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Visteon reported a slump in sales and cut its earnings forecast for the year, citing lower vehicle production in Europe, South America and China.

Lear's second-quarter earnings fell 18 percent because of "challenging" business conditions in Europe, the supplier of seats and electric power management systems said.

GM CEO Dan Akerson said an agreement between management and German labor unions on restructuring the automaker's Opel unit is expected in the autumn.

Renault will expand the capacity of its Brazilian engine plant by 25 percent by 2013, extending a string of recent investments despite concerns about rising costs in Latin America's largest economy.

Mazda has begun production of the next-generation Mazda6 mid-sized sedan in Japan, and official photos from the launch ceremony show a production version true to the sleek, sculpted lines of the Takeri concept shown at last year's Tokyo auto show.

From GMM

All is not yet lost for Valencia's grand prix.

Recent reports suggested Bernie Ecclestone had said in Hungary last weekend that the European grand prix, held on the streets of the Spanish port city since 2008, would be replaced in 2013 by New Jersey.

Some suggested that, given the Spanish economic crisis and Valencia's declining race audience figures, it was definitely the death knell for the city event.

But an interview with Der Tagesspiegel newspaper has clarified that Valencia could be back in 2014.

"Valencia will not be there (in 2013) because they're alternating (now) with Barcelona," F1 chief executive Ecclestone said.

Start of the 2012 European Grand Prix at Valencia. (Photo: Pirelli)

And an official for Valencia's ruling political party has said negotiations are currently taking place to ensure the race's continuation into the future.

"Formula one is very important not only from an image point of view but also due to the economic impact, the creation of jobs and what that means for the Valencia region," the official, secretary general Serafin Castellano, is quoted by Reuters.

He said the current talks with Ecclestone are to "reduce the cost of the formula one levy".

From GMM

McLaren looks set to be the next team with a 'double DRS'-like system aboard its 2012 car.

After Mercedes and then Lotus pioneered the straightline speed-boosting concept this season, it emerged that the FIA intends to ban it for 2013 and beyond.

But according to sporting director Sam Michael, work is well underway on a McLaren version.

"It's not like the Lotus one, but we are studying such a system," the Australian is quoted by the Italian website f1passion.it.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren MP4-27, at Hockenheim. (Photo: WRi2)

Michael said he is not sure when the 'double DRS' or 'super DRS' will make its debut on the MP4-27.

"We must be careful that it does not take time away from our other updates," he added.

Loosely adapted, the dictionary defines “value” as that warm, wholesome feeling that results from getting more than you paid for. Some examples include 2-for-1 wings, a free tall-can with your 2-4, or stealing your neighbors Wi-Fi.

For today's new-car shopper, value is in high demand, and automakers are responding with high levels of technology, style and quality at lower prices than have ever been seen before.

Cars that feel equipped, engineered and designed to a higher level than their price suggests are the best kinds of cars if you like value -- which you do. So, whether it's advanced functionality, performance, a great cabin or just a whack-load of goodies for the price, here are a few price-defying cars that do a better-than-average job of feeling more expensive than they actually are.

Kia Rio: Load up the Kia Rio SX with the Luxury Navigation package, and you've got a sub-$22,000 car with a list of features that wouldn't look out of place in a flagship sedan. Heated steering wheel? Check. Navigation? Backup camera? Automatic climate control? You got it on all three counts. There's also Bluetooth audio streaming, push-button start, heated leather, and plenty more.

And it's all wrapped in one of the compact car segment's most upscale and detailed cabins, too. Colour, contrast and depth all work towards a fantastic level of sophistication in this price-defying car.

2012 Kia Rio SX (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Jeep Grand Cherokee: The new Jeep Grand Cherokee combines a laundry-list of advanced features and legendary off-road performance with a seriously great-looking cabin that makes it an ideal candidate for a favourite price-defying car.

Premium materials and accents throughout the cabin, including wood and aluminum, keep eyes and fingertips engaged. There's a modern, vibrant and high-quality feel throughout, backed up by a fantastic, solid on-road ride. A power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, navigation, automatic high-beams, and even a 120-volt power outlet can all be specified.

How's this for value? You can fully deck out a top-line Grand Cherokee with all the toys for about the starting price of a BMW X5. Price-defying car? You bet.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Photo: Chrysler)

Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan: A combination of things make the Genesis Sedan feel like it should cost more. The rich, leather-wrapped cabin is sumptuous on a level that rivals $100,000 German cars. The 5.0L V8 has more ponies per litre than virtually any luxury sedan on the road, and the Lexicon stereo will rattle the plates off of your grandmother's walls.

You get 8 gears, 429 hp and all the goodies in this price-defying car -- alongside world-class levels of space, style, quiet and luxury for about $53,500. Incidentally, that's about $5,000 less than a 310 hp Audi A6.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec (Photo: Hyundai)

Ford Focus Titanium: The Focus Titanium is full of thoughtful little touches that do big things to make it delightful. A capless fuel filler, one-touch up and down windows, embossed leather seats, LED mood-lighting, and a colorful, depth-y and detailed cabin with heaps of at-hand storage are some examples.

Ford Sync, keyless start, and a self-parking system add high-tech appeal, and an ultra-modern and premium cabin atmosphere rounds out the package of this price-defying car.

2012 Ford Focus Titanium (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Volvo S60 R-Design: For about $51,000, Volvo's S60 R-Design gives drivers 325 hp, all-wheel drive (AWD), a sport-tuned chassis and the most comfortable seats in the industry. It's also one of the most beautiful cars to drive on any road, and in any weather, on this side of a six-digit price tag.

A lengthy list of exclusive safety features is standard, and a sophisticated cabin with plenty of unique touches furthers the “naughty” Volvo's character.

2012 Volvo S60 R-Design (Photo: Volvo)

From Circuit of the Americas

The final stages of paving the Formula 1 Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas are currently underway.

On Thursday, the crew laid final piece of base course and completed the entire first layer of pavement around the track. This process is referred to as “marrying the track" and is taking place from Turn 20, through the starting grid and up the hill to Turn 1.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

Unlike building a traditional sports complex like a stadium or ballpark the major portion of construction for Circuit of The Americas is building the “track” itself. About ten feet of Central Texas clay was excavated the entire length of the track.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

A black poly material 30 millimeters in thickness was then placed along the length of the excavated portion. This material acts as an envelope for layers of select fill to be placed so that it remains exactly in place.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

The inaugural F1 United States Grand Prix is scheduled for November 16-18 at Circuit of the Americas.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

This week, Toyota has stated that its RAV4 EV will go the furthest without needing a recharge, than any of its competitors. The only fully electric SUV on the market today is powered by batteries and a Tesla motor and can travel as far as 182 km on a single charge. As far as mileage is concerned, the Volt (61 km), the LEAF (117 km), the Focus (122 km), and the EV Fit (132 km) trail far behind. At 482 km, Tesla vehicles offer the greatest range in the EV field.

The RAV4 will appear next month at California dealerships, where there is a strong demand for electric vehicles. Toyota expects to sell around 2,600 EV RAV4s from 2012 to 2014, while selling around 30,000 Prius models during this same period.

Final assembly of the RAV4 will take place at Toyota's Woodstock plant, in Ontario.

Photo: Toyota

Forty-one-year old Pedro de la Rosa predicts the small Spanish HRT team will continue to improve during the second half of the 2012 Formula 1 World Championship.

“We've made steady progress but now we're at a key moment and we must take another step forward. My assessment is very positive because we set ourselves realistic targets, we've accomplished them and we're, more or less, where we expected to be,” De la Rosa said in an interview posted on Formula1.com.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

“We started the season outside the 107% in Australia and we've reached peaks of 103.6% in Monaco and our best qualifying result which was 103.4% in Valencia,” he continued.

“In our case, it's going to be easier to improve in this second half of the season than it will be for a big team that is striving for perfection because we've got much more room for improvement. In my opinion we're doing a good job with much less people than other teams".

“No one has stopped pushing, no matter what the situation. It's not easy being at the back and finishing last. But what motivates us every day is that we see that we're improving and we believe that we won't be at the back for long. It's very nice to see that, despite the fact that it's been very tough, we believe in that step forward,” the Spaniard explained.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

De la Rosa also exlained the strengths and weaknesses of the Cosworth-powered F112. “Its main strength is that it has a great mechanical platform of suspension and chassis and it has proved it at circuits where that is important. It is also reliable. Its weakness is its lack of downforce compared to other cars. We know exactly where we lose time and why, so we must work on that. If we manage to qualify inside the 103% it will be a complete success. Especially doing so without KERS and a much less effective DRS system than the other teams,” he declared.

“The circuit I'm most looking forward to is Monza because it has long straights and strong braking corners, and our car performs very well in this kind of circuits. The ones I'm least looking forward to are Suzuka and Spa because they're going to be very complicated for us,” De la Rosa concluded.

This week, Mitsubishi has issued a recall for the 2012 i-MiEV model: some sensors are incompatible with the self-diagnostic software used by the Safety Restraint System (SRS) system, causing the SRS warning light to go on when a diagnostic check occurs.

If the vehicle were to be driven with the warning light on, the inflatable curtain and side impact airbags may not deploy or the front airbags may deploy late. This could result in an increased risk of injury to an occupant during an accident. There are 49 units affected by this recall.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV owners are asked to get in touch with their dealer, who will replace the incompatible sensors as needed.

Source: Transports Canada

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Honda, which will make its World Touring Car Championship debut at the end of this season, unveiled the livery of its brand new racing Civic.

WTCC Civic Honda. (Photo: JAS)

The final version of the bodywork of 2012 Civic WTCC race car was also unveiled today.

The new race car is the result of extensive wind tunnel testing. It features an extended front and rear skirt and other additional aerodynamic elements. Combined, they enhance the Civic's smooth air flow creating a coefficient of drag (CD) value that is best in class for a C-sector 5-door hatchback.

The car will make its WTCC debuts in Japan, China and Macau this season with Tiago Monteiro, before a full program in 2013.

Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro standing beside the WTCC Civic Honda. (Photo: JAS)

Honda Civic in action. (Photo: WTCC)

With fuel consumption varying between 6.0L/100km (Lineartronic CVT) and 7.0L/100 km (standard 6-speed manual transmission) for highway driving, the new 2013 Legacy remains the most economic mid-size AWD sedan in its category.

For the 2013 year model, Subaru introduces several modifications, particularly at the aesthetic level, i.e. restyled front end featuring new headlights, grille and front bumper. As for the engine, the Legacy is powered by either a 3.6-litre H6 or a new, more efficient 2.5-litre, 173-hp 4-cylinder powertrain with new a twin overhead camshaft.

Subaru also lowered prices, much to the delight of customers. That means the 6-cylinder version is now offered at $34,695 ($1,000 less) whereas the 4-cylinder model starts at $23,495, a drop of $500.

Subaru a aussi revu ses prix à la baisse, au grand bonheur de ses clients. Ainsi, la version 6 cylindres est maintenant offerte à partir de 34 695 $ (baisse de 1000 $) tandis que le modèle 4 cylindres débute à 23 495 $, soit 500 $ de moins.

Photo: Subaru

On the JDM car scene, not since the coming of Godzilla has the internet been as electrified by steel and rubber.


When the Nissan GT-R, or R35 prototype, was unveiled in 2005, the news and pictures went viral. A few years later, in 2008, news of a light-weight, rear-wheel-drive compact performance car rekindled the Japanese performance-car fire.

As pictures began circulating, prototypes began rolling. When Akio Toyoda (aka Mr. Toyota) said, in not so many words, that his new baby was going to ignite driving passion, enthusiasts the world over collectively began salivating at the very thought of driving the car.

He was talking about the new Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S in North America) and consequently, the equally new Subaru BRZ.

With social media and affordability as key elements in the Subayota's aura, the interest, buzz and questions surrounding these two cars are both huge and numerous. We thought we'd help out.

We've now spent a considerable amount of time with both cars on the track and road, and compiled the following real variations between these two phenomenal cars.*

2013 Subaru BRZ vs. 2013 Scion FR-S (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Who's what?
First things first: the idea for this car was Subaru's. Subaru may have gone to Toyota for some styling ideas, however, the car could have looked like a Loyale or an XT as far as we're concerned and it would have still been as impressive from behind the wheel. As well, Fuji Heavy Industries builds these cars at Subaru's Gunma Main Plant.

Identical twins?
Yes, both cars are essentially and mechanically difficult to tell apart. Both feature the same running gear, but it's in the way that some components are tuned that differences become apparent.

The FA20 2.0L on paper produces an even 200 hp. In our tests, the BRZ managed better 0-100 km/h times and felt livelier on the road course. Most testers felt the throttle more eager following right-foot inputs.

Exhaust notes were very similar overall. We picked up a louder rumble at tick-over from the FR-S whereas the BRZ (especially on track day) wailed harder and deeper at wide-open throttle.

Both models share the same engine FA20 2.0 liter 200 hp. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Road and track
The most significant difference between the two cars is in the way the suspension is tuned. Scion/Toyota honed the 4-wheel, fully independent, front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone suspension for track use. Its calibration creates turn-in that's on par with some of the best cars in the business.

The BRZ's ride is more compliant -- not comfortable -- but better suited to country roads. It exhibited more lean and roll on track day. The resulting different state of tune mildly affects steering response. It's still telepathic, but turn-in is ever so slower.

The remainder of the differences are aesthetic
The most obvious disparities are right up front. The only physical parts of the car that do not have the same molds are the front bumpers. The BRZ's has a nicer front grille with horizontal bars and LED daytime-running lights while the FR-S' fascia is spotted with egg-crate/honeycomb-like meshing. The BRZ's headlight housings are blacked out for a little attitude and include LED accent lighting.

On the inside, the FR-S features a gear indicator. The BRZ does, however, have vanity mirror lights and offers some nicer finishing touches such as carpeting on the inside of the trunk lid.

The BRZ's has a nicer front grille with horizontal bars and LED daytime-running lights while the FR-S' fascia is spotted with egg-crate/honeycomb-like meshing. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Price, badge or calling?
The BRZ is pricier, in its basic form. The reason is simple: It has more standard kit (such as navigation and HID headlights).

As far as badging is concerned, some will say that a RWD performance coupe has nothing to do with Subaru. On the other hand, we've heard comments from people who would not buy an FR-S simply because it's a Scion...

Either way, the cars are extraordinary. It comes down to the following: The FR-S is a road-prepared track car and the BRZ is track-ready road car.

*We do realize that the sampling of one BRZ and one FR-S may not be entirely representative of a complete comparison.

Ferrari North Europe hopes to achieve the new record, on September 15 later this year, during Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone Circuit. The previous record was set in 2007, with 385 Ferraris on the Circuit. Ferrari North Europe has always wanted to set a Guinness World Record with 1,000 cars. And already, more than 1,000 attendees have confirmed their presence.

Furthermore, Ferrari North Europe will give £5 (approx. $7.80) to BEN, (the automotive industry's own charity) for every Ferrari taking part in the record-breaking attempt.

Photo: Ferrari

Local hero Mikko Hirvonen was five seconds adrift of his Citroen teammate Sebastien Loeb as the battle for top honours at the end of Day 1 on Neste Oil Rally Finland.

Sebastien Loeb, Citroen. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

During the last stage of the day, Finlands' Hirvonen, in a Citroen DS3 WRC, was 1.5s quicker than his teammate, the winner of the FIA World Rally Championship title for the last eight seasons, to narrow the gap between the top two drivers.

Jari-Matti Latvala, Ford. (Photo: BP Ford Motorsport)

Loeb explained he has been struggling with a mechanical issue since the end of the previous stage: "I have a problem with the rear diff since the stage before," he said.

Thierry Neuville, Citroen. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

"It overheated and we lost the oil. It was handling really strange and we were sliding everywhere. We lose a bit of time and I wasn't sure if we could complete the stage at one point."

Ford Fiesta WRC. (Photo: BP Ford Motorsport)

Best-of-RallyLive brings you the video highlights from the first day in Finland.

When General Motors slashed and burned a few divisions a couple of years ago following the government's financial aid to save the ailing company, a lot of people probably wondered why Buick didn't get thrown into the fire alongside Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer. For those who don't already know, Buick is big in China: that's right, what is arguably the biggest emerging market in the world loves the brand.

As a result, Buick got a new lease on life in North America and the Regal GS, new for 2012, is the most tantalizing Buick currently available. Ah, the Gran Sport name recalls some fine classic machinery from the muscle car era. Yet, as a modern-day performance sedan, is the 2012 Regal GS worthy of its notorious badge? And more importantly, if you're in the market for a luxury sport sedan, would a Buick be on your shopping list?



The GS muscle
The 2012 Buick Regal GS gets a direct-injected 2.0L turbocharged four under its hood and produces 270 hp as well as 295 lb-ft of torque from 2,400 rpm. Those are impressive numbers for such a small engine; in fact, it's about as muscular as GM's 3.6L V6. You also get a choice between 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. When's the last time you saw a clutch pedal in a Buick? I can't remember either, but I'm glad one's available now.

However, and like the rest of the Regal lineup, the GS drives its front wheels only. Those two rubber doughnuts have the unfortunate double duty of getting power to the ground and turning the car at the same time.

That's a recipe for torque steer in powerful front-drivers. To become a negligible issue, the engine frequently feels robbed of its full potential. We clocked a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Under hard acceleration, the 2.0L turbo feels about 100 lb-ft short, and you don't quite get that immediate-kick-in-the-pants feel as with VW/Audi's 2.0T engines.

Still, the Regal GS is very enjoyable, and driving fast is something you'll end up doing anyhow, because the car is so quiet inside. The turbocharger's whistle won't give you goosebumps like a good ol' V8 would, but it's music to our ears nonetheless.

Fuel economy has nothing to do with performance-oriented Buicks of yesteryear. At 100 km/h on the highway, the engine spins at just 1,800 rpm, and our combined city/highway average of 9.8L/100km is a decent result.

Stopping power is provided by four-wheel vented disc brakes, along with Brembo four-piston callipers and performance brake pads up front. The most potent Regal serves up good initial bite when you stomp on the pedal and short stopping distances.


The GS button
On the dash, you'll find Sport and GS buttons, which both stiffen the car's suspension and reduce body roll. On the open road, you likely won't feel any difference apart from a slightly jittery ride on the highway.

On the other hand, the reduced assist of the hydraulic power steering when the GS mode is active feels great when you wish to drive in a more spirited fashion. Ultimately, we think most owners will stop playing around with the buttons after a few weeks.

Yet, we shouldn't forget that this is a German-engineered sedan, and that means excellent road manners. The Regal GS, or all trim levels for that matter, benefits from good turn-in and minimal body roll. The GS probably is the greatest handling front-drive car GM has offered in North America, so far. Oh, by the way, the Regal is now built in Oshawa, Ontario.

On the dash, you'll find Sport and GS buttons, which both stiffen the car's suspension and reduce body roll. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The GS difference
It's fairly easy to distinguish a Regal GS from other versions. The vertical air intakes on the front bumper give the car a sabre-toothed smile, while a sportier rear bumper and rocker panel extensions hug 19" alloy wheels; our tester is equipped with optional chromed 20-inchers -- not a bad upgrade from a visual standpoint.

Inside, you get excellent 12-way power front seats with rich leather upholstery, a fat and grip-y steering wheel and a 5.1 surround sound system, while a power sunroof and navigation are extra-cost additions.

On the downside, the electronic parking brake is a bit of a hassle; you must flip a console-mounted rocker switch to activate and deactivate it, which doesn't always cooperate when you're in a hurry -- and forget about wintertime parking-lot drifting. Rear-seat space is snug for two adults, uncomfortable for three.

Inside, you get excellent 12-way power front seats with rich leather upholstery. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The GS price
Base price for the 2012 Buick Regal Gran Sport is $40,900, while our loaded test car, which includes the $995 White Diamond Tricoat paint (ouch!), rings in at $44,555.

The Regal GS is a solid, great-handling sport sedan that treats its occupants well and delivers decent straight-line performance and fuel economy. However, competitors such as the Infiniti G37x, the BMW 328i and the Audi A4 quattro are all within a few thousand dollars and tough acts to follow in regards to performance, handling and prestige.

And let's not forget Cadillac's new, rear-wheel drive 2013 ATS, which can be equipped with the same engine. It all comes down to this: Could you imagine yourself driving a Buick sports sedan?

Sébastien Loeb (Citroen) maintained his lead at the end of the second day of Rally Finland, but the Frenchman is still under the pressure from his teammate Mikko Hirvonen.

The two Citroën works drivers were separated by only three seconds before the last Super Special stage held Friday night.

Sébastien Loeb, Citroën (Phoo: Citroën Racing)

The pair today shared the the number of stage wins on Friday (4 to Hirvonen, 3 to Loeb), with the exception of ESS11, the last special stage of the day, which was won by Petter Solberg's Ford Fiesta.

Hirvonen, who is still looking for his first win with Citroën, is still classified behind his teammate Loeb. The works Ford Fiestas of Jari-Matti Latvala and Petter Solberg were running 20 seconds behind the Citroëns, as the Norwegian driver had a great catch up after his technical issues on Thursday.

Young Thierry Neuville (Citroën), who was fighting for fifth position with Mads Ostberg's Ford, was forced to retire after he rolled his car at a low speed in ESS11.

Classification after Friday :
1. Loeb-Elena (Citroën DS3 WRC) en 1h19'07''6
2. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroën DS3 WRC) + 5''0
3. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) + 20''3
4. P. Solberg-Patterson (Ford Fiesta WRC) + 21''4
5. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) + 47''7
6. Tanak-Sikk (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) + 1'36''4
etc.

Action starts today at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres, the scene of so many stunning performances of the late Gilles Villeneuve in Formula Atlantic. Let's relive his maiden F1 Grand Prix with McLaren.

Photo: WRi2

Villeneuve drove a works McLaren M23-Cosworth at Silverstone during the 1977 British Grand Prix.

Photo: WRi2

The video is quite long I agree, but it gives a chance to see again the greatest drivers from that era such as Mario Andretti, Gilles Villeneuve (of course!), Jacques Laffite, Patrick Depailler, Niki Lauda and James Hunt. The legendary Murray Walker is calling the shots.

Photo: WRi2