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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

Adapted from GMM

There is still a chance the Nurburgring will host the German grand prix next year, and the sports daily L'Equipe says there will be no French grand prix in 2013.

German Grand Prix
With the famous Nurburgring circuit now in an insolvency process, an official said recently there is little chance a formula one race will be held there in 2013.

But SID news agency reports that the Nurburgring has in fact been empowered to negotiate with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

"Now we have to make progress in the talks with Bernie Ecclestone and make a contract," said managing director Thomas Schmidt.

French Grand Prix
There had been moves afoot to revive the country's defunct grand prix, at either Paul Ricard or Magny Cours.

But L'Equipe said the French sanctioning body FFSA had not, by Tuesday's deadline, received a request to apply to be added to the FIA's 2013 schedule.

The deadline was in place ahead of the forthcoming World Motor Sport Council meeting in early December, which is the last chance to make changes to the provisional 2013 race calendar.

Malaysian Grand Prix
Razlan Razali, the boss of the Malaysian grand prix, has admitted that 2015 could be the Sepang circuit's last formula one race.

He told Isportconnect it is "too early to even think" about whether the existing contract will be extended.

"I think for the event to be successful and to even consider the event going beyond 2015, and paying lots of money to formula one, FOM must help the circuit to try and allow us to do as much as possible to get spectators to come to the circuit," said Razali.

He said another issue is the race's late start time.

"Put it this way," said Razali, "in the event that we decide to go beyond 2015, there are various key points that we insist upon changing before we even talk about (it), including the starting time."

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.

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.

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's Twitter account.

From GMM

A video has emerged that clearly depicts Sebastian Vettel overtaking under yellow flag conditions during Sunday's Brazilian grand prix.

It is a separate incident to the 2012 world champion's pass on Kamui Kobayashi at Interlagos, which turned out to have actually taken place under yellow and orange caution flags.

The new video, showing Vettel passing a Toro Rosso with yellow lights flashing beside the track and also in the cockpit of his Red Bull, can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZHaBuaA9oQ

Only after the yellow lights begin flashing and Vettel completed the move does the 25-year-old driver pass the green lights.

Caption: FOM

"It shows that Vettel should have been penalised," said the Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

A penalty might have made the difference between title victory and defeat for Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

El Mundo added: "Now the Scuderia (Ferrari) has until November 30 to appeal."

Fernando Alonso late on Tuesday alluded to the controversy by saying in Spanish on Twitter that there are "no miracles", only "rules".

Italy's Corriere dello Sport, however - citing Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni - said the Italian team is not planning to lodge a protest.

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."

Pit of Interlagos. (Photo: Pirelli)

From GMM

Pirelli is pushing for an early decision as to whether it will remain F1's official tyre supplier beyond 2013.

The Italian marque's initial three-year tenure finishes at the end of next season.

"The deadline is June next year," motor sport director Paul Hembery is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace, "but we want to know the decision as soon as possible. If we need to find a different job for 300, 400 people, we need to know this in advance."

Photo: Pirelli

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.

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.

From GMM

Australian grand prix boss Ron Walker has promised to step down if Bernie Ecclestone is no longer in charge of formula one.

Embroiled in the ever-deepening Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption scandal, Ecclestone warned last week that his demise could cost the sport several key races.

"A few (race promoters) said to me, 'if you're not there, we're not there'. That's what the danger is," F1 chief executive Ecclestone said.

Ron Walker, the chief of the Melbourne race promoter Australian Grand Prix Corporation and a long-time Ecclestone ally, is the first to put his hand up.

Bernie Ecclestone's birthday party in India. (Photo: WRi2)

"When Bernie retires, then I will retire as well; and a number of other longstanding promoters that have been friends of Bernie's will do also," he told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt, published in Autoweek.

Walker clarified that the promoter exodus would not mean those countries necessarily lose their grands prix.

But he added: "When Bernie goes, formula one will change. You won't recognise the sport after Bernie goes because he has done it in his own way as unique as he can."

2012 Bentley Continental GT

There's simply no learning curve to driving the Conti GT; you just put your foot on the brake, slide the gear lever into Drive, and go.

During the weekend I had the Continental GT, I used it as a grocery getter, to haul myself and two friends to a Rufus Wainwright concert at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, to take the visiting father of one of our young Web editors for a triple-digit ride, and as my chariot to a dinner party. The hostess of the dinner expressed her belief that the Continental might be challenging to drive. "Oh, no," I replied. "It's as easy to drive as a Buick." And, indeed, it is, although I've never driven a Buick powered by a twelve-cylinder engine producing 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. There's simply no learning curve to driving the Conti GT; you just put your foot on the brake, slide the gear lever into Drive, and go. This is one reason, I imagine, it has been so popular. Ferraris and Lamborghinis can be off-putting to a lot of people because of their perceived complexity. The only thing that might be off-putting about driving the Continental is the knowledge that it costs as much as a modest house. I say, just think Buick, and you'll be fine.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Bentley Continental GT - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Bentley Continental GT - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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Teen driving habits are heavily influenced by those of their parents, according to

While most of us are focusing on the LA Auto Show happening later this week, Toyota Motorsport GmbH is quietly revealing the TMG Sports 650 concept at the Essen Motor Show in Germany.

Vile Gossip: Generation of Heroes

Racing's goddess, Miss Linda Vaughn

As our popular series "A Generation of Heroes" comes to a close in this issue with the portraits and profiles of Jackie Stewart, Richard Petty, Stirling Moss, and Mario Andretti, I'm missing someone we were never able to catch, the one "great" who could spin a fine tale about all seventeen guys we've written about. It wasn't for lack of us trying to get her; Linda Vaughn -- Miss Hurst Golden Shifter for forty years -- went to Indy as she has for the past forty-nine years but didn't surface for her photo call.

Photo Gallery: Vile Gossip: Generation of Heroes - Automobile Magazine

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General Motors is launching an electric version of its

An awful lot of enthusiasts love sports cars and super cars, but there are just as many truck lovers out there. For them we offer, once again, one of our favorite

The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP is nearly as ferocious as the track-ready

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The redesigned

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