compromising performance or changing your driving habits, choose diesel. Today's turbodiesel engines provide plenty of low-end torque and excellent fuel economy.

The problem is that diesels have still not caught on quickly enough in the US and Canada, as the perception of being an environmentally friendly manufacturer is to develop and sell hybrid, electric and fuel-cell vehicles.


Volkswagen is relying on the same strategy that has served them well for decades by continuing its diesel product onslaught. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI is one of them, and is the only mainstream midsize diesel sedan you can buy right now.

With a very comfortable ride, lots of interior space and a now-competitive price, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a worthy rival for the Honda Accord, the Ford Fusion, the Nissan Altima and the Toyota Camry. Plus, the TDI engine is a bonus for those who want great fuel economy without the extra effort.

Got guts
Although the Passat's 2.0L turbodiesel 4-cylinder develops 140 hp, a modest amount for a big car, torque is what gets it moving along swiftly. Its 236 lb-ft of torque, more than any other gasoline 4-cylinder rival, peaks at only 1,750 rpm.

Mated to VW's DSG 6-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Trendline+ is generally a smooth operator, if you excuse the occasional jerky gear swap. The engine is quiet and refined for a diesel, especially a 4-cylinder diesel.

With the automatic, fuel consumption in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI is rated at 6.9L/100km around town and 4.9 on the highway. In our hands, the oil-burning Passat averaged 7.2L/100km: a very good result. A similar number can be achieved with hybrid rivals such as the Ford Fusion, the Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima, but only if you become a serious eco-driver, which the Passat doesn't require.

Driver involvement hasn't been forgotten in the new Passat, despite it being toned down a little to please a wider audience. True, quite a few midsize sedan shoppers aren't interested in a fun-to-drive car; still, the Passat boasts precise and communicative steering, while its suspension is well controlled with unnecessary body roll. You'll surprise yourself driving faster than planned in the Passat TDI.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI gets a turbodiesel 2.0L engine, good for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.(Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

More drivers wanted
The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Trendline+ gains interior space, especially front and rear legroom and shoulder room, thanks to the increased wheelbase and extra width.

However, during the extreme makeover, the Passat lost a little distinction in favour of a more conventional exterior design. In the midsize sedan segment, most people seem to appreciate vanilla, so vanilla it is. Still, the VW is elegant, and starts to look hotter once you step up to fancier trim levels which add some chrome trim and sportier looking alloys.

Our Trendline+ tester, with its plain-Jane 16” alloy wheels and burgundy paint, seems dressed for an older, more conservative crowd. Park it beside a 2013 Ford Fusion, and it looks 10 years older.

The VW is elegant, and starts to look hotter once you step up to fancier trim levels which add some chrome trim and sportier looking alloys. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

More room for everyone
Inside, the 2012 VW Passat sports a serious, classy, well-finished cockpit that managed to escape VW's cost-cutting team unlike the Jetta. The car also boasts a good driving position, comfortable seats, good all-around outward visibility and, as I previously mentioned, more space than before.

At 450 litres, the Passat's trunk is huge and deep -- so deep, in fact, that objects will require you climbing in to fetch them.

You also get the basic necessities in the Trendline+ trim, such as dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, heated front seats, alloy wheels, a 6-speaker stereo, and keyless entry. With the TDI engine, fog lamps and lower-body chrome trim are also included on the 2012 VW Passat.

The Passat's interior is nicely finished and elegant. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Worth the extra cost?
Equipped with the automatic transmission, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI Trendline+ costs $27,475, or $1,200 more than its gas-powered equivalent, which includes a 170-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder. It'll take roughly two years to recover the extra investment if you drive 20,000 km a year. If you're a sales rep who works on the road, you'll likely start saving before the first year of ownership passes.

Less frequent fill-ups are nice. If you've never tanked up a diesel vehicle in your life, know that the fuel itself is oily, smelly and foamier than gasoline; diesel service station pumps are usually filthy and often surrounded by puddles caused by tank overfill spills. Bring gloves and don't step in diesel fuel, or your work buddies will ask if you changed your cologne while pinching their noses.

Prodrive WRC Team drivers Dani Sordo and Jarkko Nikara proved the team's MINI John Cooper Works WRC can match any car on the world rally stage by posting impressive times during day two of the Rally Spain.

Sordo posted two fastest times in three stages Saturday afternoon, his progress dampened only by a faulty injector.

"We have gone through the whole range of emotions today," said Prodrive boss Dave Wilcock.

The MINI John Cooper Works WRC in action at Rally Spain (Photo: Prodrive official)

"First we were on a high when it looked as though Dani would be second quickest on the opening stage, followed by the low of hearing the car firing on three cylinders and being unable to do anything about it until service."

After service, with the problem fixed, Sordo resumed showcasing the potential of the MINI WRC.

"I was really motivated to drive fast and show what the MINI can do," the Spaniard said. "There is still more to come from the engine and I know the guys are working on this now in Banbury.

"I will be looking to win the powerstage (Sunday)."

Joey Logano is driving like no lame duck at Joe Gibbs Racing. Virtually untouchable he won the pole and led 168-laps of the scheduled -200 lapper of the Nationwide Series race at Phoenix. Then he held off the charge of his new and temporary teammate, Brian Vickers in a green-white-checkered shoot-out which ended on lap 204.

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.'s  reprise of his 2011 Series championship became more of a reality when his closest challenger, Elliott Sadler wrecked on lap 198 causing a green white checkered finish.   

Elliott Sadler's wrecked No. 2 OneMain Financial Chevrolet (Photo: Tyler Barrick/Getty Images)

"I did it to myself. I put my team in a hole, qualifying like we did," Sadler said. "We tried to work on this car as much as we could, and I just got a little loose there and got into (Whitt). It was 100 percent my fault.

"I should have done a better job for these guys and I just apologize to them for putting them in this position heading into Homestead. We don't have a dog in the fight, but I definitely dug ourselves a hole."

Sadler and Stenhouse started the race tied in the Nationwide standings. Now Stenhouse has to finish merely 16th or better to clinch his second series title before he moves up to Sprint Cup full time next year.

Sadler had crashed in qualifying on Saturday and had to start in the back of the field in his back up Chevrolet.

Although Logano will be leaving JGR for Penske Racing next year, he equaled his previous career total of nine races, winning his ninth Nationwide series event this year for a total of 18 career wins.

Joey Logano in Victory Lane (Photo: Brian Czobat/Autostock)

Talking about Vickers and Stenhouse Logano said "they didn't make it easy on me. Yeah, I had plenty of worries about him (Brian Vickers) and the 6 (Stenhouse).

"I knew I could beat him on the restarts -- I knew how to beat him -- and then when Brian got up there it was a whole new ballgame for me and I had to kind of change up what I was doing.

"And he figured out what I was doing, so I had to change it up a little bit in the last few circuits -- tried to make sure I got the nose ahead into (turn) one until I had position on him going in and tried to clear him from there."

Stenhouse, who finished third, said “we worked really hard.  Mike (Kelley his crew chief) made some good calls - changing four there, staying out and leading a lap - all the guys on the Valvoline NextGen Mustang worked really, really hard and that's what it's all about.  We've still got some racing to do.  We've got one more race left."

Although he has a large lead in the defense of his title Stenhouse is still a little cautious. "That makes us feel good, but we've given up 20 points in one race, so it's not over till it's over," he said.

From Ferrari

Friday November 9th, the Vallelunga circuit provided the backdrop to a prize drive organised by the Ferrari Driver Academy, which saw Spain's Daniel Juncadella, winner of the Formula 3 European Series and the new FIA European Formula 3 Championship get behind the wheel of an F60, Ferrari Formula 1 car.

Also slipping into the cockpit were Riccardo Agostini and Eddie Cheever Jnr, who finished first and second in the Italian Formula 3 Championship. This prize has been given out since 2008 by the Ferrari Driver Academy, along with the ACI -CSAI, working together to evaluate young talent in Italian motorsport.

Juncadella was the first on track this morning, doing five runs as planned. The 21 year old from Barcelona took both titles after a tight year long battle with his Prema Power team-mate Raffaele Marciello, also a Ferrari Driver Academy student.

Next up was Eddie Cheever Jnr, born in '93 and the son of former long term Formula 1 and Indy Racing League racer Eddie Cheever, while in the afternoon it was Italy's Riccardo Agostini who tackled the Roman track.

“This was a really interesting day that confirms the worth of this initiative,” commented Luca Badisserri, head of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

“I hope this programme will continue for many years.”

First Drive: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP

Much has changed at Mini since we last saw the John Cooper Works GP, the hardest-core, racing-oriented version of the basic hatchback.

Much has changed at Mini since we last saw the John Cooper Works GP, the hardest-core, racing-oriented version of the basic hatchback. Back then, the brand still subsisted on its basic two-door models. Now, the brand offers crossovers, coupes, and lots of odd stuff in between. As we pull into the Circuito Mallorca RennArena (yes, there's a racetrack on Mallorca), it's easy to forget all those less-than-pure models: we're about to drive the new GP, the ultimate distillation of the Mini brand's motoring mission.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP - Automobile Magazine

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