Nov
28th
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General Motors Brazil's new Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV has little in common with the former Blazer.
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 preview: the Auto China car show juggernaut returns
- Beijing Motor Show 2024 – pictures
- Carwow Sell My Car: How it works and how to get the best price
- New Morgan Plus Four gets ‘design, dynamic and technological enhancements’ for 2024
- New 2024 Morgan Plus Four revealed – pictures
- New Kia Sorento 2024 review: a good car just got even better
- New Kia Sorento 2024 – pictures
- New Kia Sorento facelift: UK prices and specs revealed for updated SUV with EV9 overtones
- 2024 Kia Sorento facelift – pictures
- Volkswagen Tayron being tested – pictures
- New Volkswagen Tayron papped as Tiguan’s seven-seater sibling continues testing
The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Auto News 5
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Nov
28th
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General Motors (GM) is accelerating the development of electrified vehicles in China, the company's senior technology leader has said.
Nov
28th
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28th
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Toyota's decision to concentrate European Auris production in the UK instead of split with Turkey means that 28% of all the company's spend on parts for its European factories is now in the UK.
Nov
28th
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28th
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Saab AB's receivers are auctioning off a number of cars including models of which only a few were made, as well as those the defunct automaker began to produce but which never made it to market.
Nov
28th
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28th
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Russian carmaker Avtotor Holding Ltd. and Magna International have announced a cooperation agreement in Kaliningrad, Russia, to establish an automotive manufacturing cluster.
Nov
28th
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Russian carmaker Avtotor Holding Ltd. and Magna International have announced full details of a cooperation agreement in Kaliningrad, Russia, to establish an automotive manufacturing cluster. Avtotor and Magna executives were joined by Russian government officials for the official signing of the agreement.
Nov
28th
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High-intensity discharge or “Xenon gas” headlights are present on many high-end vehicles on the road today, and are rapidly gaining popularity.
High-intensity discharges (or HID headlamps) are available in many different lighting levels. The brilliance or strength of the emitted light is a product of the temperature created in the bulb, which is expressed by Kelvin degrees (0º Celsius = 273,15º K).
The Xenon gas contained in the bulb is heated to a high degree, thus producing photons (light) in order to dissipate the surplus energy provided. The light wave which is produced by this process is visible to the human eye, and follows a color curvature that is demonstrated by the chromatic diagram below.
There is a wide selection of bulbs on the market ranging from 2,200K to 12,000K, going from slightly rosy to pure white, and up to a very light bluish tint. There are tints which do not correlate at all with the intensity, but are more a by-product of different gases and chemical salts that were inserted into the bulb (purple, green, blue, etc.)
Although frequently installed for their distinct style, most consumers appreciate the increased visibility that the HID headlamps provide. Unfortunately, the glare and distraction they sometimes produce irritate other drivers, and raise questions as to their legality.
HID, or “Xenon” headlights, respect Transport Canada regulations and are perfectly acceptable as an OEM add-on. Subsequently, fines ranging from $100 to $200 can be given to offenders who install these systems on vehicles that were not designed for their use.
HID headlights can easily be found on the internet or in many local specialized shops, in spite of the legal threat.. These kits include the bulbs, ballasts and modulators. HID headlamps are dependable and long-lasting when correctly installed.
HID headlamps are not to be confused with bulbs claiming to be 30% brighter which are often used as replacement bulbs for your car. These bulbs do not require any modifications to the headlamp electrical circuit.
There are a wide variety of different bulb holders which need to be selected and matched to your vehicle. The installation requires more than just popping in a bulb. You need to reroute the lighting harness through the ballast and attach the assembly to a small metallic box the size of a deck of cards, which then needs to be solidly fixed to the car.
HID kits run anywhere from $80 to $150, depending on your choice of supplier. You need to add the price of labour to this total if they are installed by a professional.
If you decide to run the risk of bending Transport Canada regulations (if your vehicle was not originally designed for HID lamps), you should at least adjust the bulb angle correctly. Go out after dark and park your car in front of a wall in order to adjust the bulbs to a reasonable height. Be sympathetic to those who will be meeting you head-on.
We've all experienced driving head-on towards a HID equipped vehicle that's left us blinded
High-intensity discharges (or HID headlamps) are available in many different lighting levels. The brilliance or strength of the emitted light is a product of the temperature created in the bulb, which is expressed by Kelvin degrees (0º Celsius = 273,15º K).
 |
The Xenon gas contained in the bulb is heated to a high degree, thus producing photons (light) in order to dissipate the surplus energy provided. The light wave which is produced by this process is visible to the human eye, and follows a color curvature that is demonstrated by the chromatic diagram below.
There is a wide selection of bulbs on the market ranging from 2,200K to 12,000K, going from slightly rosy to pure white, and up to a very light bluish tint. There are tints which do not correlate at all with the intensity, but are more a by-product of different gases and chemical salts that were inserted into the bulb (purple, green, blue, etc.)
Although frequently installed for their distinct style, most consumers appreciate the increased visibility that the HID headlamps provide. Unfortunately, the glare and distraction they sometimes produce irritate other drivers, and raise questions as to their legality.
HID, or “Xenon” headlights, respect Transport Canada regulations and are perfectly acceptable as an OEM add-on. Subsequently, fines ranging from $100 to $200 can be given to offenders who install these systems on vehicles that were not designed for their use.
HID headlights can easily be found on the internet or in many local specialized shops, in spite of the legal threat.. These kits include the bulbs, ballasts and modulators. HID headlamps are dependable and long-lasting when correctly installed.
HID headlamps are not to be confused with bulbs claiming to be 30% brighter which are often used as replacement bulbs for your car. These bulbs do not require any modifications to the headlamp electrical circuit.
There are a wide variety of different bulb holders which need to be selected and matched to your vehicle. The installation requires more than just popping in a bulb. You need to reroute the lighting harness through the ballast and attach the assembly to a small metallic box the size of a deck of cards, which then needs to be solidly fixed to the car.
HID kits run anywhere from $80 to $150, depending on your choice of supplier. You need to add the price of labour to this total if they are installed by a professional.
If you decide to run the risk of bending Transport Canada regulations (if your vehicle was not originally designed for HID lamps), you should at least adjust the bulb angle correctly. Go out after dark and park your car in front of a wall in order to adjust the bulbs to a reasonable height. Be sympathetic to those who will be meeting you head-on.
We've all experienced driving head-on towards a HID equipped vehicle that's left us blinded
Nov
28th
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From GMM
The incoming mayor of Sao Paulo wants to keep formula one at Interlagos.
Bernie Ecclestone has warned that, without substantial upgrades to the ageing Brazilian grand prix venue, he might not extend the city's race contract.
But the German-language Speed Week reports that the demolition equipment will soon arrive at Interlagos to raze the old buildings, with new ones to be built at an estimated cost of EUR 60 million.
"The future mayor, Fernando Haddad, is confident that (Ecclestone's) conditions will be fulfilled for an early renewal of the Brazilian grand prix contract," read the report.
Fernando Haddad is quoted as saying: "I will do everything so that the grand prix stays in our city. In the coming weeks we want to sign the new contract until 2022."
The incoming mayor of Sao Paulo wants to keep formula one at Interlagos.
Bernie Ecclestone has warned that, without substantial upgrades to the ageing Brazilian grand prix venue, he might not extend the city's race contract.
But the German-language Speed Week reports that the demolition equipment will soon arrive at Interlagos to raze the old buildings, with new ones to be built at an estimated cost of EUR 60 million.
"The future mayor, Fernando Haddad, is confident that (Ecclestone's) conditions will be fulfilled for an early renewal of the Brazilian grand prix contract," read the report.
Fernando Haddad is quoted as saying: "I will do everything so that the grand prix stays in our city. In the coming weeks we want to sign the new contract until 2022."
 |
| Pit of Interlagos. (Photo: Pirelli) |
Nov
28th
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Cars and motorcycles make me giddy. Perhaps that's a good thing since I live and breathe them on a daily basis.
But not all cars or motorcycles generate the same amount of giddiness. There is a hierarchy. That's not to say I can't get excited about a subcompact vehicle - because I have and it's kind of a rush - but I tend to save my schoolgirl-like hysteria and high-pitched "eeee-ing" for a certain breed of automotive product, namely electric cars. Heck, I'm going to make noise even if the car doesn't!
A recent test drive with the 2012 Tesla Model S had me pretty stoked. After all, I love performance vehicles. But combine that with a car that goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, has zero emission and room for up to seven individuals, and it's all pretty dang awesome.
As a fan of ‘alternative fuel,' - which can range from diesels, to fuel cell vehicles, to hybrids and electric vehicles (EV) - it's been fascinating, to witness how they've evolved over the years.
A major issue that a lot of people have with cars powered by electricity is range. How far can it go without having to be recharged? It has an estimated range of 480 kilometres, so any of that anxiety people may have melts away faster than gelato on a hot summer's day.
With the Model S, there are three battery pack options available. There's a 40 kWh (kWh meaning kilowatt hour - unit of energy used when referring to battery backs of EVs), 60 kWh and the impressive 85 kWh. The latter was the Model S I drove.
Aside from not having to check how many clicks I have left on the charge, this EV drives like a car. Sometimes people tend to think and EV is like something from ‘The Jetsons,' but it's not.
It has the capabilities of a performance sedan, thanks to its dynamic ride quality and great steering feel. It's firmly planted on the road and is a hoot to take around hairpin turns and even straight stretches.
But enough about the tech stuff. It's this sedan's pep that really had me howling. Since there's no gasoline engine, torque is available from the get go. Press the foot on the accelerator and you literally feel like you're about to take flight. It's totally fun and you don't even need a pilot's licence. Bonus.
And when I wasn't thoroughly enjoying my time driving, I was navigating my way through the 17-inch touch screen that acts as "Command Central" to the Model S. It controls functions such as suspension settings, opens the door to the charge port, allows you to browse the web and much more. It has both the goods tech-toy lovers and car enthusiasts will appreciate.
At the end of our test time together, I really didn't want to give it back. Then again, I technically could keep it... If I handed over a cheque for $114,300!
This blog was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.
But not all cars or motorcycles generate the same amount of giddiness. There is a hierarchy. That's not to say I can't get excited about a subcompact vehicle - because I have and it's kind of a rush - but I tend to save my schoolgirl-like hysteria and high-pitched "eeee-ing" for a certain breed of automotive product, namely electric cars. Heck, I'm going to make noise even if the car doesn't!
A recent test drive with the 2012 Tesla Model S had me pretty stoked. After all, I love performance vehicles. But combine that with a car that goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, has zero emission and room for up to seven individuals, and it's all pretty dang awesome.
 |
| Photo: Alexandra Straub |
As a fan of ‘alternative fuel,' - which can range from diesels, to fuel cell vehicles, to hybrids and electric vehicles (EV) - it's been fascinating, to witness how they've evolved over the years.
A major issue that a lot of people have with cars powered by electricity is range. How far can it go without having to be recharged? It has an estimated range of 480 kilometres, so any of that anxiety people may have melts away faster than gelato on a hot summer's day.
With the Model S, there are three battery pack options available. There's a 40 kWh (kWh meaning kilowatt hour - unit of energy used when referring to battery backs of EVs), 60 kWh and the impressive 85 kWh. The latter was the Model S I drove.
Aside from not having to check how many clicks I have left on the charge, this EV drives like a car. Sometimes people tend to think and EV is like something from ‘The Jetsons,' but it's not.
It has the capabilities of a performance sedan, thanks to its dynamic ride quality and great steering feel. It's firmly planted on the road and is a hoot to take around hairpin turns and even straight stretches.
But enough about the tech stuff. It's this sedan's pep that really had me howling. Since there's no gasoline engine, torque is available from the get go. Press the foot on the accelerator and you literally feel like you're about to take flight. It's totally fun and you don't even need a pilot's licence. Bonus.
And when I wasn't thoroughly enjoying my time driving, I was navigating my way through the 17-inch touch screen that acts as "Command Central" to the Model S. It controls functions such as suspension settings, opens the door to the charge port, allows you to browse the web and much more. It has both the goods tech-toy lovers and car enthusiasts will appreciate.
At the end of our test time together, I really didn't want to give it back. Then again, I technically could keep it... If I handed over a cheque for $114,300!
 |
| Photo: Alexandra Straub |
This blog was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.
Nov
28th
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The Harper administration wants to be on the same page as the U.S. when it comes to vehicle fuel consumption, which is why it yesterday proposed new regulations for passenger cars and light trucks from model years 2017 to 2025.
As reported earlier this month, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in Uncle Sam's land will increase to 54.5 mpg (4.4L/100km) by the 2025 model year.
"These new regulations improve fuel efficiency so that by 2025 new cars will consume 50% less fuel and emit 50% less GHGs than a similar 2008 model, leading to significant savings at the pump," said Environment Minister Peter Kent. "At today's gas prices, a Canadian driving a model year 2025 vehicle would pay, on average, around $900 less per year compared to driving today's new vehicles."
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has included greater regulatory incentives for advanced technology vehicles such as EVs and plug-in hybrids for model years 2011 to 2016.
As reported earlier this month, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in Uncle Sam's land will increase to 54.5 mpg (4.4L/100km) by the 2025 model year.
"These new regulations improve fuel efficiency so that by 2025 new cars will consume 50% less fuel and emit 50% less GHGs than a similar 2008 model, leading to significant savings at the pump," said Environment Minister Peter Kent. "At today's gas prices, a Canadian driving a model year 2025 vehicle would pay, on average, around $900 less per year compared to driving today's new vehicles."
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has included greater regulatory incentives for advanced technology vehicles such as EVs and plug-in hybrids for model years 2011 to 2016.
Nov
28th
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Wednesday morning, Williams F1 Team announced that Finland's Valtteri Bottas is their new race driver alongside Pastor Maldonado for the 2013 Formula 1 World Championship. Who is this newcomer?
Bottas was born August 28, 1989, in the city of Villädhe, Finland.
The teenager started his career like most other aspriring drivers (in karting), winning the ICA Viking Trophy in 2005.
He began racing cars the following year in the Formula Renault 2.0 category in Great Britain.
Bottas' big break came in 2008 when he won the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, where he took five wins, and also claimed the title in the British NEC FR 2.0 series as well.
Bottas then moved up to the Formula 3 Euroseries where he ranked third overall in 2009. He also won the F3 Masters at Zandvoort, one of the most prestigious races of the year in F3.
In 2010, Bottas was named Wiliams' official test driver while he continued to race in the Euro F3 championship.
The Finn claimed the GP3 series' title the year after, taking four wins with team Lotus ART.
In 2012, Bottas was Williams' reserve driver and piloted Bruno Senna's FW34 on 15 Friday free practice sessions. His career is managed by Christian “Toto” Wolff, a shareholder of the Williams F1 Team.
Bottas was born August 28, 1989, in the city of Villädhe, Finland.
The teenager started his career like most other aspriring drivers (in karting), winning the ICA Viking Trophy in 2005.
He began racing cars the following year in the Formula Renault 2.0 category in Great Britain.
 |
| Valtteri Bottas, GP3 Champion in 2011. (Photo: GP3 Series) |
Bottas' big break came in 2008 when he won the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, where he took five wins, and also claimed the title in the British NEC FR 2.0 series as well.
Bottas then moved up to the Formula 3 Euroseries where he ranked third overall in 2009. He also won the F3 Masters at Zandvoort, one of the most prestigious races of the year in F3.
In 2010, Bottas was named Wiliams' official test driver while he continued to race in the Euro F3 championship.
The Finn claimed the GP3 series' title the year after, taking four wins with team Lotus ART.
 |
| Valtteri Bottas driving the FW34 in Malaysia, during the Friday morning session. (Photo: WRi2) |
In 2012, Bottas was Williams' reserve driver and piloted Bruno Senna's FW34 on 15 Friday free practice sessions. His career is managed by Christian “Toto” Wolff, a shareholder of the Williams F1 Team.
Nov
28th
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Yes, you should probably buy a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe. As these lines are written, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe received a few awards, and I suspect there are many more to come.
Despite certain ongoing issues, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe remains a top content, styling and performance contender in the sub-$40k price range. Where some manufacturers are busy convincing consumers to purchase their goods, Hyundai has only to point to its sales numbers -- and accolades.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe covers all bases from affordable to fully loaded affordability and delivers it all smartly. At $35,299, the tested 2.0T SE has equipment similar or better than many luxury cars that cost twice as much. What to fix? The seats could use a little more padding in specific areas, and I'd investigate the source of various rattles.
Santa Fe 3.0
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a popular product. The first generation lacked styling (avoiding the word “ugly”) whereas the 2nd, introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model-year, really hit home. From there, Hyundai could only go up.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport merges dynamic lines and a muscular physique that makes potential buyers take a second look. Even in its most basic trim, the Santa Fe physically outclasses the vast majority of its most direct competitors.
In fact, with little effort, the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport immerses itself amongst all of its rivals and emerges as one of the very few that deserves a double take. The new 2013 Ford Escape may be the only other compact crossover that deserves some neck-craning. Bravo Hyundai.
Design meets functionality
Onboard the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, the rave reviews continue. Other than the aforementioned front seats which some found fine, I was unable to come up with constructive criticism. Upon reflection, I would have liked a little more reach from the steering column.
The remainder of all controls and accessories in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are clear, large and ergonomically set up. What's more, the multiple panes of various plastics masterfully come together. Storage bins are as numerous as they are capacious. The same goes for the large trunk and its multiple hidden, under-floor stowage areas.
Of the niceties found within, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport includes Bluetooth, heated front seats, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The tested SE further adds the likes of a heated steering wheel and rear seats, leather, rear-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof. Take that $80k+ luxury utility vehicles.
No more V6
Although the previous 3.5L unit performed admirably well, Hyundai has decided to go in a different direction for the Santa Fe. In fact, they're following the example they actually set forth by supplying only 4-cylinder engines with the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
With 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of power on tap, this crossover is actually quite quick. Off the line, transmission and throttle reaction time hamper progress slightly. However, once underway, the 2.0T and adjoining 6-speed autobox transform the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe into “something like a phenomenon”... LL Cool J's song on Satellite radio. Sorry. I meant to say, a rocket. The 80-120 km/h sprint flies by in 5.5 seconds, meaning that passing rigs on the highway is child's play.
Alternatively, the standard 190 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is a very viable substitute to saving on the entry-level price. As well, on paper, the 2.4L should improve on the 2.0T's less than stellar fuel numbers. The twin-scroll turbocharged GDI motor is rated at 11.0L/100km city and 8.4L/100km highway; however, I could manage no better than 12 combined. The 2.4L should show a 5-10% improvement.
The road conquered
Keeping the boost on the road is a fully independent suspension calibrated to near perfection for this type of vehicle. The ride in the 2013 Hyunda Santa Fe is cautiously sporty; in other words, it provides plenty of comforting pothole-absorbing wheel travel without sacrificing confident handling.
Shod with P235/55R19 Continental CrossContact tires on appropriately sized wheels, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport hangs onto every corner with un-CUV-like grip. In fact, I can think of only a handful of like-minded CUVs that can hold the road as well (the Volkswagen Tiguan being one of them).
Likewise, the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) does a fine job of keeping the driver in complete control. Steering assistance is adjustable through a wheel-mounted button that switches through three modes. Although all modes have equal worth, depending on the driving circumstances, for 90% of owners once the comfort/normal/sport setting has been selected, they'll forget they can change it.
Despite certain ongoing issues, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe remains a top content, styling and performance contender in the sub-$40k price range. Where some manufacturers are busy convincing consumers to purchase their goods, Hyundai has only to point to its sales numbers -- and accolades.
 |
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe covers all bases from affordable to fully loaded affordability and delivers it all smartly. At $35,299, the tested 2.0T SE has equipment similar or better than many luxury cars that cost twice as much. What to fix? The seats could use a little more padding in specific areas, and I'd investigate the source of various rattles.
Santa Fe 3.0
The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been a popular product. The first generation lacked styling (avoiding the word “ugly”) whereas the 2nd, introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model-year, really hit home. From there, Hyundai could only go up.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport merges dynamic lines and a muscular physique that makes potential buyers take a second look. Even in its most basic trim, the Santa Fe physically outclasses the vast majority of its most direct competitors.
In fact, with little effort, the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport immerses itself amongst all of its rivals and emerges as one of the very few that deserves a double take. The new 2013 Ford Escape may be the only other compact crossover that deserves some neck-craning. Bravo Hyundai.
Design meets functionality
Onboard the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, the rave reviews continue. Other than the aforementioned front seats which some found fine, I was unable to come up with constructive criticism. Upon reflection, I would have liked a little more reach from the steering column.
The remainder of all controls and accessories in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are clear, large and ergonomically set up. What's more, the multiple panes of various plastics masterfully come together. Storage bins are as numerous as they are capacious. The same goes for the large trunk and its multiple hidden, under-floor stowage areas.
Of the niceties found within, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport includes Bluetooth, heated front seats, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The tested SE further adds the likes of a heated steering wheel and rear seats, leather, rear-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof. Take that $80k+ luxury utility vehicles.
 |
| All controls and accessories in the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are clear, large and ergonomically set up. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
No more V6
Although the previous 3.5L unit performed admirably well, Hyundai has decided to go in a different direction for the Santa Fe. In fact, they're following the example they actually set forth by supplying only 4-cylinder engines with the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.
With 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of power on tap, this crossover is actually quite quick. Off the line, transmission and throttle reaction time hamper progress slightly. However, once underway, the 2.0T and adjoining 6-speed autobox transform the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe into “something like a phenomenon”... LL Cool J's song on Satellite radio. Sorry. I meant to say, a rocket. The 80-120 km/h sprint flies by in 5.5 seconds, meaning that passing rigs on the highway is child's play.
Alternatively, the standard 190 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is a very viable substitute to saving on the entry-level price. As well, on paper, the 2.4L should improve on the 2.0T's less than stellar fuel numbers. The twin-scroll turbocharged GDI motor is rated at 11.0L/100km city and 8.4L/100km highway; however, I could manage no better than 12 combined. The 2.4L should show a 5-10% improvement.
 |
| With 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of power on tap, this crossover is actually quite quick. (Photo: Hyundai) |
The road conquered
Keeping the boost on the road is a fully independent suspension calibrated to near perfection for this type of vehicle. The ride in the 2013 Hyunda Santa Fe is cautiously sporty; in other words, it provides plenty of comforting pothole-absorbing wheel travel without sacrificing confident handling.
Shod with P235/55R19 Continental CrossContact tires on appropriately sized wheels, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport hangs onto every corner with un-CUV-like grip. In fact, I can think of only a handful of like-minded CUVs that can hold the road as well (the Volkswagen Tiguan being one of them).
Likewise, the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) does a fine job of keeping the driver in complete control. Steering assistance is adjustable through a wheel-mounted button that switches through three modes. Although all modes have equal worth, depending on the driving circumstances, for 90% of owners once the comfort/normal/sport setting has been selected, they'll forget they can change it.
Nov
28th
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From GMM
Kamui Kobayashi has already raised more than EUR 600,000 as he bids to pay for a formula one seat in 2013.
Having lost his Sauber seat, the Japanese set up a website asking for donations from his fans.
He wrote on Twitter on Tuesday that, in the first few days of the kamui-support.com website being live, he has already raised much more than half a million euros.
"Thanks so kindly for the support," Kobayashi wrote in Japanese.
Kamui Kobayashi has already raised more than EUR 600,000 as he bids to pay for a formula one seat in 2013.
Having lost his Sauber seat, the Japanese set up a website asking for donations from his fans.
He wrote on Twitter on Tuesday that, in the first few days of the kamui-support.com website being live, he has already raised much more than half a million euros.
"Thanks so kindly for the support," Kobayashi wrote in Japanese.
 |
| Kamui Kobayashi's Twitter account. |
Nov
28th
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From press release
The Williams F1 Team is pleased to announce that Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas will be the team's race drivers for the 2013 season.
2013 will be Pastor's third season with the team and comes on the back of a successful 2012 that saw him win the Spanish Grand Prix in commanding style. Valtteri has been the Williams F1 Team's test driver since 2010. In his role as reserve driver Valtteri has taken part in a number of this season's Friday practice sessions, impressing with his pace and maturity from the outset.
Commenting on his contract renewal for 2013, Pastor said: "I'm really enjoying my time with Williams and I was obviously very happy when I was told that I would be continuing with the team in 2013. 2012 was a memorable year for me with the win in Barcelona and we made a big step forward in terms of performance."
Speaking about his new role, Valtteri commented: "It has always been my life-long dream to compete in the Formula One World Championship. To do so with one of the most legendary teams in the sport is incredibly special. I've really enjoyed my three years with Williams so far and feel very at home here so my goal was always to stay for 2013 and progress to a race seat."
Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, said: "In Pastor and Valtteri we have two of the most exciting talents in motor racing and I am especially excited about what 2013 can bring for Williams. Pastor has always demonstrated remarkable pace and this year has seen him mature as a racing driver. Valtteri is quite simply one of the most talented young racing drivers I have come across and we expect great things from him in the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our departing driver Bruno Senna for his hard work over the past year and wish him the best of luck going forward."
The Williams F1 Team is pleased to announce that Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas will be the team's race drivers for the 2013 season.
2013 will be Pastor's third season with the team and comes on the back of a successful 2012 that saw him win the Spanish Grand Prix in commanding style. Valtteri has been the Williams F1 Team's test driver since 2010. In his role as reserve driver Valtteri has taken part in a number of this season's Friday practice sessions, impressing with his pace and maturity from the outset.
Commenting on his contract renewal for 2013, Pastor said: "I'm really enjoying my time with Williams and I was obviously very happy when I was told that I would be continuing with the team in 2013. 2012 was a memorable year for me with the win in Barcelona and we made a big step forward in terms of performance."
 |
| Pastor Maldonado, winner of the Spanish Grand Prix this season. (Photo: WRi2) |
Speaking about his new role, Valtteri commented: "It has always been my life-long dream to compete in the Formula One World Championship. To do so with one of the most legendary teams in the sport is incredibly special. I've really enjoyed my three years with Williams so far and feel very at home here so my goal was always to stay for 2013 and progress to a race seat."
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| Valtteri Bottas and Toto Wolff. (Photo: Williams F1 Team) |
Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, said: "In Pastor and Valtteri we have two of the most exciting talents in motor racing and I am especially excited about what 2013 can bring for Williams. Pastor has always demonstrated remarkable pace and this year has seen him mature as a racing driver. Valtteri is quite simply one of the most talented young racing drivers I have come across and we expect great things from him in the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our departing driver Bruno Senna for his hard work over the past year and wish him the best of luck going forward."