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From GMM

F1 is returning to Mexico in 2013, according to a report in a Spanish sports newspaper.

Marca reports that the race will take place at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City, which was the scene of the last Mexican grand prix in 1992.

The report said the race is backed by many of Sauber driver Sergio Perez's sponsors, including Telmex, Interproteccion, Tequila Cuervo and Mexico's tourism ministry.

"They are willing to support the grand prix, which will replace Valencia," wrote Marca journalist Jose Maria Rubio.

The report said the necessary bodies and the president have approved a contract with Bernie Ecclestone for an initial period of five years.

"Refurbishment work on the circuit should begin as soon as the elections happen (in July)," revealed Rubio. "Everything should be ready for the race mid next year".

Mexico 1992, won by Nigel Mansell, was Michael Schumacher's first of 154 career podiums.

Podium of 1992 Mexican Grand Prix - Nigel Mansell, Ricardo Patrese and Michael Schumacher - Photo: sportskeeda.com

From GMM

Romain Grosjean would not be the most welcome face in the Sauber motor home.

Recently after the Spanish grand prix, Swiss newspaper Blick quoted Sergio Perez as cursing "f***ing French!" after a collision with Lotus' Grosjean.

Then, at Monaco, Kamui Kobayashi had to retire with suspension damage after his spectacular high-flying crash at the first corner.

"Unfortunately it was Grosjean again," Peter Sauber thundered. "First Perez was the victim, now Kobayashi."

Retirement for Romain Grosjean, at the first corner of the Monaco Grand Prix. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

And those tangles were not reigning GP2 champion Grosjean's only mistakes so far in 2012, despite demonstrating otherwise strong pace in his second season since his abortive 2009 debut.

Team boss Eric Boullier insists he is being patient with the 26-year-old.

"He is still early in his career and therefore has the right to make mistakes," the Frenchman is quoted by L'Equipe sports newspaper. "This is no excuse, but all the drivers around him have done thousands of kilometres of testing and many races. He is still in his first year and I think has done a pretty amazing job for a rookie."

It's a warm, sunny morning as I hug the kids before they climb into the school bus and head for class. I grab my laptop and hop into my ride of the week, the 100% electric, 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

As the previous commutes to and fro the office with the Mitsubishi were done avoiding the highway, I decide to try it and see what the resulting range difference will be when I get there. In all EVs I've tested so far, the faster you go, the shorter your range will be. EVs, like the i-MiEV, prefer city stop-and-go commuting to maximize range.

I get to the office and hand the key to our photographer Sebastien. The car's got about 60 km of range left. When he gets back, I'll plug it in a 110-volt outlet outside the building and stock up another 20 km or roughly enough range to pick up the kids at school before heading for home. No problem.

Turns out that the i-MiEV returned from its photo session with 1 km of range left. One. Eins. Uno. My photog noticed a turtle icon flash as he nervously headed back to the office, which meant he was in limp-home mode and about to discover if his shoes were good for long walks. The location he had planned for shooting the car was unfortunately too far away, and required much highway driving.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

Ugh. It's 11 o'clock, and I gotta leave at 4:30 pm at the very latest if I want to make it to school before it closes. Will it be enough just plugging it in the 110-volt outlet?

In Quebec, we have what is called the Electric Circuit, a charging network of about 100 240-volt stations where the public can top up their EV for a $2.50 flat fee. There is one such station about a kilometre away from the office but there's a catch: you must be a member, and you can only pay with your membership card. After applying for the card, it takes 3-4 days to receive the card through the mail. Darn.

Leaving the i-MiEV plugged in from 11 am to 5:30 pm gave me about 40 km of range or enough for me to get home without breaking a sweat. Luckily, a friend of mine picked up my kids from school, which was my only worry.

The morale to this story? There isn't one, and that's the point. Potential buyers of EVs will be scanned by the manufacturers to figure out if they're EV-worthy. They'll make sure their customers' daily commute is short enough so they won't be stressed out all the time, and have more than enough juice for the unexpected.

I'm all for electric vehicles and they're quite purifying to drive. However, it requires drivers to change the way they plan out their commute, avoiding highways and mapping out the most efficient routes, not necessarily the shortest. As a city-only car, they've got immediate appeal, but until the range in these cars rises significantly, EVs will remain a second car in the suburban driveway.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

From GMM

Rubens Barrichello earned more than US $330,000 in Sunday's Indy 500.

At the age of 40 and with an unprecedented 326 grands prix behind him, the famous Brazilian was the highest placed newcomer in the fabled American oval race.

It means he was crowned the official 'rookie of the year' title for his eleventh place finish, earning him $331,080 in prize money.

"My first oval experience, it was very different than anything I've done," said Rubens Barrichello. "It's a pity that we didn't finish top ten but I can be proud of that for my first time out."

Rubens Barrichello, Indianapolis. (Photo: IMS)

Winner Dario Franchitti's earnings were almost $2.5 million.

Barrichello's fellow grand prix winner Jean Alesi, however, went home empty handed, having been disqualified for lapping too slowly in his Lotus-powered Indycar.

"It was frustrating but the (105pc) regulation is fair and I leave with a lot of respect for the Indy 500," said the 47-year-old Frenchman. "I hope to return next year. I will start to prepare now."

Honeywell Turbo Technologies is actively working with many car makers to develop more turbocharged engines, which are increasingly popular these days. The turbines help keep displacement down to reduce fuel consumption, but without compromising power.

3.2 million cars that are turbo'd should be sold in 2012 - a million more than last year -. It is a testament of the Americans' changing mentality, in response to the increasing fuel prices.

The average engine size, which in 2007 was 3.6L, should have come down to just 2.9L by 2016.

The turbocharged engines developed by Honeywell can be adapted to any type of car, regardless of the category. In 2008, 2 % of autos sold in the US were turbocharged; the percentage went up to 9.5 in 2011, and should reach 23.5 in 2017. Such engines allow between 20 and 40 % more fuel economy, without affecting the performances.

The Sauber Formula 1 found an innovative way to explain Formula 1 technology as it split a 2008 BMW Sauber F1.08 chassis in half lengthways to show the positioning of components within the car.

For the last two years the Sauber F1 Team mechanics have been using their downtime to slice an F1 car lengthwise down the middle with the precision of true craftsmen.

Chief Designer Matt Morris quite literally gets underneath the skin of the F1 car, pointing out where and how the individual components are located within the chassis. Everything is packed in pretty tightly. Sergio Pérez is also on hand to demonstrate the driver's seating position.

As usual, even with a four-year-old car, the Swiss team avoid showing the rear end of the car in too much detail, as the engine and transmission are among its most sensitive parts. This being a 2008 car, is does not have a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) or DRS (Drag Reduction System).

According to BMW insiders, the Munich firm will offer manual gearboxes for the latest M6 - both the coupe and the convertible. We already know both versions will first be offered with the seven-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox, only after - in 2013 or later -, will the manual transmission be available.

Photo: BMW

Americans are partially accountable for BMW's decision to offer the standard gearbox, because they wanted that option in a sports car. European consumers seemed to go with the new-generation automatic transmission much easier. After all, it changes gears quicker and helps keep the fuel bills down.


_{Source: Car and Driver}

Just as Nissan claimed it, the new version of its popular Altima can go 1360 km on a single tank fuel; it's the brand's second most efficient car, after the LEAF.

Photo: Nissan

The Altima, now built in the Smyrna factory in Tennessee and powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, is entering its fifth generation. In 20 years of existence, 4.4 million Altima have been sold.

The California state has asked major car makers to sell more Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), such as all-electric cars, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen-powered autos. Companies that do not meet the emission standards set by the government will be allowed to buy ZEV credits from brands which exceeded the targets, otherwise, they will face heavy fines.

Photomontage: Auto123.com

Nissan stated the ZEV credits it accumulated over the years thanks to its popular LEAF, the best-selling electric car in the United States, could be for sale. "We're happy to have surplus credits, selling those is definitely something we could do," Andy Palmer, a group's vice-president said. "We're exploring the idea at the moment, we haven't made our mind yet."

The objective set for 2014 is to have 60,000 ZEV across the 12 participant states, and to push the numbers up to 1.4 million by 2025. On its end, the Californian government wants to have a fleet of clean vehicles before 2025 - which would represent 15 % of all its vehicles.


_{Source: Automotive News}

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has announced that communication giant AT&T has become an official technical supplier.

AT&T was a partner of the Williams team until late last season.

AT&T, already partnered in F1 with Williams. (Photo: Williams F1)

AT&T will provide the team with advanced network services focused on a high bandwidth link between the team working at the track and Red Bull Racing's factory back in Milton Keynes the UK.

Red Bull Racing was already a customer of AT&T for over a year.

The car business is in constant motion. If car companies aren't buying brands, then brands are moving about, exploring new segments or expanding their reach up or down. Hyundai is the 21st century example of spreading targets in every which way, from entry-level to luxury cars.


The old General Motors did that seemingly forever but the new, leaner and meaner GM has all but given up randomly dropping badges and leather on some cars to make them more upscale.

The Buick brand as a whole is in transition. Reaching lower down the pay scale than it ever has, Buick is in the midst of relocating itself between Cadillac and Chevrolet and lowering the average age of its buyers. So far, they've done a commendable job of it.

The LaCrosse out
In my mind, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is the last link to the Buick of old even though the current car itself is only three years old.

This observation is certainly not based on the car's styling. Of all the Buicks, the LaCrosse is actually my favourite, followed closely by the Regal. The LaCrosse has a modern, muscular flair to it and I especially like the dip and sharp rise the headlight to taillight crease line does on the rear doors. It almost masks the massive-ness of the back doors.

The slopping roofline is also attractive but I quickly get turned off by the car's large behind. The rear overhang is a few inches too far out. With the right wheels though, it all looks right.

The LaCrosse is muscular and modern soberly. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The LaCrosse in
The cabin is quite nice. I found but two issues with the lot, the main one being the poorly designed and thought-out interior door handles. They are largely covered by the armrest and so are practically impossible to grab when trying to close the door.

The other is the seats and the driving position. Regardless of how I adjusted the seat, I was always under the impression that I was being pushed forward. Beyond that, the nature and quality of the material and the assembly in the 2012 Buick LaCrosse are impressive. Soft-touch plastics, leather and wood flow through the indoors along the curvatures of the sculpted dashboard and door-cards.

Ergonomics are fine, although even after a week's worth of driving, I was still having issues locating some of the HVAC and audio controls.

What is particularly fine is the room afforded to the passengers. Up front, occupants can fully stretch out given the amount of leg, shoulder and elbowroom. The rear bench can accommodate three passengers; however, two will feel as though they are in their living rooms.

Soft-touch plastics, leather and wood flow through the indoors along the curvatures of the sculpted dashboard and door-cards. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The LaCrosse out and about
This car is imposingly comfortable, quiet and refined. The 2.4L 4-pot is smooth and docile and never gets out of hand audibly. Accelerative power is never in short supply and the 6-speed autobox works seamlessly. With the amount of Quiet Tuning this car gets, it's no small wonder why the 2012 Buick LaCrosse is as serene as it is.

On the road, the car benefits from a well calibrated four-wheel independent suspension. Only the sharpest edges of the winter-battered roads would permeate the cabin. The LaCrosse's electric steering is tuned for plenty of assistance in the city, so much so that I was reaching the stops on each end of the rack before I knew it. Feedback from the wheel is limited, but that's to be expected.

The 2.4L 4-pot is smooth and docile and never gets out of hand audibly. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

eAssist
GM's mild-hybrid system is reminiscent of Honda's well-known IMA system. eAssist carries its name well as it offers bursts of electrical assistance when driving. Total combined gas-electric output is 182 hp and 172 torques. At no time do the batteries fully take over propulsion. This simple technology is ingenious, as it endows the car with extra oomph with little or no impact on fuel consumption and it costs relatively little.

Well, that's how it reads on paper. The reality is that it does add to acceleration, but I noted no real benefit to fuel consumption. I was not impressed by my average of 10.0L/100 km in 50/50 mixed driving conditions. According to GM, it should have been below 8L/100km.

The real good stuff eAssist brings to the table is start-stop, regenerative braking and electric assist. One suggestion to improve the system would be a smaller engine and bigger batteries. But that would require more money...

I was not impressed by my average of 10.0L/100 km in 50/50 mixed driving conditions. According to GM, it should have been below 8L/100km. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Final tally
I've done this only once or twice in the past and that's "award" a red light to a car. If you look at it at the top of the page, it has to do with visibility. Here's what it's about: rear visibility is impossible: it's like staring through a sunroof while going backwards. Sure, there's a backup camera but A) it's an option and B) drivers are warned not to rely solely on the camera when backing up.

Unfortunately, and this is why it's a red light, forward three-quarter visibility is also horrible. The "A" pillars are enormous and more than once did I not see pedestrians trying to cross a street!

That's all for the bitching.

At $35,195, the base 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist is a well-heeled and appointed car. To get HID headlights, back-up camera, navigation, leather and numerous other goodies as found in my tester, the price climbs to $45,335.

In this price range, the LaCrosse faces off against some serious foes including the Acura TL, Lexus ES 350 and Infiniti G37. The Buick will be better equipped, but that's about it.

As the oldest car in Buick's lineup, the LaCrosse will evolve further and transit to its rightful position. The rate at which Buick is progressing promises more good things to come.

Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV

Lexus ES

Toyota Avalon

From GMM

Jaime Alguersuari was also caught up in the latest Italian earthquake that killed 15 people and forced Ferrari to send its employees home on Tuesday.

The former Toro Rosso driver told Spanish sports newspaper AS that he was near the epicentre of the magnitude-5.8 quake as he prepared to test a kart this week.

Asked if he is okay, Spaniard Alguersuari said: "Yes, everything's fine, but this morning at the hotel I had a hard time, I was really scared."

"I was in the shower and I just ran out. At first I wasn't worried because I'd experienced something similar in Japan, but soon I realised that everything was shaking and getting strong and that this was much worse. There was a point at which I kept thinking 'it's all over' -- I thought the building was coming down. So I put on a towel and ran down to reception and into the street. It all lasted about two minutes and I realised that, yes, in a moment everything can change. It was an experience."

Adapted from wrc.com

Two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Gronholm captured victory in a rallycross event in the USA.

Gronholm, who swept to world title glory in 2000 and 2002, was competing in the opening round of the 2012 Global Rallycross Championship at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday.

Photo: WRC

Not only did the Finn claim victory in his Ford Fiesta Mk7, he also scored maximum points after progressing through the seeding and heat stages with a clean sheet of wins, before securing top honours in the eight-lap decider against 10 rivals, despite hefty rear contact from a rival driver.

“I'm really pleased for the Best Buy Racing Rallycross Team, this is what we came here to do,” said Gronholm.

“Since Friday you have been used to fighting maybe three other cars at a time in the heats, then suddenly there are ten cars on track [for the final] which really changes everything. With so many cars, staying out of trouble is really important and I got a big push from behind at one stage, I dropped quite a bit, but managed to get it all together. I'm enjoying the moment, but pretty soon we'll start taking a look at [the next round in] Texas which isn't so long away.”

The Canadian Formula Tour 1600 series kicked-off last weekend its 2012 racing season.

Twenty drivers took the start of the first of three Mont-Tremblant double header programs, where the sun was shining. It was also the first race weekend of the new Toyo R888 tire era.

Xavier Coupal, Nathan Blok and Didier Schraenen. (Photo: formulatour1600)

This season, expect young guns Nathan Blok and Xavier Coupal - who split a win each last weekend -, Jean-Philippe Jodoin and Marc-Antoine Cardin to challenge for glory.

Block is the defending champion, and Coupal the aspiring rival who had the chance to defend his country's colour at last year's British Formula Ford Festival.

Jodoin is one of few drivers to race the new Honda Fit engine. In the fight with 15-year-old rookie Cardin, Jodoin has the advantage of a few more race under his belt.

That being said, old timers Didier Schraenen and Michel Bonnet, are expected to shine just as much. They both scored a podium in Tremblant. Chances are, for his 25th race season, Schraenen will want more than just third places.

But right now, he and everybody else are looking forward to the Formula 1 weekend, held at the circuit Gilles-Villeneuve June 8-10. Drivers will then have a chance to race again in the streets of Trois-Rivières, revisit Mont-Tremblant twice and see for the first time what the Calabogie Motorsports Park is like to race.

All Nokia branding has been removed from the World Rally Championship web site after the cellular phone giant terminated his partnership with the WRC.

Autosport reports that WRC Commission president Jarmo Mahonen admitted last week's Acropolis Rally would be the final event in the association between the WRC and Nokia.

Wednesday, the news was confirmed by the fact that all Nokia branding was removed from the official web site of the World Rally Championship.

Photo: WRC

Autosport added that Mahonen admitted the loss of the deal, reckoned to have been a long-term commitment was a significant blow to the series.

The president also said that the loss of the WRC promoter at the start of the year was a contributing factor in the demise of the partnership.

Alex Mair, former group executive in charge of General Motors' technical staffs and general manager of the automaker's Pontiac and

Of the 2,984 cars for sale at the Indiana State Fairgrounds during Dana Mecum's 25th Original Spring Classic