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Pictures 2 Nov, 2012

News 2 Nov, 2012

Our spy photographers have spotted the new five-door version of the MINI hatchback testing

You would never know it but the new Jaguar Sportbrake estate was a bodystyle never planned when Tata Motors' luxury car unit originally launched the XF.

Tata Motors-owned Jaguar's new F-TYPE two-seater sports car due for launch next spring could be the key to unlocking the brand's return to motorsport.

News 8 Nov, 2012

Tesla is setting its sights on Ferrari with its all-new Roadster, which is due to arrive in 2017

Continental sees rapid growth in the development of advanced driver safety systems as automakers prepare for the introduction of new Euro NCAP tests covering anti-collision measures for vehicles and pedestrians from 2014.

News 6 Nov, 2012

Auto Express study shows only a sixth of new cars get a full spare wheel

French new-car registrations fell 7.8 percent in October, contributing to a ten-month drop of 13.3 percent, the CCFA industry association said on Friday in a statement.

News 8 Nov, 2012

Buyers will be able to choose between five and seven-seater versions of the next Range Rover Sport

News 8 Nov, 2012

Land Rover is expanding its Evoque range, with a cabriolet version and nine-speed auto on way

Hurricane Sandy was a perfect storm: perfectly timed and perfectly positioned to wipe out the last few selling days in October in a large part of the Eastern US.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

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

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.