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Long-time team manager and veteran paddock member Phil LePan has passed away in late December but the news was only made public on Tuesday of this week.

The Canadian started out his career working for Colin Chapman's Lotus Formula 1 team in the later ,70s before moving back to North America and forging a long career as a championship-winning Indy car team manager.

His name was associated with the famous Player's/Forsythe Racing team where he won the 2003 championship with Paul Tracy. Before that he was involved with Team Green where he was part of the team that 1995 Indy 500 with Jacques Villeneuve.

Most recently, LePan worked with Dale Coyne Racing where he earned his final IndyCar win with Justin Wilson at the Texas 550 last year.

Meanwhile, Bryan Herta Autosport announced the return of Barracuda Networks as their primary sponsor for the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Season.

With Barracuda's involvement secured for 2013, the team is close to finalizing Alex Tagliani's return to pilot the Honda-powered No. 98 car.

Think the LEAF is Nissan's first-ever electric car? Guess again. In 1947, the Japanese automaker unveiled the Tama, the world's first automobile to run on lead batteries.

While none of the following initiatives went beyond the concept phase, you have to applaud Nissan for thinking outside the box that is the internal combustion engine for the past 66 years.

Click on the image to see the full innovation from Nissan

Production of the 2013 Nissan LEAF began this week at the Smyrna assembly plant in Tennessee, where some of the Japanese company's gasoline-powered models are also built.

At the same time, Nissan opened a new battery plant on an adjacent lot, becoming the first and only automaker to manufacture its own electric vehicle batteries. This facility is now the largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant in the U.S.

Adding the LEAF to Smyrna will help Nissan reach its goal of producing 85% of its U.S. sales volume in North America by 2015. By using more local resources, the company will prove less vulnerable to fluctuations in foreign currency.

Photo: Nissan

We now have the first official pictures of the all-new 2014 Lexus IS, which will make its global debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 15th.

The next generation of Lexus' premium compact sedan will be available in three trim levels: 250, 350, and F Sport. It stands out with the brand's new spindle grille design, an athletic body, and wider rear tires, as well as refined interior materials, enhanced comfort, and extra cargo room.

The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) in the 2014 Lexus IS adds electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger -- a first at Lexus. Meanwhile, the LFA-inspired steering wheel offers increased reach adjustment allowing a sportier driving position along with the lower seat hip points.

What's more, the F Sport model is the only one to feature a perforated leather finish on the steering wheel and shift knob, metal film 3D-effect ornamentation, black seat stitching, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates.

Prices and release dates for the 2014 Lexus IS will be announced later.

Photo: Lexus

It is a sad day in motorsport. Dakar race organisers confirmed that two people have died in a three-vehicle incident close to the Peru-Chile border on Wednesday evening.

A taxi driver and his passenger died after a support vehicle hit them head-on, while a second taxi rolled several times as it swerved to avoid the chaos.

Seven other persons were injured and taken to hospital in Tacna, Peru.

"The Peruvian authorities have begun an inquiry into the accident in order to determine the exact causes,” says the press release.

Nissan will host the world premiere of a mysterious concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week.

Called Resonance, this innovative crossover apparently combines ''bold, breakthrough styling with hybrid-electric powertrain technology.''

Other than the picture below, no further details have been provided by Nissan. Don't miss our coverage of the NAIAS!

Photo: Nissan

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen has clarified his aversion to sophisticated formula one simulator technology, insisting he simply "learns nothing" at the computerised wheel.

An avowed fan of idol James Hunt's bygone days, 2007 world champion Raikkonen has always sounded unenthusiastic when asked about the simulator technology that has replaced F1's former days of expensive track testing.

That sparked rumours that, like Michael Schumacher, simulators give the famous Finn motion sickness, or that perhaps the former Ferrari and McLaren driver is claustrophobic.

Raikkonen's new team, Lotus, has now developed a brand new simulator at its Enstone base, but it appears only teammate Romain Grosjean will be at the wheel.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

"I just think that I can learn nothing in the simulator. I learn a new track quickly, without a simulator," the 33-year-old is quoted by Switzerland's Speed Week.

Indeed, when Lotus' new simulator was up and running prior to Austin last November, Grosjean lapped the virtual circuit many times but was still immediately outpaced in real life by Raikkonen, who got his first taste of the US layout in Friday practice.

From GMM

Sergio Perez on Wednesday revealed he has already started work at the wheel of McLaren's sophisticated driver simulator.

But the Mexican warned that he will have no impact on the design or specification of his 2013 car, the MP4-28.

"Of course, no," he is quoted by the Russian website f1news.ru, after his first official visit to McLaren's Woking headquarters for the media on Wednesday.

Sergio Perez and Martin Whitmarsh at Woking. (Photo: @thefifthdriver)

"However, I have already worked on the simulator, helping the team to understand the specifics of my driving style. But to be honest, I have no influence on the creation of a new car," Perez admitted.

He said his real challenge, whilst learning from his experienced teammate Jenson Button, is to become top dog and fight for the 2013 championship.

"I think at the moment it looks like Jenson has experience, has the team," the Mexican is quoted by the Daily Mail. "He's a great champion -- the most experienced driver in the paddock now. So I think I have a lot to learn from him. And obviously I want to beat him as well."

From GMM

Marc Gene has signed up for yet another year as a Ferrari test driver.

Although now spearheading the F1 role with an Audi sports cars endurance seat, Gene has inked a new one-year Ferrari contract for 2013, Switzerland's Speed Week reports.

The 38-year-old Spaniard, who also commentates on F1 with Spanish television Antena 3, has been a Ferrari test driver since 2005, although Jules Bianchi was the famous Italian team's official reserve in 2012.

Photo: WRi2

Gene's recent role has been more confined to working with sponsors, and in the simulator.

"I'm honoured that I can continue working for Ferrari," he is quoted as saying this week. "My goal is clear -- I want to help Ferrari and Fernando Alonso to have a car capable of winning the title."

Gene raced for Minardi in 1999 and 2000, and as Williams' reserve driver stepped into injured Ralf Schumacher's car for short periods in 2003 and 2004.

The 2013 Acura ILX is the third iteration of Acura's take on the Honda Civic, and is by far the most comprehensive and distinctive of the three versions, which also include the EL and CSX variants.


Utilizing the highly popular Civic as the basis for an entry-level sedan in their upscale lineup is rather savvy of Acura. The strategy allows buyers to bask in the cachet of an Acura for relatively little more cash than that needed to follow the more plebian Honda route.

As part of the Acura family, these buyers may be coaxed into other Acura products as their automotive needs change and their wallets fatten.

The ILX divergence
While the EL and CSX more closely resembled their Civic roots, the 2013 Acura ILX is far more aligned with its Acura parentage. In fact, the cabin is remarkably similar in architecture and quality to that of the pricier Acura TSX and TL models.

The un-Civic-like cabin is representative of all aspects of the 2013 Acura ILX, including its more conventional exterior styling. There's nothing about this car -- at least visually -- to link it to a Civic, and that's a wise undertaking by Acura.

However, despite exhibiting its own identity the 2013 Acura ILX continues to share its under-hood assets with the Civic.

The cabin is remarkably similar in architecture and quality to that of the pricier Acura TSX and TL models. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Three ILX powerplants
The availability of three powerplants and several trim levels broadens the prospective 2013 Acura ILX market to include those seeking a mild-mannered luxury sedan, those yearning for something a little hotter, and those in need of Mother Nature's approval. My Dynamic tester was the 2.4L bad boy of the three.

The base 2013 Acura ILX 2.0L I-4 engine develops 150 horsepower, which is sent to the front wheels through the administration of a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle-shifters. In addition to powering the base ILX, this mill propels the ILX Premium and Tech trim levels as well.

For Mother Nature pleasers, the 2013 Acura ILX is also available as a hybrid. This technology is essentially the same hybrid setup found in the Civic Hybrid. No doubt, less pleasing to Mother Nature was my Dynamic version. It cooks with the same under-hood heat as the spicy Civic Si.

It's a Dynamic life
The temperature-raising powerplant that denotes the 2013 Acura ILX Dynamic from its more serene variants is Honda's revered 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-banger. It produces 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Like it or not, this engine is paired solely with a 6-speed manual gearbox; there is no automatic transmission available in the ILX Dynamic. Curiously, neither is there a navigation system. For that, one must select the less sporty -- and less powerful -- ILX Technology. Assuming that ILX Dynamic drivers know where they're going (or they don't mind exhibiting defeat by asking for directions) they'll enjoy the drive, and in particular, the car's smooth lightly actuated stick and clutch.

Honda's revered 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-banger.It produces 201 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

Behind the ILX wheel
When I first kicked-off in the 2013 Acura ILX, I found the sport-tuned exhaust note to be a little beyond my threshold of desirability; that has since changed. Perhaps I was incorrectly expecting the ILX Dynamic to emphasize its luxury side rather than its sporty persona.

After a few excursions, I came to appreciate the car's athleticism and spirited performance, including the sport-inspired exhaust composition. I walked around the car expecting to see a set of pipes integrated into the rear fascia to correspond with the expressive exhaust notes, but strangely Acura chose not to flaunt the car's essence in this manner.

Whether flaunting or not, the 2013 Acura ILX is quite delightful to drive with passion. Its engine revs with effortless zeal and enthusiasm while putting a satisfying amount of power to the road without inducing torque-steer.

Handling dynamics are secure and composed. I enjoyed throwing the 2013 Acura ILX Dynamic into a corner without scrubbing off excessive speed. The car exhibits a touch of body lean, but grips tenaciously as the cornering radius tightens then releases, encouraging careful throttle input. Steering resistance is on the light side though, and not particularly communicative.

The 8-way power-adjustable front seats in my tester were notably comfortable and accommodating, yet there was no lumbar adjustability and fairly limited side bolstering. Still, I never felt fatigued or antsy during long stints behind the wheel.

Except for the pronounced exhaust melody, the 2013 Acura ILX Dynamic is a quiet automobile that feels tight, firmly assembled and structurally sound. Its ride quality is taut but forgiving, which is fair given the car's performance orientation and handling characteristics.

The 2013 Acura ILX is quite delightful to drive with passion. (Photo: Rob Rothwell)

The ILX wrap
The 2013 Acura ILX is a huge improvement over the CSX as Acura's interpretation of the steadfast Honda Civic. With its own identity and plenty of variation to match customer preferences, the ILX should attract a strong following of potentially loyal Acura owners.

Many people wonder if they're allowed to tour the impressive facilities of Formula 1 teams. Sadly, the answer is: no. Access is extremely restricted, even for the media. In our case, the only way is to be handed an invitation -- a very special one, I might add.

There is one place, however, that lives and breathes sports cars and auto racing, Formula 1 in particular, a town that welcomes tifosi with arms wide open, and where speed is worshipped as a goddess.

Meet Maranello, Italy: home of all things Ferrari, including the assembly plants, the Scuderia Ferrari complex, and the legendary Fiorano Circuit.

While access to Scuderia Ferrari is prohibited, everything else is pretty much like an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you ever plan a trip to Europe, this is a must-see. After landing in Milan, head toward Modena, then Maranello.

On Via Tazio Nuvolari, you'll see brand new production Ferraris roll off the assembly lines. On Via Abetone Inferiore, you'll be facing the official gateway to Ferrari S.p.A.

Just across the street is the internationally acclaimed Il Cavallino restaurant -- a bit starchy and quaint, but irresistible. I guarantee you'll want to have dinner there.

Dino Ferrari leads to the Scuderia Ferrari headquarters. On the left is Galleria Ferrari, a fairly comprehensive museum where you can admire classic road cars and F1 cars (including the famous Ferrari IndyCar), as well as engines, transmissions, trophies, and countless photos. Really interesting.

The only street that leads to the Fiorano Circuit is none other than Via Gilles Villeneuve. A bronze bust of the famed Canadian driver, proudly sitting on a pedestal and decorated with some nice flowers, graces the entrance.

Since testing is very limited now, you won't see any F1 cars at Fiorano. However, you might spot a few GT cars. The track goes through the city's industrial area, and crash barriers run the length of nearby buildings. Up in the air, apartment balconies provide a unique view of the track less than 100 metres away!

Like I said, Maranello is all about Ferrari. Members of the F1 crew can be seen all across town after a hard day's work wearing their signature red shirts. Some of them will hit Made In Red, a bar at Piazza Liberta that pays tribute to the F1 team.

As a matter of fact, every bar and every hotel in Maranello has hundreds of stickers, posters and photographs (a lot of them signed) of great Ferrari drivers such as Niki Lauda, Didier Pironi, Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve. The many boutiques are filled with memorabilia and rare items depicting the history of Scuderia Ferrari.

Once again, if you happen to travel to Italy some day, make a point to stop by Maranello. You'll be forever glad you did.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From GMM

Japanese Kobayashi, who in the same 2012 Sauber scored 60 points last year compared to Mexican Perez's 66, has acknowledged he will not be on the 2013 grid.

At the same time, Perez was signed to switch to McLaren next year to replace the British team's most recent champion Lewis Hamilton. However, Sergio Perez believes his 2012 teammate Kamui Kobayashi can return to formula one next year.

The 22-year-old Mexican kicked off his official duties on Wednesday by speaking to the press at a photo opportunity at McLaren's Woking headquarters.

"Kamui is a great racer, a nice guy, he does his job well," Perez is quoted as saying by the Russian website f1news.ru.

"I wish he wasn't left without a contract, but I think he'll be back in formula one next season. I'm sure that with his speed he will find a good place and we'll see him again next year," he insisted.

Kamui Kobayashi on the podium in Japan. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Perez also had some words for his countryman Esteban Gutierrez, the 21-year-old rookie who is filling his seat at Sauber.

"I think it's a great opportunity for Esteban," he said at Woking. "Sauber is a great team in which a driver has the opportunity to demonstrate his potential."

When I got to Automotive News about 15 years ago, Jack Teahen and I hit it off right away.

I don't think I realized how much I enjoyed having Jack Teahen around. I guess I'll realize that more now that he won't be stopping in for his periodic newsroom visits.

If you have never seen a 110-inch, ultra-high-definition TV screen, where every molecule of digital delirium dances across the screen in pulses of pixelated promiscuity, well, you're really missing out.

GM is in discussions with the UAW on offering lump-sum pension payouts to hourly retirees in the United States.

Yesterday we reported how Audi was readying a lavish 3D sound experience with 23 speakers and 1,400 watts of goosebump-inducing audio power.

Chrysler Group said its minority shareholder demanded a registration for its holdings in a step toward a possible public stock offering.

Kia will return to the Super Bowl with a 60-second spot in the fourth quarter featuring its 2014 Sorento crossover. The spot will be the second TV commercial in a new campaign for the Sorento, Kia's No. 2 seller last year.

Continuing just-auto's series of interviews with major interior suppliers, Matthew Beecham talked with Rien Segers, Senior Vice President Engineering & Development Europe, International Automotive Components, about instrument panels.