Auto News 5

Porsche SE is seeking to reverse a ruling in the United States that the company must face a lawsuit by hedge funds accusing it of hiding a plan to corner the market in Volkswagen shares.

When Porsche's $100 million North American headquarters in Atlanta opens in 2014, dealers will have another tool to close a sale or reward a loyal customer.

Volkswagen unveiled the North American production version of the Jetta Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Available in SE, SL1, and SL2 trim, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid uses a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine along with a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and a seven-speed DSG. It can run in full electric mode at the touch of a button for up to two kilometres.

Fuel economy in the U.S. is announced at 45 mpg. Canadian ratings are not known yet.

Stay tuned for further information including prices and release dates.

Photo: Volkswagen

After teasing fans with a short video a few days ago, the Japanese automaker today unveiled the all-new, fourth-generation 2013 Toyota RAV4 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Available in three trim levels (LE, XLE and Limited), the fully redesigned RAV4 offers bold new styling and a single powertrain option: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine rated at 176 horsepower. The V6 is no more.

The base model gets 17'' steel wheels, while the XLE stands out with 17'' alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line Limited model proudly rides on a set of 18s.

The interior of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is all new as well. Highlights include soft-touch accents, driver-centric controls, and class-leading 73.4 cu. ft. of cargo room with the rear seats folded. In Limited trim, buyers can specify a Blind Spot Monitor system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2013 Toyota RAV4, which will go on sale early next year.

Photo: Toyota

I love window-shopping for used cars. Many of us at the office actually scrupulously enjoy sifting through online classified ads for cool, older cars like the Acura Integra, Volkswagen GTI, Dodge Omni GLH or Saab 9-3 Viggen.

What I enjoy the most is clicking from one picture to another trying to pick out clues that the car has been repainted or even involved in an accident.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Some are very obvious. The best examples or clues that a car's been resprayed, at least in part, are when fender and door colors do not match. It is most obvious when the car is a light shade such as silver or beige. I can't tell how often I've pointed out that an “original paint” silver Acura Integra was nothing less than 50 shades of grey, and not silver. Just look for shadows.

Obviously, a hood with a red underbelly while the remainder of the car is silver tells its own tale...

Another clue is fender gaps. If they're not even then the car's been hit, period. Nobody replaces a door for fun; the gap is uneven because the door or pillar has moved. Same goes for bumper-fender, trunk-lid and quarter-panel gaps. Cars built in the last 20 to 25 years were generally well aligned out of the box.

A further clue is overspray. Some body shops are especially lazy when it comes to fixing smashed cars. All that needs to be done is to open doors, hoods, boot lids and fuel-filler doors to closely inspect rubber seals and also look for paint ridges around the seals or paint flakes that should not be present.

Occasionally, the real slobs don't even bother covering up the back box or the struts when painting. If they show signs of overspray, say thanks but no thanks.

About hits: Consider carefully checking out door hinges and latches. If there are signs of rubbing or scratches, the door is misaligned which is often a sign of some kind of impact. Same goes for a hood latch that requires an enormous amount of top pressure to catch. Again, unless damaged or thoroughly rusted, these latches should not be so bad.

Another trick is lifting the trunk's carpeting. Most modern cars are lined with some form of insulation to prevent road noise. If this material is severely cracked or the floor is buckled, this car was once rear-ended. Also inspect the cardboard or plastic insert that sits atop the spare tire. If it is bent or cracked, same thing.

Looking under the hood can be very revealing, however, one needs to know what they are looking for. Essentially, harsh kinks, unusual bends and folds are typically not found under the bonnet of an accident-free car.

Another fun clue is license plate numbers. In most provinces, plates are issued in sequence. With a little time, one can get a clue as to when a plate was issued. This typically helps when a seller uses the old, “I've owned this for years, and have babied it from the beginning” line and you can tell that the plate is barely a few months old.

There are a number of other things to look for; however, nothing replaces a thorough inspection performed by a professional. Check out our Used Car Buying Guide for more details.

After months of testing in plain sight, but, in a camouflage paint job Chevrolet revealed its' 2013 SS in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Under the new NASCAR mandate OEM manufacturers such as GM, Ford and Toyota now are permitted to race cars which actually resemble the cars which names they bear.

Thus when General Motors unveils an all-new rear wheel drive V-8 Chevrolet SS performance sedan that will debut early next year it will look like the race car shown on Thursday.

“As a passionate race fan, the debut of the SS NASCAR race car is a genuinely exciting moment for me,” said GM North America President Mark Reuss. “With the SS, Chevrolet is delivering a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR race car that is very closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale, ensuring that our most loyal enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the same thrill every day on the open road that our race car drivers enjoy on the track on race day.”

Photo: Getty for NASCAR

The profile clearly shows the large wheel arches and the dramatic cove behind the front wheel here just like the production car. The exterior similarities between the SS race car and the production car are very, very car. There's a little bit of math representation of that. The blue line here on the slide is the race car; the green line is the production car. The cars match up extremely well.

The Chevrolet SS was actually derived from the Australian-built Holden Commodore.

Here's what selected drivers and crew chiefs are saying about the new Chevy:

Jimmie Johnson - No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports:
“It's been a huge effort, and the times that I have driven the 2013 Chevrolet SS race car, I've been very impressed. I'm excited for Chevrolet, and really for all the manufacturers to have such a cool looking race car. The cars look sharp; they look good; I think the fans are going to be excited to go to the showrooms and buy these vehicles. We have been able to work on them from an aero balance. I know that my friends at GM are awfully smart, and are going to give me a great car to go race with.”

Kevin Harvick - No. 29 Richard Childress Racing:
“I think it's one of the most important moves that NASCAR and the manufacturers have made in a very long time.  Just for the fact that the cars on the race track will be very significant in looking like the cars on the showroom floor.  I think from a manufacturer's standpoint it's probably the most important move that has happened in I don't even know how long, but a really long time.  For the fans to have that relevance from the race track to the showroom is important.” 

Tony Stewart - No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing:
“The new SS looks awesome. That's the great thing - it's back to looking like a production car again. It's a design that I really like. It's got the perfect blend of having a race car look, but a street car look at the same time; and that's hard to do. No matter what you're a fan of, you're going to be able to pick out your favorite brand of car and see it from the stands.”

Juan-Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing:
“I think it looks amazing.  From what I've seen, I did the photo shoot already with the car, the race car looks amazing.  It looks great.  I think it has a lot of personality.  It looks like a proper Chevy that I think is great.  Knowing that the street car is going to be close to that, I can't even wait for it.” 

Chad Knaus, Crew Chief, No. 48 Chevrolet SS:
"We are very excited about the new ‘13 Chevy SS race car, and can't wait to get it on-track full-time next year. At Hendrick Motorsports, we have been involved in the development process and have worked closely with the Chevy engineers. There will be some challenges, but I enjoy a good challenge.  I do think it will create good racing on the track.  In typical Chevrolet fashion, it has high-qualify parts and is definitely a great looking car!”

Kenny Francis, Crew Chief, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports:
“I think the new race car will be an interesting new challenge. The rules are quite a bit different than what we have been working with lately. The aerodynamics are going to be a lot different. It's a lot cooler looking car compared to what we have now. Everybody is excited about that. It's going to present a unique opportunity and some challenges for everyone. We are just looking forward to it.”

From GMM

Ferrari on Friday said the controversy about Sebastian Vettel's alleged illegal overtaking move is "now closed".

The Italian team had contemplating protesting the result of the championship-deciding Brazilian grand prix, after video footage purportedly showed Red Bull's German driver passing a Toro Rosso under yellow flags.

Ferrari sent the FIA a letter requesting "clarification".

"The federation ... informs it has replied to Scuderia Ferrari... stating that as the overtaking manoeuvre was not in breach of the regulations ... there was no infringement to investigate".

Ferrari said in a statement on Friday: "Ferrari duly takes note of the reply sent by the FIA this morning and therefore considers the matter now closed."

Red Bull responded: "We are pleased, but not surprised, that the FIA has confirmed there is no case to answer regarding the 2012 Brazilian grand prix."

Triple world champion Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

Former Formula 1 and Le Mans racer, Finland's JJ Lehto has been freed over boat crash that killed one person in 2010.

Lehto and a friend were on a boat that crashed against a bridge support pillar in southern Finland back in 2010, killing the driver's friend.

Lehto has been released from all charges of drunk driving because the court of appeal in Turku on Friday said it was not clear whether Lehto or his friend had been driving the boat at the time of the accident.

The former teammate of Michael Schumacher at Benetton F1 was sentenced last year to two years and four months in prison by a district court, which said Lehto was drunk when driving the boat.

JJ Lehto appealed the sentence, stating he was sitting in the back of the boat when the impact happened.

From GMM

As the candidates clamour for his seat, Romain Grosjean has acknowledged that formula one is a "world without pity".

"Yes," he confirmed to the Swiss daily Le Matin. "But that's normal for the top level. It's also the case with banking and watchmaking. There is no room for mercy. Seats in F1 are scarce; there are no presents."

The interview with the 26-year-old took place amid reports he might lose his Lotus seat after his often impressive but equally tumultuous return to F1 in 2012.

The reports suggest Kamui Kobayashi and Heikki Kovalainen are being considered by the Enstone based team.

Romain Grosjean, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Dropped by Sauber, Japanese Kobayashi's chances appear to have been boosted by his race seat donation website, which so far has raised EUR 775,000 to contribute to the budget of his 2013 employer.

The money will be returned to his fans if he fails to secure a seat.

"It has been a huge show of support after a campaign of only five days," Kobayashi told the AFP news agency.

Finn Kovalainen, on the other hand, appears to have acknowledged that his chances are slim not only of staying at Caterham but of finding a seat elsewhere.

"Outside of F1, there are not many things that interest me," Kovalainen is quoted by Russia's f1news.ru. "But sometimes I'm a little surprised that more F1 drivers haven't tried rallying. Let's see what happens next year. There is life outside of F1."

In the meantime, the Swiss-born Frenchman Grosjean also has his fingers crossed.

Asked what he has learned in 2012, he answered: "A lot. More than what I thought. The world of F1 is more difficult than I imagined. When I returned, I saw that there was a mountain to climb. And once I started to climb, I saw how high it really is."

Using the data contained in the “Black Book Formula One,” we guesstimated the money Caterham will receive this winter in preparation for the 2013 season.

“Black Book Formula One” is a 300-page softbound book published in the UK by SportsPro Media Ltd.

Big battle this season between Caterham and Marussia for the 10th place in the constructor's championship. (Photo: Charles Coates/LAT Photographic)

However, can we rely on the figures it contains? During a dinner held during the week of a previous Canadian GP, I sat beside the account manager of a top Formula 1 team who told me: “Well... For people who do not have access to the contracts and the legal documents, I have to admit that their numbers are pretty close to reality...”

The 2010 edition of the Black Book disclose the approximate money each team receives, based on the 2009 constructor's championship. Only the top 10 teams receive payments.

1: Mercedes GP (from Brawn): $52M
2: Red Bull Racing: $48M
3: McLaren: $46M
4: Ferrari: $45M
(5: Toyota, but withdrew from the sport at the end of the 2009 season)
6: Sauber: $38M
7: Williams: $38M
8: Renault: $37M
9: Force India: $35M
10: Toro Rosso: $33M

This year, there was a huge battle between Caterham and Marussia for the 10th place in the constructor's championship. In the end, Tony Fernandes' Caterham clinched that magical 10th place when Vitaly Petrov crossed the line in 11th place at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Cyril Abitboul, Caterham Team boss, happy with the 11th place of Vitaly Petrov after the Brazilian Grand Prix. (Photo: Charles Coates/LAT Photographic)

Best placings per team:
Caterham, Vitaly Petrov: 11th place in Brazil
Marussia, Charles Pic: 12th place in Brazil
Marussia, Timo Glock: 12th place in Singapore
Caterham, Heikki Kovalainen: 13th place in Monaco and Abu Dhabi
HRT, Narain Karthikeyan: 15th place in Monaco
HRT, Pedro de la Rosa: 17th place in Valencia, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Brazil

So, according to the figures published in the Black Book, we can assume that Caterham should receive at least $30M in bonus from the holder of the commercial rights, in addition to the money they get from their sponsorship contacts.

Jari-Matti Latvala's VW Polo R WRC collided with another car on a road section when the team was testing in Mexico.

Latvala, who recently left the Ford team, was testing the Polo R WRC alongside his new teammate Sebastien Ogier.

The Finn had the accident on an open road as he was reaching his test base.

The other car, which arrived from the other side of the road, hit the Polo R and rolled down. The Mexican family that was inside the car, a man, his wife and son, sufferd from light injuries. Latvala and codriver Mikka Antilla escaped unhurt from the accident.

Polo R WRC. (Photo: Volkswagen Motorsport)

From GMM

Reports that Michael Schumacher has signed up as Mercedes' F1 test driver for 2013 are wrong.

The reports were sparked when the retiring seven time world champion was quoted in English-language reports as saying: "I have signed a contract and will be active as a test driver".

In fact, the 43-year-old's interview was with Stern, the German weekly newsmagazine.

And he clarified to the Germany daily Bild that he will be a test driver in 2013 -- for the Italian kart chassis maker Tony Kart.

He explained: "I like karting. It's always been a big thing for me."

Michael Schumacher, Tony Kart. (Photos: Angelo Scaroni/South Garda Karting)

Indeed, Michael Schumacher told Stern that he is looking forward to "not thinking so much about F1" in 2013 and beyond.

One of his new passions is skydiving. "I'm still a beginner, but I am looking forward to not always having to be thinking of F1."

If anything remotely crossover (or worse, sport-utility) makes you sick to your stomach, but you have a propensity for taking the road less travelled, then there is no other compact alternative save for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.

Extremely solid, well conceived, but not quite uniquely designed, the Crosstrek manages people, gear and treks off the beaten path with surprising, uneventful ease. Sadly, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) sours up what is otherwise a lovely go-anywhere-do-anything car.


Why not Outback Sport?
The Outback is without a doubt the best known Subaru product, ever. Fuji Heavy Industries can thank, in part, Paul Hogan for that. The Legacy based, sport-utility station wagon was such a huge hit at the end of the '90s that it spawned an Impreza-sourced version: The Outback Sport was born, and it did well.

I ask the above question because the new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek uses the same ingredient and business plan as did the Sport. It begins by taking an existing 2013 Subaru Impreza 5-door and slapping on some exterior cladding all round, increasing the ride height to 220 mm or 8.7” (same as the Forester, which is better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee) and some unique wheels. That's pretty much it, and I really like it.

Friendly cabin
The final product is rugged and urban-friendly enough for any and all applications. The cabin is untouched from the regular Impreza. This means that the dash's layout is simple and, more importantly, functional. Soft-touch materials are commonplace, as are easy-to-navigate controls.

The seats are fair, lacking some lateral padding on the seatback up front. All measures of interior volume in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek are aplenty as is the surprisingly capacious trunk for a compact car. Undoubtedly, the most appreciated aspect of the cabin's features is outward visibility. The low shoulder line, relatively narrow “A” pillars, and high hip seating position are all responsible for this.

Soft-touch materials are commonplace, as are easy-to-navigate controls. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Boxer-4 4EVER
Any self-respecting Subaru car must be powered by a horizontally opposed cylinder, internal combustion engine. The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek features the latest FB 2.0L 4-cylinder which is good for 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

The stated output is not standard-setting, but is plenty for this application. The principal goal of the de-volumized engine is fuel efficiency, which works. Rated at 8.2 city/6.0 highway L/100 km, I managed a reasonable 8.5L after my week-long test.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek features the latest FB 2.0L 4-cylinder which is good for 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

CVT woes
These results are due, in good part, to the presence of Subaru's Lineartronic CVT transmission. How do I feel about it? I can put it to you this way: The Subaru Impreza was a finalist on my list of cars to purchase. In the end, the CVT nixed it. Had the Subaru been equipped with a conventional automatic, it would be sitting comfortably in my driveway.

The impression or effect this ‘box has on the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's drive is that of a worn-out slingshot. Stepping on the gas is met with some delay, followed by a slow swell of push.

The immediate reaction at this point is to release the throttle. As well, when using the wheel-mounted paddles (there are 6 pre-set gears) to manually downshift, the engine's speed does not drop quickly enough and makes the car scuttle forward.

Further woes come from the standard 5-speed manual gearbox which, as tested in a 2012 Impreza, not only increased fuel numbers but lacked bite and throttle response fell off.

Solid car
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is surprisingly lithe on its toes for an AWD hatchback. Its chassis is robust beyond question and is unaffected by ruts or sidewalks.

Let me explain: I drove over a tall sidewalk in order to get a few pictures by a wooded area. The amplitude and roughness of the climb would have discouraged me from doing this had I been in a “regular” compact crossover.

The slightly raised suspension poses no issue to the car's handling, much like the Outback. The front McPherson and rear double-wishbone suspension is firm but not punishing, all the while being very capable at filtering and controlling road harshness.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's electric power steering is generally light and provides a fair amount of precision. Assistance and feedback are by no stretch of the imagination sporty, but the overall drive is very reassuring. For those who may have towing needs, the Crosstrek is capable of hauling up to 1,500 lb (680 kg); a rare capability in this segment.

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is surprisingly lithe on its toes for an AWD hatchback. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Symmetrical AWD for the win
The final words of this review belong to the aspect that has made Subaru a household name, especially in the northern parts of the United States and Canada.

Subaru's and the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek's transparent and highly efficient Symmetrical AWD is without a doubt any driver's biggest ally in wintery months, along with a good set of winter tires. Traction and drivetrain reactions are immediate. To try it is to adopt it.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has slammed as a "complete joke" Ferrari's efforts to question the outcome of the 2012 world championship.

The controversy erupted when video footage emerged - and was circulated widely by "Fernando Alonso's management" according to Sport Bild - of Sebastian Vettel purportedly overtaking illegally under yellow flag conditions at Interlagos.

Ferrari confirmed that it asked the governing body for "clarification", and spokesman Luca Colajanni insists the Maranello team has "until tomorrow (Friday) to file an appeal".

British newspapers quote F1 chief executive Ecclestone as blasting the affair "a complete joke".

"It was a super race, a super championship. Now everyone is talking about this," he said.

Ecclestone said the subsequent furore is a "joke" because of the "fact" that Vettel overtook only once he had passed a waving green flag.

"I don't think there needs to be any action taken. It's completely and utterly wrong," he added. "It's a very silly, bad thing for anyone to do to push this because there is nothing in it. Ferrari had a great season but this was a mistake."

And he told Germany's Der Spiegel: "Vettel will suffer no consequence and will remain the 2012 world champion."

Sebastian Vettel, triple world champion with Red Bull, 2010-2011-2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Indeed, FIA spokesman Norman Howell indicated that the Paris federation will now spell out the news to Ferrari in a formal letter of response.

"Now that Ferrari has sent us a letter asking for an explanation we will give it to them," he said.

F1 race director Charlie Whiting added: "We never had any doubt that Vettel's overtaking was compliant.

"There were conflicting flags and lights," he acknowledged to Germany's Sport Bild. "It was investigated during the race, with the result that there should be no punishment."

An FIA spokesman added: "Vettel's title is not in danger. A further investigation will not happen."

However, Bernie Ecclestone acknowledged that another route open to Ferrari is civil action.

"But the case is flawed before it starts," he told the Telegraph. "Nothing is going to happen."

But what has happened already is the criticism of Ferrari and Spaniard Alonso. Germany's Berliner Kurier accused them of being "sore losers".

And the Bild-Zeitung daily said the efforts to have Vettel's championship overturned are "Unfair. Un-ferrari".

The Dodge Grand Caravan is an undeniable choice for hauling the family around in utter comfort. However, the minivan's size and versatility also make it a worthy contender for helping your business' cargo carrying needs.

For professional duty, the Dodge Grand Caravan gets a name swap to Ram Cargo Van, and can be configured in many ways for a variety of purposes. Starting at $29,845, it's also an affordable solution for professionals on the go and competes with the Ford Transit Connect.


Great capability
The 2013 Ram Cargo Van is equipped with the company's widespread 3.6L Pentastar V6, which develops 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 12.2/7.9 L/100km city/highway.

The muscular powertrain provides the Cargo Van with a towing capacity of 3,600 lbs (or 1,633 kg) when equipped with the Class II tow hitch. For the 2013 model year, a trailer-sway damping system was added. It can also carry up to 4,089 litres (or 144.4 cubic feet) of cargo, and loading is easy with the rear liftgate and sliding doors on each side of the vehicle. There are no rear seats available.

Sixteen-inch wheels and covers are standard, wrapped with commercial Yokohama Avid C33 tires. The 2013 Ram Cargo Van also features a heavier-duty suspension with load levelling, an engine oil cooler and a block heater.

Solid side panels are standard; you can, however, choose a liftgate window with a wiper/washer system, and replace the side panelling with rear-quarter and rear-door glass. A concealed storage space under the cargo-area load floor can also be added, as can a cargo divider.

Decent amount of features
The standard equipment list includes dual-zone climate control, an overhead console, cloth upholstery, front-door power windows, a telescopic steering column, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.

Just because it's a commercial vehicle doesn't mean the 2013 Ram Cargo Van can't be filled with comfort and convenience features. Uconnect 430 and 730 touchscreen infotainment systems with a USB port and navigation, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, satellite radio, a rearview camera, a power driver's seat, rear power windows, an alarm system, and rear air conditioning are all available options.

The 2013 Ram Cargo Van is on sale now, with a choice of five colours: Billet Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Stone White, Redline Pearl, and True Blue Pearl.

Mitsubishi introduced the next-generation 2014 Outlander today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, offering a fresh new design, both inside and out, as well as high-quality cabin materials, superior ergonomics, comfort and quality.

Lighter than its predecessor by nearly 200 pounds, the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is also more fuel-efficient, the company promises (fuel consumption ratings have yet to be posted). The base model gets a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with a CVT, while the up-level GT uses a 3.0L V6 mated to an automatic transmission.

Alongside the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander at the Los Angeles Auto Show is the 2013 Outlander Sport (RVR) Limited Edition that commemorates the 30th anniversary of Mitsubishi Motors entering the North American marketplace.

Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Photo: Mitsubishi

The Bavarian automaker is recalling 5,542 BMW X5 xDrive35d sport utility vehicles in Canada due to a problem with the steering. The recall applies to model years 2009 to 2012.

In some cases, the engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and/or break. As such, the belt may become detached, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist. The system would then revert to a manual steering mode, which would require greater effort from the driver, especially at low vehicle speeds.

As a result, BMW Canada dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt and tighten with a revised torque procedure. A thread locking compound will be applied to the replacement bolt.

Source: Transports Canada

Adapted from wrc.com

According to news that circulate in Europe, former Formula 1 star Robert Kubica is in hot demand, and could well find a new home at Citroen Racing in the World Rally Championship.

The former Renault F1 driver, who was badly injured in a rally crash in February 2011, is considering a switch to rallying and has entered several events of late while he returns to fitness.

Kubica came very close to winning the French championship-counting Rallye du Var last week -- the second of two events he was tackling in a Citroen Racing-supported C4 WRC -- only to crash out on the penultimate stage while leading.

Robert Kubica. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

Citroen Racing boss Yves Matton liked what he saw - despite Kubica's car being destroyed by fire in the accident - and is keen to extend the relationship with Kubica.

“We are interested to do something more with Robert and it can be possible to do something with the DS3 WRC next season,” Matton told British magazine Autosport.

“We run three cars some times, but this year we have run as many as five cars, so it would be possible for us to have a car for him to use. What we need to find is the budget, it's sure that we cannot just give the car to him - but I think it is possible for him to find a partner.”

If Kubica, who tested a Ford Fiesta RS WRC in the summer, did join Citroen then he could link up with nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb on occasion. Loeb is set to tackle up to five rounds in 2013 under his partial programme of events.

Let's compare the performance of the two Williams F1 Team drivers this season to see who was the most regular point scorer.

Wednesday, November 28, Williams unveiled its 2013 driver lineup with Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas, ousting Brazilian Bruno Senna from the equation.

"It has been extremely satisfying to be the team's most regular point scorer, and for me to demonstrate my pace in all 20 races,” said Senna in a press release shortly after the announcement.

Bruno Senna, Williams, at Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WRi2)

Was he really?

In 20 Grands Prix, Senna scored points on 10 occasions and collected a total of 31, for an average of 1.55 points/race.

In comparison, Venezuelan Maldonado scored 45 points by finishing in the top 10 on only five occasions, giving him an average of 2.25 points/race.

Maldonado scored a big chunk of his total (25 points out of 45) by winning the Spanish Grand Prix, true; however, he then failed to score a single point over a period of nine consecutive races. In the second half of the season, Maldonado only scored points three times compared to five for Senna.

So, by scoring points in 10 races this season, yes, Bruno Senna can claim that he is the most regular point scorer of the team. Pastor Maldonado's inconsistency, collisions and penalities cost him dearly.

From Rally America

Rally America President, Bill Fogg, announced a seven-event Rally America National Championship schedule for the 2013 season that will once again begin with the Sno*Drift Rally in Atlanta and Lewiston, Michigan on January 25 - 26, 2013.

The 2013 Rally America National Championship will include five of last year's events plus the revival of two extremely popular events.

Rally America is proud to bring back the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota and the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula - both of which spent the past three seasons as Rally America Central Region Championship events.

Photo: Scott Rains

The 2013 Rally America National Championship calendar is as follows:

Round 1: Sno*Drift Rally, Atlanta, MI - January 25 - 26
Round 2: 100 Acre Wood, Salem, MO - February 22 - 23
Round 3: Oregon Trail Rally, Portland, OR - May 3 - 5
Round 4: Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally, Wellsboro, PA - May 31 - June 1
Round 5: New England Forest Rally, Newry, ME - July 26 - 27
Round 6: Ojibwe Forests Rally, Detroit Lakes, MN - August 23 - 24
Round 7: Lake Superior Performance Rally, Houghton, MI - October 18 - 19