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Toyota couldn't have picked a better time to make a comeback on the sports car scene. True, they needed a little help from their friends, and we've been hearing about the development of this car for about four years now but, oh man, the wait was worth it.


We're not talking about some spruced-up, Yaris econohatch or a Corolla with a rear spoiler and side skirts: The 2013 Scion FR-S is the real deal, and so is its near-identical twin, the 2013 Subaru BRZ. While the differences between the FR-S and the BRZ are minimal, both are pure sports cars and won't disappoint those seeking a fun, affordable weekend track toy that also doubles as a great daily driver.

In fact, the Scion FR-S' only true shortcoming is that it's a Scion.

The more I drive it, the more I like it
A collaborative effort between Toyota and Subaru might have been a doubtful one a couple of years ago, but the result is flabbergasting. Subie provided the car's mechanicals, and Toyota penned the car's shape and cockpit.

Under the hood lays a 2.0L flat-four BOXER engine that develops 200 raucous horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may seem modest in the realm of 283-hp minivans, the Scion's curb weight of 2,578 lbs (or 1,251 kg) doesn't require a massive dose of power to get skeddadling.

And here's one thing you should understand: You don't need tons of horsepower to make a car fun. Straight-line speed isn't the only criteria for evaluating a sports car. In the Scion's case, our tester scooted to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. That's not a blistering pace, but it's not slow, either.

On the other hand, the 6-speed manual's shifter borders on magnificence, with short, stiff-but-clean throws and a mechanical feel that makes you wanna row through the gears all day long.

At 100 km/h, engine revs stand at 2,750 rpm, which isn't bad considering the nature of the beast. Overall, my fuel economy averaged 8.0L/100km over the course of the test week, which is very good despite what I put it through. Oh, the FR-S requires super unleaded.

The 2013 Scion FR-S, like its Subaru BRZ near-twin, gets a 2.0L flat-four engine that develops 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Track star
As we observed, by pitting the FR-S and the BRZ against each other on a closed course among other rivals during our compact sports coupe comparison test, the Scion is the better track car of the two. Suspension calibrations make the FR-S a little stiffer than the BRZ, and it shows; around the track, the car's tires squeal less than the Subie's and the Scion is generally more at ease.

Best of all, the FR-S clings reassuringly to the tarmac. Since it's not overly powerful, the beginner race-car driver will only get into trouble if he or she pushes the little coupe over its limits. And its limits are pretty high, even for a rear-wheel driver. In addition, the stability control system's track mode allows for some drifting action, but still acts as an effective safety net. In short, the 2013 Scion FR-S is brilliant on a track.

On the road, the ride is a little less comfy than the Subaru's, but remains more than tolerable. You sit low to the ground, and the car's ultra-low centre of gravity results in virtually no body roll when you tackle some twisty country roads -- which you'll want to do pretty frequently.

The FR-S is a brilliant track car, and its power output won't get the beginner racer into trouble. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Basic and effective cockpit
The FR-S wasn't designed to pamper its occupants, but they do benefit from a simple, effective and straightforward appearance and layout.

The back-hugging sport seats are fantastic. Although shorter drivers complained about sinking in the seat while driving, my 5"9' carcass fit just fine, and the driving position in this car is perfect. Rear-seat space, if you must ask, is bearable for kids if the front chairs are slid forward. As for adults, well, maybe they should take their own cars.

The cockpit is simple yet effective, and includes back-hugging seats. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Very affordable
For only $25,990, you get one mighty fine sports car. It's actually $1,300 cheaper than the BRZ, although you sacrifice a navigation system, LED driving lights and a few other minor details. Competition includes the Mazda MX-5, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T and the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, among others.

Here's the thing: The FR-S is the Toyota I desire most, at least since the original MR2. However, in North America, the marketing team has convinced the company to sell the car as a Scion, and that's quite a blunder. A lot of people don't even know what a Scion is to start with. They should've called it the Toyota FT86 in every global market instead of diluting the car's image.

The Scion FR-S is a steal at a base price of $25,990. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The BRZ offers more standard and optional equipment. And for now at least, Scion doesn't list any accessories to customize the FR-S. Its sexy body doesn't really need any cosmetic add-ons, but a rear spoiler would do nice; but, sorry, you can't have one.

Regardless, I'd still buy an FR-S because Toyota and Subaru nailed it. In short, this car is nothing short of amazing.

Imre Molnar, the longtime academic chief at the prestigious College for Creative Studies in Detroit, died Dec.

Opel, the unprofitable European unit of GM, is planning to cut production by more than 10 percent in 2013 in light of the weak European car market, a German magazine reported on Sunday.

Opel, the unprofitable European unit of GM, is planning to cut production by more than 10 percent in 2013 in light of the weak European car market, a German magazine reported on Sunday.

Ford Motor Co.'s namesake brand will top 2 million vehicles in U.S. sales this year and its Focus compact car was the top-selling model line worldwide through September, the automaker said.

Bernie Ecclestone has stated the obvious, admitting he would step down of his executive role in Formula One, if German authorities put him in jail.

Ecclestone is still taking a lot of heat for the multi-million dollar "commission" payment he made to German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky when F1 was sold to CVC Capital Partners in 2006.

Recently, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo took a swing at Ecclestone, suggesting the F1 supremo would, or should, fold before hurting the sport's reputation.

"If Bernie is accused under process I think he will be the first to give a step back in the interests of Formula 1," the Italian is quoted saying by Sky Sports.

"This could be bad for F1."

82-year-old Ecclestone shrugged off the attack, saying it's "obvious" that CVC would drop him if he has to go to jail.

"CVC will probably be forced to get rid of me if the Germans come after me. It's pretty obvious, if I'm locked up," he told The Telegraph.

Now that Lincoln is the sole remaining luxury brand within the Ford Motor Company, it's now time to give it back some sort of identity. The product line-up has been aging and sales have been falling for the last few years, so rejuvenation is in order.


The first steps Ford is taking involve hiring a new designer. Max Wolff has become the director of design for the Lincoln brand; he previously worked for General Motors and helped skin the new 2013 Cadillac XTS. Ford also opened a creative agency in New York dedicated to revitalizing the brand image of Lincoln.

Until fresh products roll off the assembly lines, such as the 2013 Lincoln MKZ midsize sedan later this year, the MKS and MKT benefit from some cosmetic tweaks as well as some mechanical and technological updates.

EcoBoost only
The 2013 Lincoln MKT crossover, now entering its fourth year of production, will offer only one powertrain choice in Canada. The base 3.7L V6 is dropped, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is standard; it gets a 10-hp increase, now developing 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and all-wheel drive manage the muscle.

The MKT is very quick for a 5,000-lb truck. The twin-turbo V6 serves up plenty of low-rpm torque, and it's quite amusing to witness such a big vehicle climb up to speed so rapidly.

When a country road curve comes up, however, you must not forget that it's a 5,000-lb truck. Actually, it handles pretty well for a six-passenger crossover, thanks in part to its low stance and competent chassis.

The 2013 Lincoln MKT is now offered in Canada with one engine, the 3.5L EcoBoost V5, good for 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

Other mechanical highlights
A new, electronically adjustable suspension is part of what the brand calls Lincoln Drive Control. The driver can choose between three drive modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Unfortunately, you must dig through the trip computer menus to configure it; not very practical while driving. On the other hand, you can configure separate settings for when the shift lever is in 'D' or in 'S'.

We tried all three settings during our short drive, and didn't notice any difference. We'll have to further investigate during a full road test this summer.

Like the 2013 Lincoln MKS, the MKT gets a quicker steering assist ratio and a switch over to an electric power assist instead of the old hydraulic system. The result makes the vehicle more pleasing to drive, giving a sportier edge to it. In addition, the brake discs, front and rear, are larger in diameter.

A new, electronically adjustable suspension is part of what the brand calls Lincoln Drive Control. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

New styling
On the outside, the MKT receives a mild facelift and now boasts Lincoln's new corporate face. The grille design is inspired by the spread wings of an eagle, and the lower bumper portion has also been reworked. Besides new alloy wheels, everything else is pretty much carried over, so distinguishing a 2013 model from the older editions is not that obvious.

Inside the MKT, you'll notice a new multifunction steering wheel, a new instrument panel, new door panel switchgear and a new centre console that houses those finger-swipe volume and fan speed controls found in the MKX (and the 2013 MKS). What was ever wrong with good ol' rotary dials?

MyLincoln Touch is now standard, and it's the revised version that Ford states is more intuitive to use. We didn't really have time to fiddle around with it.

Inside the MKT, you'll notice a new multifunction steering wheel, a new instrument panel and a new centre console that houses those finger-swipe volume and fan speed controls. (Photo: Lincoln)

Lots of features
Standard features on the 2013 Lincoln MKT include, among other things, a power liftgate, rear A/C and heated second-row seats, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, SYNC, a rearview camera, adaptive HID headlights and 19" alloy wheels.

Base price is $50,550 before taxes, freight and delivery charges; that's $3,100 less than the 2012 MKT EcoBoost, and only $400 more than the previous base model.

For an extra $6,000, the Elite package adds a power-folding third-row bench, ventilated second-row seats, touchscreen navigation, a 700-watt THX II sound system, a blind-spot monitor, a heated steering wheel, Active Park Assist, adaptive cruise control and a new lane-keeping assist system with driver drowsiness detection.

Now priced at $50,550, the 2013 MKT costs $3,100 less than its 2012 equivalent. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers)

Other options include second-row inflatable seat belts, 20" alloys, a power panoramic sunroof, a second-row refrigerated console and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Should current MKT owners flock to Lincoln showrooms and trade in? Not really. Yes, many improvements were made to the 2013 model, but like the MKS, the MKT is currently in a transition period between the old and the new Lincoln. In the first four months of 2012, its sales have dropped by 22% over the previous year; we'll see if the improved steering feel, added features and lower price of the 2013 MKT can turn things around.

Aucra MDX

Buick Enclave

Infiniti JX

Toyota Motor Corp. has decided to pay more than $1 billion US to settle numerous lawsuits and claims resulting from acceleration problems in its vehicles. Two recalls were issued in 2009 and 2010, but it was too little, too late by the automaker, which now faces a record $17.35 million US fine.

Part of the money will serve to compensate current and former owners of affected Toyota models, many of whom had to sell their vehicles at a loss. Another $325 million US will be used to install an emergency braking system in these vehicles.

Despite the settlement (pending court approval), Toyota insists that its electronics are safe as evidenced by scientific data and independent inspections.

Over 12 million Toyota vehicles across the globe have been hit with a recall due to sticky gas pedals that led to dozens of reported incidents and even a fatality.

Source: CBC News

From Grand-Am.com

Scottish and British drivers are among the favourites to sweep all three classes at the Jan. 26-27 Rolex 24 At Daytona, opening round of the 2013 Grand-Am season.

Ryan Dalziel, Dario Franchitti and Allan McNish are among the favourites in the lead Daytona Prototype class. Robin Liddell is a top contender to take honours in the production-based GT category, while Marino Franchitti looks to score the inaugural victory in the new GX class.

Dalziel and Dario Franchitti are both former winners of the classic at Daytona International Speedway. Dalziel - who won in 2010 - looks to help McNish to his first overall triumph when the pair co-drive the No. 2 Starworks Motorsport Ford/Riley with Alex Popow and Sebastien Bourdais.

Coatbridge native Dalziel won the pole for the 2012 Daytona classic and went on to finish second in the DP championship. He went on to have a breakthrough campaign, winning his class in the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans, in addition to winning the FIA World Endurance Championship for Starworks.

Dario Franchitti won with Target/TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates in 2007. The native of Edinburgh and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner returns to the No. 02 BMW/Riley, where he will be joined by English driver Charlie Kimball of Chertsey - making his Rolex 24 debut - plus Scott Dixon and Jamie McMurray.

Photo: Michael Shank Racing

Liddell, a native of Edinburgh now living in Berkshire, returns to the lineup of the No. 57 Stevenson Auto Group Chevrolet Camaro. He was the GT winner of the 2004 Rolex 24, and has won 18 races in Rolex Series GT competition.

Marino Franchitti - younger brother of the four-time IndyCar champion - rejoins SpeedSource in the No. 70 Mazda. He will co-drive with Sylvain Tremblay and Jonathan Bomarito, looking to give the South Florida team its third Rolex 24 victory.

Spirit of Daytona will have two British drivers in the No. 90 Corvette DP, with three-time 2012 winner Richard Westbrook joined by Oliver Gavin of Northamptonshire. Ricky Taylor and Spanish driver Antonio Garcia complete the lineup.

Defending Rolex 24 overall winner Justin Wilson of Sheffield is expected to return to the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Ford/Riley, joined by Ozz Negri and John Pew.

Other drivers competing in the GT class include 2012 Porsche Cup winner Nick Tandy of Bedford, England, in the No. 26 Orbit Racing Porsche GT3, and Damien Faulkner of Dublin, Ireland, who will drive the No. 23 WeatherTech Porsche GT3 for Alex Job Racing.

The Associated Press confirmed the death of former IndyCar racer David Walther, who passed away Thursday, at the age of 65.

Walther's nickname "Salt" came to him from his years of racing hydroplane. On top of his career racing on the sea, "Salt" totalled 64 starts in IndyCar, as well as four NASCAR races.

He even appeared in an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard.

Unfortunately, it was his horror crash at the start of the 1973 Indy 500 that made him (in)famous.



"Salt" did manage a return to racing afterwards, despite a painkillers addiction, even recording his best Indy result (ninth) in 1977.

Sad to say his career was always dampened by his playboy reputation.

Alessandro "Alex" Zanardi was already a two-time CART champion when he lost his legs in a near fatal accident, at the Lausitzring, in 2001. His prowesses as an amputee only cemented his reputation.

And recently, the Italian driver told Telegraph journalist Ian Chadband, that even if he could get his legs back, he would not want them.

After all, he has been enjoying remarkable success since his crash.

On the track, thanks to hand-operated controls, he tested open-wheel cars again, including a Formula One single seater. He also tasted victory again, in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), where he won a handful of events. Most recently, he took the wheel of BMW M3 DTM car, also fitted with a hand-operated accelerator.

Alex Zanardi climbing aboard the gold BMW M3 DTM car he tested (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

But out of the cockpit too, he set out an example for his peers.

In 2007, he competed in the handcycle category of the New York City Marathon, placing fourth, and, in 2012, won three medals (two gold, one silver) at the London Paralympic Games.

"I know the world has this image of racing drivers getting out of their private jets just to jump on their private yacht," Zanardi told The Telegraph. "And, though I'm not saying people would wish them the worst, when I had my accident, subconsciously, I guess a lot of people deep also said: 'Ok, now I want to see what you're going to do'.

In the competition, Zanardi actually used his hands to power his wheel chair (Photo Ralph Hardwick)

"Well, what I did was carry on my life as if nothing had happened," he answers.

"It would be really hard if tomorrow morning, God appeared and said: 'I can grant you a normal life again' - that is with legs - because that would mean I would have to give up my life which I feel very comfortable with."

Former F1 world champion Nigel Mansell has decided to open a used car dealership, on the British island of Jersey.

The idea is to provide customers with a service shaped by Mansell's motorsport experience, and to favour quality over quantity.

"With the experience we have and with the enthusiasm that the Mansell team have, and our history in motorsport and the car industry, we are looking at doing things a little bit differently," the 1992 world champion is quoted saying by Crash.net.

"We are not looking at quantity, we are looking at quality and that makes a big difference in how you trade."

The project gives Mansell a chance to work with his son Leo, now partner in business.

Moreover, the dealership is to house Mansell's personal collection of racing memorabilia, which includes his title-winning Williams-Renault FW14B.

"In truth, we've been looking for a home for the memorabilia for probably 20-plus years," Mansell said.

"There's much more memorabilia in there to do with motorsport which will create great interest for people who visit and will be an incredible tourist attraction."

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: This is my second drive in a Buick Verano, and I got to say I like it more the more I drive it.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: It's hard to get one's head around the concept of and#8220;agilityand#8221; in a nearly 3-ton, 6-foot, monster Earth-crushing SUV. But that's a fair descriptor for the

Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche hopes to return the automaker to the top spot in the premium car market ahead of Audi and BMW by 2020, he said in an interview with a German paper.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche hopes to return the automaker to the top spot in the premium car market ahead of Audi and BMW by 2020, he said in an interview with a German newspaper.

French engine manufacturer Renault powered four teams in 2012: Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Caterham. Their year deserved a last hurrah.

Here is a compilation made by Renault Sport F1 of some of their best moments, which include Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado flipping a coin, Mark Webber playing in the sand, Romain Grosjean wearing goggles, and Sebastian Vettel spinning.

Luca Baldisseri, head of the Ferrari Driver Academy, has announced Force India reserve driver Jules Bianchi was still part of his plans.

"It's important for our project that Jules reaches his goal," Baldisseri is quoted saying by ESPNF1.com.

"The objective is to give him a future in Formula One as a Ferrari driver."

Jules Bianchi, Sahara Force India (Photo: Sahara Force India)

For the moment, Bianchi is still waiting on Force India to decide whether he or Adrian Sutil will replace Nico Hulkenberg in the second race seat, alongside Paul di Resta.

The 23-year-old from Nice has been part of the FDA since 2010. Last year, he finished second in the Formula Renault 3.5 championship.

Details of the racing track where the 2014 Russian Grand Prix is to be held have been released.

According to Motorsport.com, the track is expected to host 13,600 fans. It will boast 12 right turns and 6 left, giving it a conventional clockwise direction.

Top speed achieved by F1 cars is estimated at 320km/h. Over a lap, drivers should average 215km/h.

Also, the circuit's width ranges from 13 to 15 metres, over 5.85km.

"The circuit is going to be very fast and technical," Hermann Tilke, who designed the Sochi circuit and many other tracks on the F1 calendars, is quoted saying by ESPNF1.com.

"It is a fantastic facility."

Former BMW Motorsport boss Dr. Mario Theissen revealed in an interview with France's AutoHebdo that he was confident the foundations he had laid down for the DTM program could bear fruits rapidly.

Theissen stopped working in 2011, when he stepped down to be replaced by Jens Marquardt.

In 2012, BMW came back to the German DTM touring car series, after 20 years of absence.

At the end of the season, Marquardt tasted the champaign when Bruno Spengler and Team Schnitzer took the driver and team titles.

Bruno Spengler proved Mario Theissen was right to bring BMW back to DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

But it was Theissen who, before retiring, pushed for BMW's comeback to the DTM and put everything together for the project to start on the right foot.

"2009 was very tough, as we were pulling out of F1. I had to restructure the whole of BMW Motorsport according to Peter Sauber's needs for his F1 team," Theissen is quoted saying by AutoHebdo.fr.

"I presented the DTM project to the board in 2010, and they agreed to the comeback under two conditions: making the DTM more international, and win right from year one," he added.

Theissen knew both conditions could be met. He did not fear the same kind of  difficulties to win he faced during his F1 days.

"Everything was in place, including the drivers we had secretly hired. The result was almost beyond expectations, but we knew we had the tools to race at the front.

"We had five or six chassis engineers left from F1, and the whole engine department to ourselves."