Auto News 5

While BMW may herald “M” as the most powerful letter in the alphabet, if I could rewrite the age-old list I'd put “S” right next to it. Why? Well, Audi's S-driven family of sedans and coupes definitely have something to do with it, as does the brand new 2013 Audi S6 powerhouse.


It might have four doors, but that doesn't mean it will be a run-of-the-mill sedan. The 2013 Audi S6 will hit the 100km/h mark from zero in less than 5 seconds. How? With i's 4.0L V8 TFSI engine that produces 420 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.

Really, I could stop there. That's all you need to know. But there is more:

Althought the 2013 Audi S6 sports a rear sport differential, their renowned quattro all-wheel drive is present to monitor the wheel's performance on the road at all times to adjust grip as you need it. This will help eliminate understeer to keep you firmly planted around the corners you'll inevitably encounter in your S6.

And it's not just Audi's quattro technology that works to keep you on track: Rack and pinion steering with Servotronic Speed Sensitive Power Assist as well as 5-link front suspension, wishbone and sport air suspension are set to make driving the 2013 Audi S6 as dynamic as possible. Ventilated disc brakes all around will help bring the S6 to a halt, even if you want to try and hit the 250km/h top speed.

Making your way up to that top speed can be achieved via Audi's S tronic 7-speed autobox.

The 2013 Audi S6 will hit the 100km/h mark from zero in less than 5 seconds. (Photo: Audi)

While Audi is not the only manufacturer to offer a cylinder-management system, it's something they are quite proud of in the 2013 Audi S6. In basic, layman's terms their cylinder management system monitors throttle response and uses the right amount of cylinders based on this. For example, cruising on the highway means a 4-cylinder drive; mash the throttle and all eight will fire up.

This nifty bit of technology will help you save a bit at the pumps and allows the 2013 Audi S6 to reach fuel consumption numbers in the 12.7/8.3 city/highway range. Not bad for a car that pushes out over 400 horses.

The interior of the 2013 Audi S6 is set to be a very pleasant place, indeed. Along with the Valcona leather seats embossed with the “S6” logo, the vehicle will be outfitted with 4-zone automatic climate control; power-adjustable driver and passenger seat; heated front and rear seats; an electrically controlled blind for the rear window and manual shades for the rear passenger windows; rain and light sensors; electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and leather throughout, the 2013 Audi S6's list of standard features is long and plentiful -- just as it should be.

Options are few, but include Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats, rear- and top-view cameras, Audi head-up display, night vision, adaptive cruise control, and their signature LED headlights.

The interior of the 2013 Audi S6 is set to be a very pleasant place, indeed.(Photo: Audi)

From the outside, the 2013 Audi S6 has received the same front fascia treatment seen across the Audi lineup: beefier grille, aggressive headlights and exaggerated bottom lip. With the optional LED headlights, the Audi S6 has a menacing look that is instantly recognizable on the road. Despite the four-door set-up of the 2013 Audi S6, it still manages to achieve a sporty stance sitting atop optional 20” 5-twin-spoke design alloy wheels.

The entire sporty, rather attractive 2013 Audi S6 package can be had now, starting at $82,300.

From GMM

Ron Dennis did not attend a farewell party for Lewis Hamilton last week in Austin, and he will not be in Brazil for his former protege's last race for McLaren.

The news adds to the perception that Briton Hamilton - who was nurtured through his formative years by the McLaren supremo and brought into F1 in 2007 - has fallen out badly with Dennis over the 27-year-old's Mercedes switch.

Referring to a farewell party in Austin last weekend, Daily Mail journalist Jonathan McEvoy wrote: "Dennis instead chose to attend what a team spokesman described as 'an important cocktail reception hosted by Exxon Mobil executives at which he was guest of honour'."

But after Hamilton won the US grand prix, Dennis refused to wear McLaren's customary 'rocket-red' victory t-shirt.

And the 65-year-old "has decided not to travel to Sao Paulo for Hamilton's farewell race", McEvoy revealed.

Team McLaren, except Ron Dennis, celebrating Hamilton's victory at Austin. (Photo: WRi2)

Ron Dennis said in Austin last week: "Obviously the media thinks there's some issue between Lewis and I -- there's absolutely no issue between us.

"Sometimes the circumstances in a relationship don't balance, don't match," he told the British broadcaster Sky.

But there are rumours Hamilton and Dennis fell out very badly over the negotiations for a new driving contract for 2013 and beyond.

"I do know what has happened," an unnamed 'senior figure' told the Daily Mail. "Everyone makes mistakes and Ron made a mistake. Everything went pear-shaped and I don't think it would be fair to say any more than that."

A McLaren spokesman responded: "Ron and Lewis plan to get together socially in the near future, as they've both said a number of times recently."

BMW expects to sell one million cars in China by the end of 2014. Is it too ambitious? Not exactly.

"It is realistic unless the market deteriorates. If conditions remain as they are, then yes, it is a fair estimate," a Germany-based spokeswoman said, referring to the comments of Duan Jianjun, deputy sales chief at BMW's JV with Brilliance China Automotive.

The luxury car market in China has slowed after years of rapid growth. Yet last month, BMW's Chinese sales jumped 52% to 27,828 units.

By comparison, BMW Canada sold 31,703 cars... in all of 2010.

Source: Automotive News

Richard Petty Motorsports confirmed its current drivers, Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola, have re-signed for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Almirola, driving the No. 43 Ford continued a late-season charge by starting fifth and finishing seventh in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway last Sunday. And he would have finished higher if he hadn't run out of fuel on the final lap.

Next year, Ambrose will enter his third season driving for the organization. He will again be behind the wheel of the No. 9 Ford with partners Stanley and Dewalt.

The two RPM drivers, Aric Almirola and Marcos Ambrose. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

Almirola will begin his second season as the driver of the No. 43 Ford with primary support from partner Smithfield Foods and its family of brands, Smithfield, Eckrich, Farmland and Gwaltney. In addition, long-time Petty sponsor, STP, will also continue as a primary partner of the No. 43.

RPM previously announced its continuing relationship with Ford Racing and the addition of crew chief Drew Blickensderfer. Also confirmed earlier this season, RPM will continue to field the No. 43 Pilot/Flying J Ford in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with driver Michael Annett.

From GMM

According to strong paddock rumours, Sunday's Brazilian grand prix will be the last lap for ailing backmarkers HRT.

Publicly looking for a buyer, it is reported that staff have actually already been served with pending redundancy notices that will come into effect after the chequered flag waves on Sunday.

"None of us know what will happen," team driver Pedro de la Rosa, who was expected to stay at the Spanish team in 2013, admitted to reporters in Brazil.

Photo: HRT F1 Team

When asked about the redundancy notices, he answered: "All I know is that we are here and that everyone here has not received anything."

"What happens after is unknown," added Pedro de la Rosa. "I hope the team continues but at this moment in time I cannot say any more."

In the realm of the sub-compact, the Honda Fit will always be a queen for me. Its decent resale value, unbeatable Honda engine and its "go-anywhere" good looks are all qualities I associate with the brand. With stingy gas consumption and well-sorted mechanicals that make it a pleasure to drive, the Fit LX does, indeed, boast many assets. That being said, it will still leave some fans of the latest hi-tech gadgetry feeling somewhat dissatisfied.


Small pleasures
The lively little 1.5L engine produces 117 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque. That may sound modest, but makes perfect sense as the driving force of this sub-compact, mainly meant for city driving. Although the VTEC system's work is discreet and is only felt when the engine exceeds 6,000 rpm, aficionados will certainly appreciate the extra kick, again, something appropriate to the brand.

The 5-speed manual transmission is fantastic with great response and excellent engagement. It makes driving a joy. As for the stickshift, I've experienced smoother shifting on earlier Honda models. Still, although you can't change gears with your little finger, it's in line with the current market, and remains flexible and easy to use.

I got an awesome fuel economy of 5.8 L/100km. But I have to say that this was in summer and with not much use of the A/C. Nevertheless, vehicles in this same category list consumption rates that generally fall somewhere between 6.5 to 7.5 L/100km.

This little beast's suspension stays true to the manufacturer's mantra, namely, very clinical. Mind you, we're not talking Honda Accord level luxury and sweetness, but the ride is pleasant nonetheless. The suspension is giving, without being too soft, and hunkers down, as well as it is able to, when cornering; the Fit doesn't pretend to be a sports car. The electric rack and pinion raises no problem and steering is honest and straight.

The lively little 1.5L engine produces 117 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

A beauty, both inside and out
This is a small car - nothing surprising in the world of sub-compacts. Unlike the Toyota Yaris, interior sound damping is good. At least you don't imagine yourself inside a rattling cookie tin as you barrel along.

Better yet, there's plenty of room! With a high roofline and lots of headroom, seating is generous and comfortable. Excellent legroom came as a pleasant surprise to both front and backseat passengers. I remember a much tighter squeeze in a Chevrolet Sonic and I'm only 5'3".

There's nothing complicated about the Fit's cabin. Seats are neither heated, nor electric. And the steering wheel is not heated either (unlike that of the Kia Rio SX). Steering wheel buttons have been reduced and no 25 wiper functions, as in the Ford Fiesta. Controls in the Fit are simple and uncluttered...all part of an attractive cabin that includes a 3-spoke steering wheel with matte metallic finish reminiscent of the one found in the Honda Civic SiR.

As for storage place, you'll love it: the rear seats fold away for a flat floor configuration. For me, that means no more tearing my hair out finding space for boxes, grocery bags or stashing equipment from the local hardware store.

I liked the excellent visibility, thanks to the enormous windscreen. Plus, the "A" pillar windows let in a lot of light and give great all-round sightlines. Where you get a little lost is getting a good view out the rear window - a common problem in many hatchback models.

At Honda, user-friendliness is on top of the list: the back seat headrests can be lowered all the way down, becoming perfectly integrated, flat with the seat tops, providing a much better view out the back. That's a step ahead of Ford whose headrests sprout like mushrooms in the Fiesta!

Better yet, there's plenty of room! With a high roofline and lots of headroom, seating is generous and comfortable. (Photo: Marie-Andrée Ayotte)

It's time for long-term thinking
You'll find the 2012 Honda Fit LX manual offered at $16,980. That may seem less expensive than competitors who also offer heaps of options, including a sunroof, keyless entry, heated seats or sound systems to rock your socks off. But it's simply not the case.

Here's what the 2012 Honda Fit LX's competition goes for: the Ford Fiesta SE at $15,999, the Hyundai Accent GL for $15,599 $ and finally, the Toyota Yaris at $15,990.

But keep in mind that the Honda Fit's resale value is superior to that of the Hyundai Accent and the Toyota Yaris.

This 2012 Honda Fit LX review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

All-Wheel Drive Cars

All the AWD on sale now. No trucks, SUVS, or crossovers allowed.

With the winter months approaching, many Americans are looking for the safety and stability provided by all-wheel drive. Sending power to all four wheels can help a vehicle gain traction in all weather conditions. Luckily for all-wheel drive shoppers, there are many options to choose from without venturing into the realm of high-riding trucks and SUVs. Although the advantages of four driven wheels are obvious in slippery road conditions, the technology usually comes at a cost - both upfront and at the pump. We've indicated the extra cost of the all-wheel-drive option, or the cost differential compared with the equivalent two-wheel-drive model, as well as its EPA gas mileage ratings, and the fuel economy penalty versus the two-wheel-drive version of the same car for every vehicle on our list.

Photo Gallery: All-Wheel Drive Cars - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: All-Wheel Drive Cars - Automobile Magazine

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2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

Although the GT-R might appear to be unchanged since its launch in 2009, a lot has been going on behind the scenes.

Although the GT-R might appear to be unchanged since its launch in 2009, a lot has been going on behind the scenes. In 2010, it gained five horsepower, a revised launch control system, and an updated navigation system. For 2011, Nissan tweaked the suspension tuning, and added conveniences like automatic wipers and a USB audio input. Bigger changes came in 2012, when the GT-R gained a new front fascia (dig those de rigeur LED running lamps!), another 45 horsepower, new dampers and revised suspension geometry, and a new top-spec Black Edition model. Alas, Nissan still wasn't done. The 2013 GT-R is almost identical to last year's model, save for the fact the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6's output has been cranked up another 15 hp to 545 hp.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition - Editor's Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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Videos 22 Nov, 2012

Hyundai has created a Need For Speed-style race using the new Veloster Turbo... and some Lego

Volkswagen's supervisory board is expected to increase planned investment in new vehicles and factories as it looks beyond a European slump to its long-term goal of being the world's largest carmaker.

VW Group's supervisory board is expected to increase planned investment in new vehicles and factories as it looks beyond a European slump to its long-term goal of being the world's largest carmaker by 2018.

VW Group's supervisory board is expected to increase planned investment in new vehicles and factories as it looks beyond a European slump to its long-term goal of being the world's largest carmaker by 2018.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: This

Subaru is hitting new sales records in the US market and considering a major expansion to its US output by the middle of the decade.

General Motors' financing arm GM Financial has agreed to pay about US$4.2bn for the European and Latin American auto lending operations of Ally Financial [once GMAC] as it looks to extend its in-house financing to boost sales.

Autoliv is expanding its US (Utah) production facilities.

Ford Motor is preparing to close its vehicle assembly plant in the Philippines in December 2012 with production for the ASEAN region being consolidated in Thailand and Malaysia.

Toyota's US unit is recalling about 150,000 Tacoma trucks originally sold or currently registered in 20 cold climate states and the District of Columbia to inspect and/or replace the spare tyre carrier assembly.

News 19 Dec, 2012

We asked you to vote for your favourite TV car adverts of all-time – and now we count down the top 20...

UK automotive body, the SMMT, says the UK government "gets it" when it comes to supporting the British motor industry as the sector continues to ride a wave of optimism.