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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.

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 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)

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 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.

Automakers' attempts to boost sales and profits by broadening their U.S.product lineups could backfire, billionaire private-equity investor Wilbur Ross said Wednesday.

Two German automakers and two European suppliers have delivered the best shareholder return in the industry this year, despite troubling economic conditions in Europe.

GM's top U.S. executive delivered a staunch defense of electric vehicles and the Chevrolet Volt, noting that the plug-in hybrid's sales tripled in 2012.

It's not yet clear how automakers will achieve the federally mandated 54.5 mpg fuel-economy standard in 2025, but the industry and consumers are likely -- though not guaranteed -- to adjust to the requirement.

Also in this episode: BMW introduces the 4-series and a CEO inserts his foot into his mouth

With brand competition so close these days on vehicle quality, cost and styling, the customer shopping experience online and in the store has become a key battleground for automakers, panelists from Google, Hyundai and TrueCar said at the Automotive...

The 2013 Detroit auto show demonstrates an increasing diversity in crossovers, or car-based vehicles that provide the space, styling and functionality of a truck-based sport-utility vehicle without the penalty at the gas pump.

The 2013 Detroit auto show demonstrates an increasing diversity in crossovers, or car-based vehicles that provide the space, styling and functionality of a truck-based sport-utility vehicle without the penalty at the gas pump.

Thank or blame the digital world and social media, but there's no hiding a bad dealership experience today.

Rising production in North America has forced automakers to collaborate more closely with their suppliers. And suppliers, in turn, are reaching outside the auto industry to get help.

We haven't called the local chamber of commerce to confirm it, but it seems safe to say that a significant portion of economic activity in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan is generated by private vehicle sales facilitated by Craigslist.

On the heels of this week's reveal of the

2012 Audi A7 - A Letter to the Thief

Here are a few things you should know about your new car.

To whoever now has our Audi A7:

Photo Gallery: 2012 Audi A7 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Audi A7 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine

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Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

We dissect three versions of the luxury sport/utility flagship.

It's a great week when you get behind the wheel of an all-new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Even better when you drive three. Editor-in-chief Jean Jennings, Deputy Editor Joseph DeMatio and associate web editors Jake Holmes and Donny Nordlicht recently cycled through the GL350 BlueTec, GL450 4Matic and GL550 4Matic. Starting at $63,305, the GL350 has a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 under the hood. The $64,805 GL450 4Matic has a 362-horsepower, 4.6-liter bi-turbo V-8, and the $87,805 GL550 ups the 4.6 bi-turbo's power to 429 horses. All come with a seven-speed automatic and have a 7500-pound towing capacity.

Photo Gallery: Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - Automobile Magazine

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News 16 Jan, 2013

A tuned Shelby Ford Focus ST has been unveiled at the Detroit show