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Jul
20th

Back in the driver’s seat

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After 7.5 months of driving our beloved Subaru WRX every day, with the newest edition to our family nestled in the back seat, I'm ready to change it up a bit and get back behind the wheel of the latest automotive models on the market. Time to get back in the cubicle and back out on the road while my husband plays Mr. Mom for the remainder of the year (I still can't believe he agreed to this).

Over the past few months I've come to realize this: Never wear white when you have a newborn, and I don't think I could ever quit my job.

Back in the driver's seat

Here's the thing; not only am I fairly passionate about my work, but I also enjoy the novelty of driving a new vehicle every week. A lot of people I know (mostly older family members) balk at the idea of getting behind the wheel of a brand new vehicle every seven days. The thought of learning where buttons and knobs are, friction points and vehicle size throw them off. They'd rather settle into one car and not have to worry about learning all the ins and outs over and over again.

But I love it.

I love the unknown of a new car. Discovering the car's quirks (good and bad); getting a feel for a new clutch, gear ratios and acceleration; I revel in it. I welcome the frustrations, the elation and the letdowns. It's all part and parcel when it comes to testing. Which is why I could never stop doing what I do. This was made painfully clear to me while I was on maternity leave. While I loved every moment at home with my son, I also painfully wanted to be out trying new cars.

Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be happier with my WRX. Actually, I could be happier (if it had more room in the back seat for a baby and a larger trunk), but that's a subject for another blog. The Rex has been a fantastic car, and I was glad to have AWD over the winter months with a newborn in the back. But at the same time I couldn't help but sigh a little in disappointment each morning when I got behind the wheel, thinking to myself: “This car, again?”

Instead of taking the opportunity to bond with the Rex, I ended up being more annoyed with it than anything else. From a steering U-joint breaking to the radio going on the fritz, it seemed the car disliked being with me as much I did it. It was time for us to go our separate ways before things got any worse.

So, I've decided I will work until I croak behind the wheel. Either that, or become so rich and famous that I can afford to purchase a brand new car every week or so. One way or the other, you're all going to have to put up with me for quite a bit longer.
Jul
20th

The 2013 Toyota Venza: Pricing Starts at $28,690

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Today, Toyota introduced the latest version of its popular crossover with some style changes and a few improvements. Better yet, the 2013 Venza retails at $700 less than last year's model.

The restyled exterior now features new rear tail lights, and heated, convex blind-spot mirrors with built-in turn signals. The grille and the fog lamps have also been updated.

The 2013 Venza also offers more cargo space, faux-wood paneling, a three-spoke telescopic steering wheel and 7 airbags. Plus, the vehicle comes standard with automatic climate control.

The combined fuel rating for the 4-cylinder is 8.6 L/100 km. Toyota has not yet released fuel ratings for its 6-cylinder model.

2013 Toyota Venza side view
Photo: Toyota

2013 Toyota Venza interior
Photo: Toyota

Jul
19th

Buick Grand National documentary preview set

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Buick and director Andrew Filippone Jr.
Jul
19th

Lamborghini LP 700-4 Aventador production passes 1,000

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On July 19, Lamborghini built the 1,000th Aventador.
Jul
19th

GM to build Chevy Trax compact crossover, pickups in Mexico

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GM said Thursday it will build the Chevrolet Trax compact crossover and a new generation of big pickups at plants in Mexico.
Jul
19th

Porsche Panamera and Cayenne models recalled over turbocharger trouble: Autoweek TV

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Also in this episode: Germany's legendary Nürburgring is bankrupt, General Motors moves out of New York City's GM Building and we take a look at a
Jul
19th

GERMANY: Opel caretaker chief will honour commitments

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Opel's new caretaker chief has said he will honour commitments made to unions and employees as part of a turnaround plan.
Jul
19th

VW mulls renewed bid for Malaysia’s Proton, sources say

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Volkswagen is considering launching a new bid for Malaysia's Proton as Europe's largest automaker aims to tap growing southeast Asian markets in its quest for global dominance, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
Jul
19th

FRANCE: Renault ‘spy’ scandal finally claims Pelata scalp

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A meeting of Renault's top management today (19 July) has been told the automaker's former second in command, Patrick Pelata, will leave the company next month following last year's spy scandal in which three top executives were wrongly accused of espionage.
Jul
19th

MG Roadster back as SUV

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MG Roadster front
News 20 Jul, 2012

New MG Roadster will be based on the Icon concept, with classic MGB touches - and our exclusive images show how it could look

Jul
19th

New MG Roadster pictures

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MG Roadster frontMG Icon Pictures 20 Jul, 2012
Jul
19th

UAW loses ‘equality of sacrifice’ grievance against Ford

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An arbitrator today dismissed the UAW's long-standing 'equality of sacrifice' grievance against Ford, ruling the company was not contractually obligated to roll back concessions with hourly workers at the same time it restored bonuses...
Jul
19th

Tease of 2013 Lexus LS sedan now on Facebook

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Lexus is joining the social teasing party by uploading a darkened, smoky image of the redesigned 2013 Lexus LS sedan.
Jul
19th

China swoops down on GM pension plan’s assets, report says

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GM's underfunded pension plan has found a buyer for some of its private equity assets -- the Chinese government, which is willing to pay between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, the Financial Times reported on its website.
Jul
19th

Driven: 2012 Nissan Murano

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Driven: 2012 Nissan Murano
Driven: 2012 Nissan Murano - Automobile Magazine
Although this early adopter could use better fuel economy, it remains a great choice.

First introduced in 2003, the Nissan Murano was on the vanguard of the move to crossovers, with buyers not so much coming out of SUVs but passenger cars. Trailing in its wake came the Toyota Venza, the Ford Edge, and the Honda Crosstour, to name a few. Redesigned for 2009, the Murano's styling became more, well, pronounced -- with a pointy, shovel-faced grille and a rounded rear -- but it retained the same general proportions.


Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Nissan Murano - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Nissan Murano - Automobile Magazine


Jul
19th

US: Johnson Controls reports quarterly earnings up 17% (but disappoints)

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Johnson Controls has reported that net income in the quarter ended June 30 rose 17% year-on-year to US$417 million.
Jul
19th

2012 Honda Fit Sport

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2012 Honda Fit Sport
2012 Honda Fit Sport - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
The Fit is one of the best -- and most entertaining -- vehicles to drive in an urban environment.

A lot has changed since we last named the Fit an All-Star in 2009. Back then, the Fit wowed us with its sophistication, efficiency, and dynamic competence. Honda brought smart engineering to a segment that had once been notable only for its low price tags.


Photo Gallery: 2012 Honda Fit Sport - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Honda Fit Sport - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Jul
19th

A123 to supply lithium ion batteries to BAE

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A123 Systems signed a deal with BAE Systems to supply lithium ion battery packs to be used in buses as well as other commercial applications.
Jul
19th

FRANCE: Faurecia acquires automotive business of Sora Composites

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Faurecia has purchased the automotive business of Sora Composites. The division specialises in the manufacture of composite plastics and the use of glass and carbon fibre for automotive applications.
Jul
19th

Audi Q3 2.0 TDI quattro

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News 19 Jul, 2012

The efficient Audi Q3 2.0 TDI is now available with quattro four-wheel drive and a manual gearbox

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