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Oct
10th

Track It: Audi TT RS

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A recent test drive of the Audi TT RS called the Audi RS4 I drove in 2007 to mind. Both are hardcore. Both have more-than-you'll-ever-need levels of power, are absolutely track-ready, and have an “S” mode that turns the dial up on power, agility and noise.

Five turbocharged, direct-injected and intercooled cylinders displacing 2.5L create 360 horsepower here. And with a 6-speed stick, you can grab every one of them by the scruff.

Buying a TT RS? Perhaps as a more practical, affordable, winter-friendly alternative to say, a Porsche Cayman R? You should take it to the racetrack. If not, you're wasting about 74% of its capabilities.

2013 Audi TT RS On track
Photo: Audi

Newton, the smarty-pants who invented physics after an apple fell on his head, created some rules about mass and momentum that apply to the TT RS. They're both fun and educational to explore on a racing circuit.

Newton once said that an object at rest tends to stay there, until you drop the clutch and connect the better part of 400 horsepower driven by four wheels. Then, that restful state is left quickly behind while you giggle like a schoolgirl at the exotic, howling sound effects blurting from a pair of pipes large enough to launch scud missiles. Any further prod on the throttle has a similar affect. Acceleration is torque-rich and positively massive.

Another of Newton's laws states that an object keeps on keepin' on -- until a set of shoebox-sized brake calipers clamp down on its 370-millimeter drilled rotors. Forward momentum is then turned into heat and friction, and brake-fade is near-nil -- even after repeated deceleration from nearly 200 kph. That's the sort of confidence-inspiring, track-bred durability that Audi's “Renn Sport” models are known for.

An expertly tuned stability control system does little but gently intervene to keep you from an “out of track” experience if you get cocky and tick Newton off.

A safe and predictable understeer, caused mostly by the TT RS's abundant front-end mass, warns drivers they're running out of grip. All the while, and even with velocities cranked, the steering lets you know what's up between the tires and the tarmac. It's always nice when your car talks to you at high speed.

A button press toggles the Audi Magnetic Ride system between firm and less-firm. Instant, precise responses to inputs follow the nanosecond they're requested, and the ride won't bash your spine to bits on the ride home afterwards.

The latest version of Quattro AWD can instantly and seamlessly redirect engine power to and from any wheel, faster than ever, to maximize use of available lateral traction. The list goes on.

Take this one to the track. You get heaps of power, grip, braking, and confidence from the get-go. The TT RS is fast as hell, always flattering and never intimidating. It works hard to make you feel like a hero, which makes it a forgiving car to learn with. As your skill level and confidence increase, it'll be right there with you.

If Newton were still around, the Audi TT RS would probably be one of his favourite toys.

Oct
10th

Volkswagen Canada unveils 2013 Passat pricing

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Hot on the heels of the new 2013 Jetta, Volkswagen Canada is now introducing the 2013 Passat, which comes in three trim levels (Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline) with a host of standard features.

Starting at $23,975, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat Trendline gets 16'' alloy wheels, heated front seats, a rear centre armrest with storage, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multifunction steering wheel, among other items.

Meanwhile, the 2013 Passat Comfortline retails for $27,075 and adds 17'' wheels, a power driver's seat and sunroof, an alarm system, Sirius satellite radio, and iPod connectivity.

As for the luxurious 2013 Passat Highline, which carries a base price of $30,575, it stands out with premium amenities such as a memory system for the driver's seat and exterior mirrors, a 400W Fender audio unit, keyless access and ignition, and nut burl interior trim.

Buyers of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat can select a 2.5L five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower, a 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel, or a 3.6L V6 rated at 280 horsepower. Transmission choices include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes, a six-speed Tiptronic autobox, and a six-speed DSG.

Volkswagen Passat 2013 3/4  front view
Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen Passat 2013 interior
Photo: Volkswagen

Oct
10th

NASCAR: Kurt Busch not to be penalised for Talladega incident

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From NASCAR.com

No additional penalties will be assessed following the incident Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway involving Kurt Busch, NASCAR officials announced Tuesday.

Busch was parked for the remainder of the race after he failed to hear a NASCAR directive to stop his vehicle following a lap 99 crash.

Kurt Busch NASCAR Talladega
Kurt Busch (No. 51) gets spun around. (Photo:John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

He had taken his helmet off and wasn't in communication with his spotter. He refired the engine and drove back to the pits. Busch was then summoned to the series hauler to explain his actions.

"He made an effort to get back in the car and get back in the garage, and we felt like it put some of our folks in harm's way, and we just talked to him about that," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition.

Busch was leading just past the halfway mark of the race when his car ran out of gas on the backstretch and slowed suddenly. He was tapped from behind by Jamie McMurray, spun and hit the infield retaining wall. Safety crews attending to the car were surprised when Busch restarted the engine and drove off, with one of the EMT kits still sitting on the trunk of the car.

Back in the garage area, Busch calmly said: “That's the competitor in me, that's the desire that I have, and that's what gets misconstrued all the time. And this is the way my life works. That competitive guy wants to get back in the race, and now NASCAR's yelling at me because I don't have my helmet on, and I'm trying to get it to the garage so the guys can work on it”.

Busch was credited with a 39th-place run in his final start with Phoenix Racing. He's expected to finish this season in the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet, starting this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Oct
10th

F1: Helmut Marko happy to see Lewis Hamilton leaving McLaren

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From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has revealed he is pleased Lewis Hamilton is moving to Mercedes.

Red Bull's driver manager, who is also the team owner Dietrich Mateschitz's right-hand man on racing matters, told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport he needs to thank Niki Lauda.

Triple world champion Lauda has officially joined Mercedes, after helping the German marque with its Concorde Agreement negotiations and convincing Hamilton to jump ship from top team McLaren.

"Niki has done us a favour," said outspoken Austrian Marko.

"He has weakened Lewis and McLaren. Next year, we have two opponents less," he added.

F1 McLaren Lewis Hamilton
Team McLaren weakest with Lewis Hamilton's departure? (Photo: McLaren)


Oct
10th

F1: Niki Lauda says Michael Schumacher took fewer risks

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From GMM

Niki Lauda thinks Michael Schumacher had become too old to succeed at the highest level in formula one.

When the seven time world champion made his announcement at Suzuka, he insisted he is "still able to compete with the best drivers of the world".

"This is something that makes me proud, and this is part of why I never regretted my comeback," said the great German.

F1 Mercedes W03 Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher aboard the W03 Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

But three-time title winner Lauda, who has joined Mercedes as its new non-executive chairman and was instrumental in Lewis Hamilton's 2013 signing, is not so sure.

"The older you get," the Playboy magazine quoted him as saying in German, "the more you think as a driver, acting as an automatic brake inside you, taking away some of the risk."

Niki Lauda said that, in contrast, younger drivers are in a different stage of their lives, with less experience and responsibility.

He said he doubts Schumacher was capable of adding an eighth title to his tally.



Oct
10th

F1: Jackie Stewart renews offer to coach struggling Romain Grosjean

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Adapted from GMM

Sir Jackie Stewart has once again offered to become struggling Romain Grosjean's coach.

Earlier this year, when Lotus' French driver was first labelled a 'crash king' of the 2012 season, triple world champion Stewart offered to help the 26-year-old get to grips with the sport's psychological pressures.

"I used to work with a coach and I don't feel that I need one today," Grosjean said in July.

But three months later, immediately after serving a one-race ban for causing the Spa start-line crash and a string of other incidents, Grosjean arrived in Singapore with Benoit Campargue, a Frenchman who also coaches Judo champion Teddy Riner.

Even so, Grosjean is once again in the wrong spotlight, having been branded a "nutcase" by Mark Webber after yet another first-lap crash in Japan.

"I would love to help Romain, because I think he has enormous potential. It's his first full season in F1 and he is fast enough to win races. I actually think he could have won one or two Grand Prix this season, but at the moment his potential is being overshadowed by the number of accidents he's having," said Stewart, who already works with Lotus through the team's owner Genii.

F1 Lotus Romain Grosjean
Romain Grosjean, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

He told the BBC: "Any more accidents could jeopardise his chances of driving for Lotus next season, let alone the very best teams. Romain, who I have to say is an extremely nice young man, chose not to take up the offer. The season was congested then, he was about to go on his honeymoon, and he felt he had his own people assisting him. When the time comes and he wants to do it, I will always be there for him because of my relationship with the team. For some reason, racing drivers of all kinds feel they don't need coaches once they leave karting. That's unlike any other sport I know."

Stewart added: "Having the talent and speed to win races can be intoxicating. What all the top drivers have is very good mind management, knowing how to go about their business. It's very rare that any of them have collisions. That's obvious with Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso's collision at the first corner in Japan was a real rarity. The mind has to be the master over natural ability. Having been there and had very, very few collisions in my career, I know that to finish first, first you must finish, and that you never win a race on the first corner, but you'll quite often lose one there."

Indeed, the situation is becoming dire for Romain Grosjean, as figures up and down the paddock call on the FIA to impose more race bans on the 'dangerous' driver.

Asked if the situation has endangered Grosjean's career, boss Eric Boullier is quoted by the Daily Mail: "Not yet, but I expect to see an improvement."


Oct
10th

F1: Jenson Button working to build McLaren team around him

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From GMM

Jenson Button has admitted he is working to build a team around him at McLaren.

Even as reigning champion, when the Briton arrived at McLaren in 2010, paddock figures likened the move to entering Lewis Hamilton's "lion's den".

Less than three seasons in, Hamilton's long McLaren relationship is set to terminate, with Button now insisting that he - and not Hamilton's successor Sergio Perez - is the driver to bet on for 2013 spoils.

F1 McLaren Jenson Button
Jenson Button, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Speaking to the Brazilian sports daily Lance!, Button said: "There are a lot of smart people in formula one, which maybe is not so apparent from the outside. But it is a very competitive environment, and Fernando (Alonso) is one of those people."

"He's been smart to build the (Ferrari) team around him, which is something we all strive for. I did it in my previous team (Honda/Brawn) and it's happening here (McLaren) too," said the 32-year-old.

Asked if he has taken another important step forwards with the impending departure of McLaren protege Hamilton, Button answered: "No comment."

But he did admit: "It's one less person in front of me. This year, I've had good race pace, but on Saturdays I've been usually second place at best. Next year I can be first. Race pace is my strength and I think there's nobody better in that way. Qualifying is harder for me. If I have a car that works for me, I can put it on pole, but if the car is a bit more difficult then I end up behind Lewis."

Meanwhile, whilst envying Alonso's position at Ferrari, Button - who has in the past been linked with the great Italian team - said it would be hard to arrive at Maranello to be the Spaniard's teammate.

"The impression I have is that you would get there and be very well received, but then Fernando would come in and start talking in Italian to the engineers," said the Briton.


Oct
10th

F1: Maria de Villota happy to be alive after terrifying crash

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In an exclusive interview she gave to Spanish people magazine Hola!, Maria de Villota -- who suffered sevrious head injuries in an accident when she was driving the Marussia F1 car -- revealed that she is delighted to be alive after such a crash.

De Villota had just completed her installation lap at the Duxford aerodrome when the Cosworth-powered suddenly accelerated forward as she was rolling to a stop. The Marussia car crashed into the back of a team transporter and Maria suffered head injuries, spent one month in the hospital and lost her right eye.

"I remember everything -- even the moment of the impact," she said in the interview.

"When I woke up everybody was around me and they didn't even know if I was going to speak, or how I was going to speak. I started speaking in English because I thought I was on an FIA check-up and that the nurse was a trainer.

"Then my dad said 'Please, Maria, speak Spanish, because your mother is missing half the things', and then I became aware of everything: of what had happened, where I was and why."

Marussia F1 Maria de Vilotta
Photo: Marussia F1 Team

Maria De Villota admitted she was shocked the first time she saw her injuries.

"In the beginning they were covering it [the eye] so I couldn't see it," she added. "The first day I looked at myself in the mirror I had 140 black stitches on my face, and they looked like they had been stitched with a boat rope, and I had lost my right eye. I was terrified. I have to undergo more surgery soon, but the worst is now behind,” the 32-year-old Spaniard explained.

"I have headaches that they don't know how long will last - maybe years. I have to control my efforts a lot because of the cranial pressure. I have also lost smell, and taste, which is linked to smell,” she added.

Maria de Villota also said that she now sees life a very different way.

"Now I have just one eye maybe I perceive more things than before. Before this, my life was a race against the clock, and now I see you have to stop and measure things in a different way,” she declared.


Oct
10th

”Racing in the Street” with a genuine Group C Porsche 962 (+video)

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The Group C Porsche 962 is an iconic race car to say the least. In the 80's it won countless endurance and Le Mans 24 Hour races and to this day holds a very special place in car enthusiasts hearts. Here's one that's been taken to the streets!

One particular Japanese car enthusiast loves this car so much that he can't keep this race car restricted to circuit duties only. He feels the overwhelming need to spend much more time with it, on the streets!

This 962 (chassis No. 02) is owned by Mr. Vantec and is one of the few road-legal 962s: it has brake lights, a licence plate, flashers, etc.

In this video, it is driven by Yasuo Miyagawa, Super GT series' driver and former champion of the Japan Porsche Cup.

Disclaimer: No speed limits or local Japanese road rules were broken during the filming of this movie.

Disabled parking: We had permission to park the 962C in the disable parking area. It was the best spot for filming and no disabled people were put out of parking during the short period of time we occupied the space.



Oct
10th

F1: Pastor Maldonado admits ”chance” of Williams switch

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From GMM

Pastor Maldonado has admitted there is "a chance" he will switch teams ahead of the 2013 season.

Days ago, before Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez was re-elected by his countrymen, the lucratively PDVSA-backed Maldonado answered "we'll see" when asked if he will still be a Williams driver next season.

The Spanish GP winner said he could not comment because the great British team always waits until the end of the year to announce its lineup for the following season.

F1 Williams Pastor Maldonado
Pastor Maldonado, Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

But now, with Chavez soundly in office until at least 2018, Maldonado has been quoted as admitting a change to another team is possible.

"At the moment there is a chance to go to other teams but we are considering remaining here (Williams), but it is still too early," the 27-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports. "It is difficult to say, until other teams have confirmed their drivers you never know."

The 2013 lineups at top teams Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes have all been confirmed, but theoretical vacancies at Ferrari, Lotus, Sauber and Sahara Force India still exist.


Oct
10th

Maserati recalls four models

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Maserati has issued a recall on 31 Granturismo, Granturismo Convertible, Granturismo MC and Quattroporte units from the 2012 model year.

It appears that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) could malfunction. Operating a vehicle with low tire pressures can reduce traction or increase tire temperatures which could lead to their failure.

Therefore, Maserati dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the TPMS control unit.

Source: Transports Canada

2012 Maserati Granturismo front 3/4 view
Photo: Maserati

Oct
10th

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 ”45th Anniversary” for a lucky few

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To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, five opportunist race car collectors will be able to get their hands on a limited-edition version of the SLS AMG GT3.

Hand-built in Affalterbach, all five copies of the SLS AMG GT3 “45th Anniversary” will get their 6.2L V8 installed by record DTM champion and AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider.

The car boasts a designo magno graphite matt paint and alloy wheels, a special-edition logo on the gullwing doors. Inside, the same graphite matt paint adorns the steel roll cage, while the dash and centre console get a matt carbon fibre finish.

Buyers of the SLS AMG GT3 “45th Anniversary” get to pick up their prized new possession directly at Mercedes-AMG headquarters, and are treated to driving instructions as well as a tour of the factory. The limited-edition race car will cost € 446,250, or about $560,000 CAD.

Mercedes AMG SLS GT3 3/4 front view
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes AMG SLS GT3 interior
Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Oct
10th

F1: Red Bull boost is due to exhaust, not the Double DRS

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From GMM

It is simplistic to say Red Bull has sped into the 2012 title favourites' role due to its new 'double DRS' device.

As Sebastian Vettel closed the championship gap to Fernando Alonso to just 4 points with wins in Singapore and Suzuka, it had emerged that his RB8 was equipped with a new top speed-boosting system.

"As with all these things, there's never a silver bullet and I think it would be very difficult to say the car's performance here is purely down to a rear wing," team boss Christian Horner said in Japan. "I think we've made progress in all areas and it's about chipping away at the detail."

F1 Red Bull RB8 Japan Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel in Japan driving the RB8. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Indeed, writing in Der Tagesspiegel newspaper, correspondent Karin Sturm said Williams' technical boss Mark Gillan also suspects something else was in play.

"I will have to analyse precisely the data of the race with all the relevant times. Maybe then we can see what they've done," he is quoted as saying.

Former F1 driver and now RTL commentator Christian Danner suspects Red Bull has found a sweet spot within the new exhaust layout regulations.

"This sort of thing is almost always about the aerodynamics and with today's cars most of all with the various subtleties of the different exhaust solutions," he said.


Oct
9th

GM names Kim Brycz interim purchasing chief

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GM has named Kim Brycz, a veteran purchasing executive, as interim purchasing chief while the company seeks a permanent replacement for Bob Socia.
Oct
9th

Lola Cars ceases operations

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Famous race-car constructor Lola Cars International, based in the U.K., is effectively bankrupt after administrators were unable to find a buyer for the financially strapped companyand#8212;which faces more than $30 million in debt.
Oct
9th

McLaren teams up with Neiman Marcus to offer 12 special Spiders for Christmas

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Looking for a special holiday gift for the exotic car lover on your shopping list? Neiman Marcus is featuring 12 special-edition red 2013 McLaren 12C Spiders -- priced at $354,000 -- as part of its 2012 Christmas catalog.
Oct
9th

Honda dangles $3,000 gift card to buyers of natural gas Civic

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American Honda, taking advantage of high gasoline prices in some parts of the country to pitch alternative fuels, is offering a $3,000 card to buyers of the compressed natural gas-powered Honda Civic.
Oct
9th

Lithium ion battery breakthrough could cut costs, researchers say

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University of California, San Diego researchers say they have developed a way to better estimate what goes on inside lithium ion batteries -- a breakthrough that could lead to lower battery costs and faster charging times for electric vehicles.
Oct
9th

2013 Lincoln MKZ spotted beside its predecessor

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We've seen the 2013 Lincoln MKZ on the road before sans camouflage, but it's the company that this particular MKZ is keeping that makes these photos notable.
Oct
9th

Toyota hybrids join HSN

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Toyota took its place next to the home ionizers and volume-discounted swords on the Home Shopping Network last weekend.
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