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Auto123.com recently pitted a number of compact sports cars against each other on the track at Autodrome St. Eustache, Quebec. I saw it as a great opportunity to test Contour's latest action camera, the ContourROAM, as drivers completed a series of hot laps.

Design
The ContourROAM was primarily designed to be compact, lightweight and user-friendly - and it's a success. In fact, I've never come across a camera that was easier to use than this one. A slight pressure on the record button with the index finger is enough to turn it on. No visual check is necessary since the camera beeps to let you know that it's filming.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

The 145-gram, aluminum-built ContourROAM can withstand serious abuse and is 100% waterproof to one metre for about 30 minutes - or so says the company. I did a couple of tests in the pool and was pretty disappointed. When I took the camera out of the water after a 5-minute stay at just 30 centimetres deep, it didn't respond at all. Dammit!

I let it dry for a short while and plugged it into my laptop. Still no signs of life. I had to wait more than two hours for the camera to work again. I finally had access to my video files and could resume shooting. What a relief!*

One important note: You need the free Storyteller app to configure the ContourROAM and import videos to your computer. Available from Contour's website, this app is extremely simple and easy to use. You'll be totally familiar with it after just a few clicks.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

Filming
Like I said earlier, I've never come across a camera that was easier to use. There are only two buttons to play with, so you can't really go wrong. Just slide the record switch and you'll be filming a mere three seconds later.

Unlike some competitors, the ContourROAM has no internal memory, meaning that you must insert a MicroSD card to start shooting videos. Therefore, remember to bring one (or two) along or you might miss a chance to capture spectacular footage.

As for picture quality, here's a video that will show you how the ContourROAM compares to an iPhone 4S equipped with an Olloclip lens. There is no editing whatsoever, so what you'll see is actually what you'll get.



On the track
Now that you know what to expect, let's focus on the ContourROAM's performance on the track. By the way, if you plan to use the camera in your car, you should note that the suction cup mount is sold separately. It will help you attach the ContourROAM to any windshield or body panel.

The system worked great and held on at speeds of more than 120 km/h. In addition, the ability to turn the lens up to 270 degrees means that you can almost always choose the right angle.

Unfortunately, the camera doesn't allow you to shoot at 60 frames per second, even with a video resolution of 720p. I definitely could have used this option for a number of sequences.



Verdict
Overall, I was fairly impressed with the friendly new ContourROAM, especially at $249. Of course, I would have liked a sharper image, but those looking for a cheap HD action camera will love it. For more professional-looking results, get the Contour+.

The battery is very long-lasting. According to the manufacturer, you can shoot for three hours before it runs empty. I personally captured about 90 minutes of footage and still had more than 50% of the battery's capacity to spare.

Bottom line: the ContourROAM is a quick-shooting, high-value camera for amateur videographers.


*For the record, I did several other underwater tests after that and the ContourROAM remained operational at all times. I guess it was simply a case of bad luck. Just thought you should know.

Honda, which will make its World Touring Car Championship debut later this season, has high expectations for next year.

The Japanese car manufacturer is currently developing a Civic powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, and will run cars for the 2010 WTCC  champion Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro.

The Portuguese will drive the new Civic in the three last rounds of the 2012 championship, in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau.

Honda Civic 2013 WTCC. (Photo: Honda)

Honda's official entry will be backed by team JAS. Team director Alessandro Mariani didn't hide his expectations for the future.

"We have two great drivers, I know we have built a very advanced car and Honda's reputation in engine expertise is second to none. We have all the right ingredients, we just need to be patient and take the time to mix them in the best way. We decided to take part in Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau to develop the car on the track. Although Honda is not putting any pressure, we would like to achieve some good results, but our true goal is winning the first race in 2013," Marinai said.

Following Chevrolet's retirement at the end of this season, Honda will be the only programme supported by a car manufacturer in WTCC in 2013.

Montreal, Quebec - As Subaru makes its way through their lineup redesigns, we went along for the ride and were given the opportunity to check out the 2013 Subaru Legacy.

While Subaru claims the 2013 is close to a complete redesign, the changes are more subtle and low-key than in-your-face. From a slight facelift to tweaks here and there in the suspension, chassis, and the CVT gearbox, the 2013 Subaru Legacy might be hard to pinpoint on the road when compared to the previous generation, however, the changes made were done with purpose.


A gentleman's Subaru
Whereas some Subaru models might be a bit rougher round the edges (read: STI and even the new BRZ), the Legacy is all about class and sophistication. A gentle, refined ride that will get you to your destination no matter what the climate and/or driving conditions thanks to Subaru's stellar AWD system.

The Legacy has always been Subaru's pseudo-luxury model, and the 2013 model maintains that image quite well.

Just like the 2013 Subaru Outback, the new Legacy feature subtle exterior changes, such as a bolder, more aggressive front grille coupled with hawk-eye headlights. Exaggerated fenders sit atop new wheel designs.

On the inside, much remains the same save for the addition of available wood inserts instead of chrome accents and an available Harman/Kardon sound system. The Subaru Legacy boasts a massive interior in both the front and back with 96 mm of legroom for rear passengers and 415 litres of trunk space. There's no denying, the Legacy is a comfortable ride no matter what seat you're in.

The new Legacy feature subtle exterior changes, such as a bolder, more aggressive front grille coupled with hawk-eye headlights. (Photo: Subaru)

It's all about the BOXER
Just as the 2013 Subaru Outback features an all new 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC engine, the 2013 Subaru Legacy gets the same treatment. Horsepower is up a few at 173 as is the torque at 174 lb-ft. As for the top-of-the-range 3.6R Limited engine, it remains the same 3.6L H6 pushing out 256 hp.

As with the Outback, the 2013 Legacy has a new and improved CVT. As I've mentioned before, CVTs are not my cup of tea, however, this one is tolerable and actually performs quite well. Response is good and Subaru have managed to make it quieter, as well as making sure it “shifts” to stop the driver from wanting to drive into the lake due to droning revs.

The new 2.5L engine helps the 2013 Subaru Legacy (in 2.5i Convenience trim) be one of the most fuel efficient midsize sedans with AWD. With NRCan figures approximately 0.5L/100km better than the previous generation's, Subaru has done its very best to keep the greenies happy and the green in your wallet, not at the pumps.

Of course, the most exciting bit of new kit available on the 2013 Subaru Legacy is their EyeSight driver assistance system. For the moment it will only be featured on the 3.6R Limited model, however it will trickle down to other trims in the near future.

Subaru has accepted the challenge and released a brand new safety system they call EyeSight. (Photo: Subaru)

With four trim levels available (starting at approx. $24k and reaching up to the $37k mark), the 2013 Legacy is a great family sedan that will see you through winters as well as it does summers.

Tire manufacturer Goodyear conducted its first tire test with NASCAR's 2013 Sprint Cup car on Tuesday at Martinsville Speedway, and NASCAR used the test to continue developing an aerodynamic package for next season.

Four drivers - Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Carl Edwards - drove the cars, which are designed to give each manufacturer more brand identity.

Carl Edwards takes the 2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion for a spin. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)

The test provided Goodyear with information on which to base their compounds for next season. Key in that effort is the removal of 100 pounds of weight from the next-generation vehicles, including 60 from a right side that in the current models is infamous for stressing tires on that part of the car.

Jimmie Johnson test drives his 2013 NASCAR Chevy SS. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)

Although the impact of that weight removal isn't felt as much on a short track, the hope is it pays greater dividends on a high-speed track like Michigan, where a resurfacing led to blistering that prompted Goodyear to make a tire change on the night before the race in June.

Richard Childress Racing participated in the 2013 Goodyear tire test at Martinsville Speedway. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)

Less weight on the right side may also allow teams to employ softer tires, which drivers hope will translate into better racing.

Martin Truex Jr. takes his 2013 NASCAR Toyota Camry around Martinsville Speedway. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway)

Insurance companies, regardless of what they insure, are always trying to portray themselves as giving loyal customers and new customers the best deal possible for their dollars invested. If you believe the pitch they make, let me assure you I have a carburetor that the oil companies bought to keep it off the market because it gives every gas engine a fuel consumption rating of 1L/100 km.

In the real world, insurance companies are out to do one thing: make money. Companies are responsible to their stakeholders (or in the case of crown corporations, your government) and have to give a decent return on the dollars invested.


That means when your broker says you are covered for something, the real answer is maybe you are and maybe you aren't. The only way to know for sure is to actually have an accident and find out. The other way is to go to a lawyer and ask for an interpretation of the fine print. In most cases, what you think the contract says and what it says legally are two different things.

A good example is what is called non-owned vehicle coverage. Most of the polices will use terms such as “like and kind” which your broker may tell you that you can be covered for anything with wheels on it that you are licensed to drive. That is true to a point; you may legally be able to drive a 3-ton truck, but it is not like your car, nor is it the kind of vehicle you normally drive. Depending on your company, you may be denied coverage if you are in an accident with the truck. The same goes for motorcycles. You may be licensed, but they are not like your car or the same kind of vehicle as your car. In short, no coverage.

When you buy insurance on your car, you are rated on what type of car you have, what group you fall into and then how well you do within that group. A good example is a driver under the age of 25 driving a new sports performance car. It doesn't matter what type of good driving discount the 25-year-old gets, his premium will be higher than a 45-year-old woman in her Lexus with the same driving record.

That's not fair, you say? Insurance companies will then trot out actuarial studies (actuaries are the pinnacle of mathematical manipulators and reduce every bit of data to a statistical probability) that show the loss ratio for every type of vehicle on the road and for each age group of drivers.

Since the theory of insurance is to spread the cost over a large group so that what you pay is minimized, this theory sounds pretty good, but breaks down when bad driving habits are encouraged or someone scams the insurance company.

If you want to do something about your insurance, start by reading the fine print to make sure you have the coverage that you think you are paying for. When you find a broker or agent that you can work with, stick with them. Shop around every few years to see if you really are getting a deal and don't be afraid to bundle your business. Putting everything together can really save some cash. Pay promptly, even before the due date if possible so there is no lapse in coverage.

From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen believes he is ready to return to a top team like McLaren.

After a difficult debut season at Renault in 2007 in the wake of Fernando Alonso's departure, the now 30-year-old Finn endured an even tougher two-year tenure at McLaren -- again in Spaniard Alonso's wake.

He was forced to rebuild his reputation and polish his skills right at the back of the grid, but after three seasons with a 2010 startup team, Kovalainen is reportedly now open to leaving Caterham and returning to the points-paying positions in 2013.

"My focus is on maximising my performance here at Caterham and giving my best to the team," Kovalainen told the German website motorsport-total.com.

"That puts me in the best possible position in the market if I want to move teams. But I don't even know what Caterham's plans are -- maybe they don't want me anymore," he said.

Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham) holding off Jenson Button (McLaren) in the streets of Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

He insists he is not in a rush to find out, but the paddock speculation is not waiting for him. The most often-rumoured name connected with Kovalainen for 2013 is Sauber.

"It's rumours and that's all I can say," Kovalainen said. "They (Sauber) seem to be very strong this year but that's all I can say."

What about McLaren? His former team has a theoretical vacancy for 2013 at present, with Lewis Hamilton's new contract still not signed and sealed.

Or Ferrari, who are weighing up the candidates to replace struggling Felipe Massa?

"For me, being at McLaren was a dream come true," he answered. "They are a great team, but of course so is Ferrari. Fernando is doing a great job and Massa is getting better. A top team, no question."

When pressed on the topic of McLaren, Kovalainen admitted: "I can only say good things about them, although I experienced some good times and some bad times. But I know exactly what happened at that time, and what would happen if I got the chance in the future. I would have no problem (going back). They are a great team and I am still in touch with lots of McLaren guys -- I have a very good relationship with Martin Whitmarsh, for example."

"At the time, everything just did not fit together, but there were reasons. Since then, a lot has changed," he insisted.

The 9th round of the 2012 Australian Supercar V8 series, the Coates Hire Ipswich 300 was held this past weekend in Ipswich.

Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve was back behind the wheel of the No. 51 Pepsi Max Crew Commodore for a second time this season.

In Race 1 held Saturday, polesitter Craig Lowndes held on from start to finish to win the 45-lap race.

Villeneuve qualified 27th out of 28, and crossed the line in 24th position.

Jacques Villeneuve (Photo: Australian V8 Supercars series)

In Race 2 held Sunday, Lowndes scored another victory, winning the race from the second row of the grid in dominant fashion.

Meanwhile, Villeneuve started the race in 28th place but unfortunately David Wall made contact with him and sent the Canadian spinning in the infield.

Villeneuve made it back to the track and managed to finish the race in 24th place.

From GMM

Bruno Senna has conceded he needs to up his game in qualifying in order to secure his future at Williams.

After incomplete seasons with HRT (2010) and Renault (2011), this year is regarded by some as the 28-year-old Brazilian's first real chance in formula one.

He has often struggled against his Barcelona-winning teammate Pastor Maldonado, Senna managing to outqualify the sister Williams on only a few occasions so far in 2012.

But he had a good weekend last time out in Hungary, qualifying in the 'Q3' segment for the first time and then racing to seventh at the finish.

Bruno Senna, Williams FW31. (Photo: WRi2)

The driver, whose uncle was the great Ayrton Senna, insists he is making progress, amid intense speculation Williams will replace him with the team's well-connected and highly rated Friday driver Valtteri Bottas in 2013.

"Everybody needs opportunities to grow up and this is mine," Senna told AFP news agency.

"In the races, I think I'm doing pretty well this season. As I said before, nailing qualifying will be the key to make sure I stay for next year and hopefully the next few years," he added.

Bruno Senna said the points he scored in Hungary have allowed him to enter the August break in a positive frame of mind.

"Definitely if I had come out of the weekend with a bad result or with poor pace, you come into the break with something in the back of your mind," he said. "I have nothing to worry about now."

Former Formula 1 World Champion and U.S. CART Series' champion Nigel Mansell is celebarting today his 59th birthday anniversary.

“Il Leone” remains to this day one of the most spectacular and determined driver to have competed in the World Championship.

Nigel Mansell in his maiden Grand Prix with Lotus at Zeltweg in 1980. (Photo: WRi2)

Hugely determined, immensely aggressive and spectacularly daring, Mansell was one of the most exciting drivers ever. With his win or bust approach - 31 wins and 32 crashes - Nigel became the most successful British driver and ranks third in the world in fastest laps, fourth in wins and fifth in poles.

Mansell won the 1992 F1 World Championship, driving a Williams-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Mansell was undoutedly both quick and controversial. His awkward personality made him some enemies, his heroic performances made him millions of fans. Nigel Mansell was a driven man and it showed.

Happy birthday Nigel!

Mansell also drove for Ferrari alongside Alain Prost. (Photo: WRi2)

NIGEL MANSELL
Born on 8 August, 1953
1977 British Formula Ford Champion
Broke his neck in a testing accident and was told he had come perilously close to quadriplegia
Competed in Formula 3 and Formula 2
Tested for Lotus F1 team
First Grand Prix: 1980 Austrian Grand Prix
1992 Formula 1 World Champion with Williams-Renault
1993 CART Series' Champion with Newman-Haas
Contested his last F1 races in 1994
Contested 187 Grands Prix, scored 31 wins, 32 pole positions, and 30 fastest race laps, driving for Lotus, Williams, Ferrari and McLaren.

Nigel Mansell and Adrian Newey before the start of the 2011 British GP. (Photo: WRi2)

Vehicle production in North America is gradually returning to pre-recession levels, but suppliers won't be able to return to business as usual. Automakers are expected to produce 17.4 million vehicles in North America in 2016, up from a likely 14.

Sirius XM Radio reported a 14 percent increase in subscribers in the second quarter, citing higher new-vehicle sales. Sirius XM's net income, boostedby a $3 billion income tax benefit #8212; was $3.

Automakers say they will squeeze much more efficiency from the internal combustion engine. For instance, they will use excess heat to warm engine lubricants more quickly to reduce friction.

This past June, the Audi R8 E-tron took to the Nürburgring and turned a lap time of 8 minutes, 9 seconds.

Also in this episode: Ford says its plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi will hit 85 mph,

About 1 in 4 car buyers is willing to pay extra for a fuel-efficient powertrain if the investment can be recouped in four years or less, a senior Ford executive said today.

Chrysler's Dodge brand is withdrawing from NASCAR stock-car racing at the end of the 2012 season, following a decision earlier this year by partner Penske Racing to switch to Ford from Dodge in 2013.

After announcing record sales for the first half of 2012 a month ago, BMW Group on Tuesday (7 August) said it had achieved a record sales result for July 2012 as sales worldwide rose 5% year on year to 135,537 units.

News 7 Aug, 2012

City cars and SUVs hold on to their value best, according to Glass's Guide

News 7 Aug, 2012

Dogs have a bigger carbon footprint than cars, according to scientists