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Renault's plan to cut 7,500 jobs in France to boost the competitiveness of its plants has had a better reception from the government than a similar move by rival PSA/Peugeot-Citroen.

BMW Chairman Joachim Milberg will remain in his post until 2016, a source said, so he can be succeeded by current BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer during that year.

Daimler will sell a limited edition of its Smart ForTwo using a Twitter-like service in China as it tries to tap the country's 564 million Internet users.

Bentley officially introduced its new Continental GT Speed Convertible at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. With a top speed of 325 km/h, it's now the fastest four-seat cabriolet in the world.

''The new Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is a truly breathtaking Grand Tourer, promising supercar performance and high end luxury, with the added thrill of open top motoring,'' said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley.

The Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible boasts a 6.0L twin-turbo W12 engine rated at 616 horsepower, while delivering a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency.

Despite a struggling global economy, Bentley recorded a 22% sales increase in 2012, with 2,315 units out of a total of 8,510 units sold in the U.S. alone.

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The 2013 Subaru Outback is quite possibly exactly what you're looking for -- but you don't know it. The Outback is roomy, capacious, well built and oh-so smart.

As a family car or a tool for work, the 2013 Subaru Outback can do it all, including tow up to 1,224 kg (2,700 lb). By the looks of it, one would not guess that a lowly station wagon could conquer the outback and mall parking lots, but the fact is that it does and with uncanny ease.


The revised 2013 Subaru Outback continues to bring capabilities and all-weather excellence together in one convenient and well thought out package. I simply wish that the Lineatronic CVT would be sent over to Honda's transmission engineers for some much needed tweaking.

The era of the CVT
I'm torn (OK, I'm not) about the CVT (continuously variable transmission). I understand that it has fewer moving parts and can have a positive impact on fuel consumption, but why must it kill driving pleasure?

Subaru's Lineartronic CVT is not the worst ‘box of its kind, but I still don't like it. My feelings are clearly summed up in my 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek review. And I really mean it when I say that Subaru, Nissan and a few other manufacturers should sit down with Honda engineers for a few pointers on how to tune a CVT to make it interesting. Miranda talks about it in her 2013 Honda Accord review.

Despite the presence of wheel mounted paddles for some type of driver implication, the CVT simply clings to engine rpm to know what to do. It's highly unpleasant, especially when negotiating urban streets where engine speed never seems to settle. It's unsettling.

Flat-4 magic
Thankfully, I've driven many a Subaru with the company's signature 2.5L boxer 4-cylinder engine. I say thankfully as I've experienced Imprezas and others with this engine matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox. At 173 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, the big-4 isn't the powerhouse it could be, but is well regulated to the Outback's raison-d'être.

Once the CVT's done what it does, the 2013 Subaru Outback eagerly gets into the swing of things. The meat of the powerband is located in the high 3,000-rpm range and proves to be more than adequate for passing and acceleration. Mind you, the big wagon is no race car, but will generally get the job done. All the while, I managed 9.0L per 100 km which is not as good as I expected.

At 173 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, the big-4 isn't the powerhouse it could be. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

AWD is king
Subaru needs not remind everyone that their symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential with the 6MT) is excellent, so I will: Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is excellent.

To put it simply: the 2013 Subaru Outback's drivability is exceptional. It begins with AWD, but in clement weather where its presence is not so obvious, the car's solid chassis and independent suspension demonstrate how well sorted the car is.

The 2013 Subaru Outback's ride is composed and confident. Whether the car is jumping curbs (not that I did such a thing), navigating country roads or burning up a highway, the Outback's composure is at odds with its looks.

Rugged wagon
The 2013 Subaru Outback's love-or-hate styling is more utility vehicle than wagon -- this according to Subaru. I don't buy it ‘cause I think the Outback is a gorgeous and rare station wagon that I love.

Don't be thinking that the high ground clearance and beefy bumpers are all for show. The Outback can take you there and traverse some pretty serious terrain. The tight turning radius further displays the 2013 Subaru Outback's vocation, but I digress. Everything you see is highly functional, including the roof-rack system with swing-in-place crossbars.

The cabin is far more sedate, but ever a decent place to spend time. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Tall crossovers have nothing on it
The cabin is far more sedate, but ever a decent place to spend time. It is comfortable and well appointed. The front seats are equally cozy and generate a fair amount of support for both short and long distances.

The rear bench is also accommodating as three could take place, however, it's always better when there are only two.

The 2013 Subaru Outback's trunk is the kicker. With the second row in place, the voluminous boot swallows up to 857 liters in one large gulp. Need more? With the rear bench out of the way, the Outback will take on 2,019 liters of cargo. This is equal or better than many crossovers, including a number of midsize ones.

The 2013 Subaru Outback is an impressively smart package, but it's a shame about the CVT transmission.

From press release

Lotus announces it will participate to the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The deadline for the Championship registration ended yesterday, January 16 and the team has submitted the entry for two cars for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Photo: Lotus

Furthermore the team confirms that the German Thomas Holzer and the American Kevin Weeda will lead the driver's line up. Both of them were competing for Lotus in the previous year and gained a lot of experience in endurance racing.

After a successful first season in FIA WEC, the team will compete in LMP2 class with two brand-new Lotus T128 in 2013. The new car will be presented to the public in the next few weeks.

From GMM

Red Bull deserves its success in formula one, Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali insists.

There had been appearances of bad blood between the title contenders of late, particularly with Dr Helmut Marko suggesting Spaniard Alonso is more focused on politics than winning.

"I can assure you that Fernando is focused on his performance," Domenicali told reporters at the annual media event at Madonna di Campiglio.

"And to those who take a dig at him in the hope that they can find a weak point, all I can say is that we'll reply on the track, with facts and by trying to be the best," he added.

It has been suggested Red Bull's meteoric success in the past years is difficult for Ferrari to swallow, given the Maranello team's long and rich history, and the fact today's dominant force is the maker of an energy drink.

"Besides," Domenicali is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, "it's only been three seasons, not a lifetime, and when that run stops, then everyone will remember the winning runs of Ferrari, McLaren and Williams."

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

He denied Red Bull is being 'protected' by Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA, but Domenicali did suggest: "Red Bull represents an investment in the sport of F1 and in motor sport in general. As a company, they are doing a lot for the sport. But there are other companies who have been doing just as much for much longer. We have to make sure that continues."

However, Stefano Domenicali said no one can begrudge Red Bull its success.

"Even if I do not like to speak directly to our adversaries, Red Bull is a team that is structured very well and won deservedly," he is quoted by Tuttosport.

"But I think that three years of consecutive successes are enough," he smiled.

Texas Motor Speedway officially has signed a letter of intent to bid on becoming a host venue for ESPN's X Games.

Pastrana, who recently announced a full-time intent to race in NASCAR Nationwide Series is an X Games champion who would be racing twice at the oval in 2014. If he participates in the extreme sports event that would be his Texas hat trick.

Speedway officials announced an interested in a three-year hosting period for the summer edition of the X Games at the largest sports facility in the state of Texas. The speedway, which seats 138,122 and situated on 1,500 acres of property, has the ability to play host to all of the competition elements of the X Games. It is located outside of Fort Worth and close to Dallas.

Gossage and his executive team attended this summer's X Games in Los Angeles to get a feel for the enormity and energy surrounding the event and returned intrigued by the games. 

The summer event requires venues that can accommodate courses ranging from rally car and motocross to skateboarding and BMX competition. The four-day event traditionally attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators and could provide major economic and tourism boosts for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

"I attended every event at this past summer's X Games in L.A. and it was one of the coolest events of my life," Gossage said. "I've been fortunate enough to attend several Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, major bowl games and more. But the X Games was the most action-packed and over-the-top sports event I've ever experienced and I know Texas Motor Speedway could be the perfect home for ESPN's X Games. Every athlete is a bright, colorful character and I love that. "

The X Games is in a new phase of global expansion as ESPN in May named Barcelona, Spain; Munich, Germany; and Foz do Iguaco, Brazil as host cities for a three-year period beginning this year. Those three international sites join Los Angeles; Aspen, Colo.; and Tignes, France, as the six locations that will play host to the X Games (summer or winter editions) this year.

NASCAR's first test day at Charlotte Motor Speedway was called off at noon on Thursday due to steady rain.

The newly designed, newly named Gen 6 cars are allowed more downforce at tracks like the 1.5 mile track in Charlotte, which predominate the schedule, than the extra-high banked 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway and 2.66 mile Talladega Super Speedway which require restrictor plates to keep lap speeds under 200mph.

Testing will resume on Friday with two sessions: 9-12:30 practice, lunch break, then 1-5.

Photo: Motor Racing Network (from Facebook)

Jaguar Land Rover Canada will showcase four new models at the 2013 Montreal International Auto Show, including the Jaguar XJ and XF as well as the Land Rover LR2 and 2013 Range Rover. In fact, the entire 2013 lineup will be on hand.

2013 Jaguar XJ AWD (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Both the Jaguar XJ and XF will be available for the first time with all-wheel drive, improving traction and handling regardless of road conditions.

Meanwhile, the LR2 compact SUV offers more power and an all-new interior. Pricing will start at $39,990.

Finally, the 2013 Range Rover, the most luxurious and capable SUV from the British manufacturer, boasts an all-aluminum unibody construction that's 39% lighter than the previous model for superior agility and fuel economy.

From GMM

Just over a year after switching from Renault to Caterham, Steve Nielsen will now become Toro Rosso's new sporting director, the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat reports.

Briton Nielsen only moved to Caterham in December 2011.

Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo said this week he is confident about the Red Bull-owned team's 2013 plans.

Toro Rosso STR7. (Photo: WRi2)

"But even if they tell me it (the 2013 car) is the best thing since sliced bread, I'm not going to get too excited until I drive it and feel comfortable myself. But we've definitely got good expectations," he told the Faenza based team's website.

Toro Rosso finished the 2012 season in ninth place, ahead only of F1's non-scorers Caterham, Marussia and HRT.

From GMM

Nico Rosberg is the "fastest German" in formula one, according to new McLaren driver Sergio Perez.

Mexican Perez, who has switched from his 2012 employer Sauber, told Sport Bild he thinks Mercedes' Rosberg - the winner of one grand prix - is ultimately quicker than reigning three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

"In terms of pure speed, Nico Rosberg is the fastest German. But Sebastian is the more complete driver and a great champion," Perez is quoted as saying.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com)

Sergio Perez told Sport Bild he intends to push to beat Vettel and all other adversaries for the 2013 drivers' title.

"I am 100 per cent sure that the McLaren will be better than my Sauber," he said, "which is why I need to set high goals. They (McLaren) have the money, they have the people."

And Sergio Perez says he is already better than he was early last season, when only a driver mistake stopped him winning in Malaysia.

"If I could do that race again, I would win it," he insisted.

From GMM

Stefano Domenicali has denied Fernando Alonso pushed for the hiring of fellow Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa as Ferrari's new simulator driver.

With his 2012 race employer HRT now folded, it is rumoured de la Rosa had to start looking around for a new job because McLaren - where he served as the British team's highly respected and long-time test driver - was unimpressed with the 41-year-old's continual departures.

And his arrival at Ferrari may have been helped by the 'Alonso factor', as they are both Spaniards and - ironically - were friends at McLaren during the notorious 'spygate' scandal.

Indeed, de la Rosa's new Ferrari role has triggered suggestions Alonso is having an increasing influence on the shape of the fabled Maranello team.

"We took the decision as a team," team boss Domenicali insisted, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We needed to make a jump in quality in that (simulator) area, and Pedro met our requirements perfectly. Then, if he does get on with both Fernando and Massa, that's even better! We can therefore avoid confusion (in the team)!" he smiled.

Pedro de la Rosa, HRT driver in 2012. (Photo: HRT F1 Team)

From GMM

Lucas di Grassi has admitted his future depends in part on Pirelli.

Since losing his race seat after a single season at Virgin (now Marussia) in 2010, the Brazilian has been a key test driver for F1's official tire supplier.

Whether or not he will continue in that role longer term, the 28-year-old is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace: "At the moment they are deciding whether they will continue (in F1) for three more years or not. After that (decision) they will establish a position."

"But other than that," added di Grassi, "I'm still talking to three teams about being a test driver and helping them with the development side."

Photo: Pirelli

He said Pirelli's 2013 tires will be notably different compared to last year.

"This year the tires are a bit softer overall, so they will be a little easier to work with as they get fewer blisters," said di Grassi.

"The shape is also a little squarer to increase the contact area, but this will not influence the tires much. But we will probably go back to having more pit stops. The teams were starting to understand the tires a little better, so they were having fewer stops," he explained.

For the 2013 model year, Chevrolet has introduced an all-new SUV called the Trax

This is not to replace any existing model in their lineup, and while it is available in Canada and an additional 139 markets around the world, it is not available for our American cousins.

So, why is it on sale in Canada?

According to Dayna Callaway, Assistant Marketing Manager of Crossovers for General Motors Canada, the Canadian market is very different from the American market, hence why they felt that this entry-level 'ute could succeed here. Plus, with this vehicle, they can target the buyer who would be looking at vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson and the Nissan Juke.

So, who is this buyer demographically?

According to GM, the Trax will attract mostly females aged 25 to 38 years old. Most of them will have graduated from university, have an active and social lifestyle and are tech savvy.

To attract this young, sophisticated buyer, the Trax is thus available with one of GM's smartest gadgets called MyLink. This infotainment system allows for Bluetooth connectivity for your phone and audio, USB ports, and XM Satellite radio along with Stitcher radio and the upcoming BringGo navigation app.

GM is convinced that this vehicle's buyer will be so in tune with the times that they won't even listen to CDs. If, however, you do listen to CDs, you'll have to settle for the 1LT model, the only one in the range that has a CD player.

GM is also convinced that the Trax buyer will value hydration as it has six cupholders. Add to that an additional 19 cubbyholes, pockets and storage compartments and this little 'ute should (hopefully) be able to hold all your daily necessities.

The Trax should also appeal to those who value safety, as it has no less than 10 standard airbags. To help you avoid having an accident in the first place, traction control and stability control systems are standard. However, 4-wheel disc brakes are not. So, if you buy a front-wheel drive model, you only get drum brakes in the rear.

So, where does the Trax fit in General Motors' massive lineup?

Given its size and a starting price of just $18,495; the Trax is at the very bottom of their SUV/CUV consumer-chain. Those who want a bit more space can opt for the Orlando (another vehicle not sold in the States). Want to go bigger still and the Equinox and Traverse might do the job for you. With the Trax, GM's Chevrolet division hopes it has left no holes in its lineup. So, regardless of what a potential customer is looking for, they have a vehicle to fill that niche.

Will the Trax succeed?

That, only time will tell. However, if you like the size and efficiency of the Trax (rated at a combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100 km), but would prefer more luxury, not to worry; its sister vehicle (the Buick Encore) will be for sale in Canada soon.

Photo: Nauman Farooq

From FOTA presse release

FOTA -- the Formula One Teams' Association -- announced today that teams across the F1 paddock have reduced their carbon emissions by 7 percent.

The carbon reduction was achieved over a two-year period from 2009 to 2011 by F1 teams including Caterham, Lotus, Marussia, Mercedes AMG, Sahara Force India, Sauber, McLaren and Williams. It follows an externally-audited exercise to set a target to reduce emissions from a baseline of 2009.

Photo: WRi2

FOTA tracked the Teams' performance against the target, and an audit, conducted by established environmental research analysis organisation Trucost, found that fuel efficiency led to a 24% cut in carbon emissions from F1 cars. These advances highlight the potential to accelerate carbon reductions across the automotive industry and present further evidence of F1's role in providing an important platform for the development of new technologies.

Turbocharging, fuel injection, variable valve timing and kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) have all been developed within F1. The Teams will continue to invest in technologies to help address resource and environmental challenges.

Trucost's analysis also identified a 14% fall in emissions from electricity use, following team-wide efforts to reduce wind tunnel use in race testing, and a 14% reduction in emissions linked to purchases of parts and raw materials.

Red Bull Racing and Lotus F1 trucks. (Photo: Twitter)

Key areas of emissions growth since 2009 were operational fuel use, business travel and freight, which directly resulted from an increase in the number of races in the calendar and distances travelled.

With the support of the teams, FOTA has committed to the continuation of this programme and has undertaken to maintain continuous and independent assessment going forward to ensure that these emissions reductions can be improved upon and to investigate where further GHG emissions reduction opportunities may exist.

Formula 1 teams' GHG emissions 2011 vs. 2009

Emissions categories   % change
F1 Cars -23.8%
Other Vehicles -8.1%
Operational Fuel Use +25.8%
Business Travel +38.8%
Freight +16.3%
Electricity -14.3%
Expenditure on parts and raw materials -14.0%
Total -6.9%

Scuderia Toro Rosso and Mercedes AMG confirmed today the launch dates of the new, 2013 Formula 1 challengers.

The Faenza-based Toro Rosso team will unveil the Ferrari-powered STR8 February 4 in the paddock of Circuito de Jerez just before the start of the first, four-day winter test session. The drivers will be the same as last year: Australian Daniel Ricciadro and Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne.

Toro Rosso STR7. (Photo: WRi2)

Mercedes AMG will present their new car, the W04 also in the Jerez paddock that same day. Nico Rosberg and new Mercedes recruit, Lewis Hamilton will be attending the event.

Mercedes AMG W03. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Williams' new FW35 will be launched the following day, still at Jerez.

UPDATE
On February 4, Nico Rosberg will give the new Mercedes W04 its shakedown, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports.

The short 100-kilometre test will take place with demonstration Pirelli tires, the report added.

So, you've got a million dollars. Where to spend it? Well, how about on Porsche's latest venture into supercardom: the Porsche 918 Spyder? Really, why look anywhere else at this point?

First introduced to the world back in 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder Concept has since sparked a buyer's brochure that leaked online late last year. So, it's the real deal, and we're so glad it is.

Let's start with a few highly impressive numbers: The name isn't just a coincidence. Only 918 will be produced and sold (same goes for the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder). Porsche means business when it comes to numbers, so here are a few more: The Porsche 918 Spyder will sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of over 198 mph (and 93 mph in full electric mode). And yet, it's not like another other gas-guzzling supercar you've come to know. This is a hybrid, plug-in monster capable of estimated (read: not yet finalized or fully tested) mileage numbers in the 3.1L/100km range. Yup, you read that correctly.

So, after you spend your million dollars, you'll save money at the pumps. Ironic? Slightly.

How does it do so well on performance and gas mileage? Well, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 4-cylinder V8 that pushes out over 500 hp as well as a permanently energized electric motor located on the front and rear acels which provides a total mechanical output of over 218 hp. The gas engine can work together with the electric motor, or they can perform separately.

All this power in the Porsche 918 Spyder is controlled via their fabulous PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch system that offers up blisteringly fast gear changes and a smooth, even acceleration for maximum performance behind the wheel.

Photo: Porsche

And you can achieve that maximum performance on the road or track with the help of Porsche's reknowned PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) together with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Unlike any other “nanny” system out there, Porsche's stability systems ensure you stay precisely where you need to be: on the road, pointed in the right direction.

When it comes time to wind down and come to a stop, Porsche's got you covered there as well. Equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and calipers painted a bright acid green, you'll have the Porsche 918 Sypder's 20” front and 21” rear wheels haulted in mere seconds.

Because performance was key with the Porsche 918 Spyder, the position of the engine and the lithium-ion battery pack are low and centralized to keep the balance of the vehicle close to perfection. Positioned behind the passenger cell, the Porsche's battery can be charged while driving (the car's kinetic energy via braking and propulsion is converted back to electrical energy via a recovery mode system), or via your household socket in your garage or at the track, as it is a plug-in hybrid.

The Porsche 918 Spyder can travel in full electric mode for up to 15 miles before the gas engine kicks on.

Of course, the hybrid engine isn't the only interesting thing about the Porsche 918 Spyder -- far from it. To ensure the car was as light as possible for optimal performance and fuel numbers; the 918 Spyder's lightwight monocoque structure is fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP). Ideal for the best power-to-weight ratio and high-performance driving, the Spyder's two-piece roof can also be removed and the pieces stored in the luggage compartment.

No word on when the Porsche 918 Spyder will be available for purchase in Canada.

From GMM

Felipe Massa on Thursday admitted Fernando Alonso has been his toughest Ferrari teammate.

Since becoming the Maranello team's race driver in 2006, the Brazilian has been paired with champions Michael Schumacher as well as Kimi Raikkonen.

But, in the wake of his 2009 head injuries, Massa's toughest time has been alongside Spaniard Alonso, so much so that he was almost ousted by the Italian squad before his form resurgence late last season.

"Alonso has probably been the most difficult if you look at the figures," he told reporters at Madonna di Campiglio on Thursday.

"But all three drivers were very strong and that's the truth. But maybe Fernando has been the most difficult and the one I've suffered with the most. I hope not to suffer any more," added Massa.

Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso last weekend in Brazil. (Photo: Ferrari)

According to Spain's Diario AS, he was asked by reporters if he thinks Alonso was the very best driver of 2012, even though Sebastian Vettel won the title.

"I think that given we did not have the best car in qualifying, even if things were better in the races, Fernando did a great championship," said Massa.

"He did really an excellent job and finished almost with the same points as Vettel with a faster car; especially in the last six or seven races it (the Red Bull) was much faster. But Vettel was also strong last year. Both did a perfect championship," he added.

From GMM

Red Bull Racing Formula 1 driver, Australian Mark Webber will have a new race engineer this season.

Media reports said the Australian's long-time regular engineer, Ciaron Pilbeam, is switching to Lotus.

Red Bull is replacing him with Lotus' Simon Rennie, who was Kimi Raikkonen's race engineer in 2012. Rennie has also worked at the Enstone based team since its Renault days, including with Fernando Alonso.

Red Bull confirmed the news.

It is believed Pilbeam is to become Lotus' new chief race engineer.

Ciaron Pilbeam and Mark Webber. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)