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Two-time World Rally champion (WRC) Marcus Grönholm will test a Motorsport Italia MINI on Monday.

The Finn, who retired at the end of 2007 season from the WRC, will be giving a bit of coaching to regular driver Michal Kosciuszko, ahead of the approaching Rally Sweden.

The former Peugeot and Ford driver therefore has to take the wheel of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC car to set a benchmark at the team's pre-test venue Monday, in Likenas, Sweden.

The Motorsport Italia MINI (Photo: Motorsport Italia)

"Marcus is a legend in the world of rallying," acknowledged team boss Bruno di Pianto. "[He] will help Michal with the particular style of driving need for Sweden."

"He'll also take our MINI John Cooper Works WRC out for a spin and test her limits, which'll allow us to compare his and Michal's data on the 6km test stage."

Model: 2007 to 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Vehicle Type: Truck

History/Description: With an eye for flexibility, capability and style, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac hit its second generation for 2007 and was carried on until 2010.

The dressed-up, four-door pickup was geared towards lifestyle-oriented shoppers, and included four-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and two engine choices. Shoppers could opt for a 4.0L V6 with 210 horsepower, or a 4.6L, 292-horsepower V8.

Look for chrome accents, step-boards, navigation, a sunroof, leather seating, reverse park assist, a power rear window, FordSync and plenty more. A top-line “Adrenaline” model adds more visual flare with a unique grille treatment, unique headlamps, 20” wheels, and more.

Unlike the Honda Ridgeline, the SportTrac rode a pickup frame chassis, and could tow up to 7,000 lbs. This machine is built, powered, and equipped like a pickup, and will consume fuel like one -- so be sure you're in need of its capabilities.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

What Owners Like: Sport Trac owners tend to rave about the available Pioneer stereo system, easy-to-clean interior, flexibility, space, traction, and a solid, tough and rugged feel. Performance with the V8 engine is also highly rated, as is the “real-truck” capability for towing and off-road work.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripes include difficulty accessing cargo due to Sport Trac's deep bed, some cheap interior trim, fuel mileage with the V8 engine, and cheap/filmsy door handles. Some owners wish for an easier-to-use tonneau cover, too.

Common Issues: Transmission problems come up first and foremost when checking out reliability of this generation of Sport Trac. Signs of trouble on your test drive include slipping, hesitation or roughness from the gear shifts, especially when switching between reverse and drive. In most cases, the problems are computer-related, not mechanical in nature, and a Ford mechanic can help ensure that's the case. The 6-speed transmission and V8 engine combination looks like the safest bet. The 5-speed automatic and V6 engine combination isn't recommended due to additional problems reported frequently in the owner's community.

Drive slowly while turning and “listen” for any unwelcomed popping, clicking or grinding sounds, which could indicate a problem with the rear differential or wheel bearings. Note that any sloppiness to the steering over bumps, possibly coupled with unwelcomed sounds, could indicate a problem with the front suspension, too.

Cycle through the four-wheel drive modes, ensuring all engage and disengage as outlined in the owner's manual. Check the air conditioner for proper operation, as well as all interior accessories. Pop the hood with the engine running, ensuring there is no excessive noise coming from the accessory belt and pulley.

Finally, note that looking at the condition of the Sport Trac's box and interior can provide a good indication of the sort of life it's had in the hands of its seller.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

The Verdict: It's the capability, flexibility and utility of the Sport Trac that will likely work hardest to attract customers to used models. The Sport Trac with the V8 engine is likely the most reliable bet -- but a mechanical checkover focusing on the transmission and rear differential should be considered mandatory ahead of your purchase.

From GMM

Mercedes' attempt to give eager fans a sneak peak of its 2013 car failed spectacularly when its website servers crashed.

The Brackley based team had promised to reveal more of the unlaunched W04 every time a fan issued the Tweet "#f1w04reveal".

"Guys, server demand today has exceeded anything ever seen for Mercedes-Benz worldwide," the team said on its official Twitter channel.

The sneak-peak is now online at the team's official website, but the real W04 is currently en route to Spain, where it will be launched at Jerez on Monday ahead of the week's test action.

Throughout January our little Mazda 3 i Touring sedan soldiered on and racked up some decent miles.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: This big boy is a real joy, whether hauling the goods or just hauling butt.

GM, which saw pickup inventories rise 24 percent last month, will take out 10 weeks of truck production as it prepares to introduce a redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in the second quarter.

GM, which saw pickup inventories rise 24 percent last month, will take out 10 weeks of truck production as it prepares to introduce a redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in the second quarter.

With Toyota back on top as the world's largest automaker, President Akio Toyoda isn't looking to a relative youngster like the Prius hybrid to defend that lead. Instead, he's counting on a middle-aged veteran: the 47-year-old Corolla.

During the same press conference in which the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) revealed the list of the teams invite to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the governing body also published names of the teams that will enter the World Endurance Championship this season.

Audi and Toyota will get to continue their battle, has both brands are entering two prototypes. It came as a surprise, since only one Japanese car was expected. The Lola Rebellion and the Strakka Racing's HPD will also be part of the LMP1 field.

The LMP2 class will feature 12 cars, including reigning champion Starkworks Motorsport's HPD, both works Lotus, and Gulf Racing's Lola.

In GTE Pro, six cars will race for the title: two Porsche, two Ferrari and two Aston Martin. All works programs. Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche are also entering cars in the GTE Am class which features eight cars.

Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer, who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year, will get a chance to defend their World Endurance Championship (WEC) title together in 2013.

The Swiss, the German and the Frenchman will be co-driving the lead Audi R18 e-tron quattro in the 2013 WEC season.

In the second car, Audi has elected to pair veterans Tom Kristensen, from Denmark, and Allan McNish, from Scotland, with Loïc Duval, from France.

Audi drivers posing with Dr. Wolgang Ullrich (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Spain's Marc Gene, Brazil's Lucas di Grassi and Great Britain's Oliver Jarvis will take care of the team's third prototype entry, racing only at Spa and Le Mans.

"With these three combinations we've put together an international team that we expect a lot of," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport.

"Our younger driver will have the chance to establish themselves alongside the experienced Audi drivers who have really been pleasing us with their top results in all these years."

From GMM

Sauber on Saturday revealed a new grey livery and a "very different" looking formula one car for 2013.

See here for pictures.

Designer Matt Morris admitted the Ferrari-powered C32, no longer predominantly white but now coloured graphite with red and white flashes, is a "visually very different" single seater to its 2012 predecessor.

One major difference is the former clear 'step' in the nose, which is now effectively housed in an apparently complex aerodynamic solution -- something not seen yet as Sauber became the fifth team to launch after Lotus, McLaren, Ferrari and Force India.

Former Subaru rally driver Chris Atkinson has been awarded another WRC outing with Citroën at round three of the season, Rally Mexico.

The Australian drove for Subaru's works team in the World Rally Championship (WRC) between 2005 and 2008, before the Japanese manufacturer pulled out of the series.

He laid low for a couple of years, before re-appearing on the map at the 2012 Rally Mexico, which he contested in a Ken Block/Monster WRT Ford Fiesta. From Finland on, he completed the season, with Citroën first, eventually with MINI.

Chris Atkinson (Photo: WRC Team MINI Portugal)

In 2013, he has been awarded another chance of showcasing his skills, once again at Rally Mexico, this time in Khalid Al Qassimi's Citroën DS3.

The Abu Dhabi native is tied down by other commitments.

"A huge thanks to [Khalid Al Qassimi] and [Citroën Racing] for the opportunity to race at [Rally Mexico,] can't wait!" Atkinson wrote on his Twitter page.

The Infinti JX gives us the feeling that it might have a different biological father than the rest of the lnfiniti clan.

And if this is the case, we're pretty sure the unnamed father is an accountant.


Because the Infiniti JX is all about family values, safety, and paying your taxes. It doesn't seem to have a natural predisposition to Infiniti's tagline of “Inspired Performance.”

But we really like it.

Good size and right attitude
Based on the new unibody [link artid"149302"]Nissan Pathfinder[/link] platform, the Infiniti JX fills a much-needed SUV role for Infiniti above the smaller, sportier FX37 and below the same-size (but sportier and more expensive) FX37 and FX50. The massive Infiniti QX56 sits atop the Infiniti SUV line-up, oblivious to all.

The 2013 Infiniti JX makes great use of its 4,989-mm length. It's a full, three-row, seven-seater that doesn't look too long. It has great “midsize” proportions. It's an attractive shape and style, which looks more expensive than its $44,800 MSRP. Inside, you'll find 4,242 litres of total passenger car volume -- great for its size and class.

The third row is quite useable for adults, though the floor is not far away; your thighs and knees won't be resting on the seat cushion. The second row in the 2014 Infiniti JX is spacious, and promises that you can keep a child seat affixed and still slide the seat far enough forward to allow third-row access.

At the front of the ship, you'll find the IP, console, and switchgear are attractively laid out in the Infiniti motif. There are actual knobs and switches, virtual ones on a touchscreen, and Infiniti's main Controller. So you're not hostage to only one way of making things happen in the 2013 Infiniti JX.

The front seats are big and plush.

At the front of the ship, you'll find the IP, console, and switchgear are attractively laid out in the Infiniti motif. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

It floats
The plushness extends to the ride and handling in the 2013 Infiniti JX. Not only is the ride soft, with some body role, but there is not much steering feedback for the driver. This is where it is most out of character for an Infiniti. However, for a family hauler, it makes sense. When you're travelling with an angry brood, you don't want to make them angrier by bouncing them around, and the driver has probably already given up his dream to be a Formula 1 teammate to Michael Schumacher.

The exclusive powertrain is Infiniti's mainstay 265-hp 3.5L V6 mated to a CVT. Intelligent All Wheel Drive is standard. The 3.5L V6 is all you need for sure, but not “top of the charts” either for a premium SUV. The towing rating, at 3,500 lbs, is also lower than some of the JX's competitors who claim they can pull 5,000 lbs and beyond.

The CVT in the 2013 Infiniti JX is another non-Infiniti like move, but helps JX in the fuel efficiency department. It's rated at a very reasonable 11.5L city and 8.5L/100km highway.

Overall driveability is excellent. You can also put it into Sport Mode for a livelier throttle and steering feel.

The CVT in the 2013 Infiniti JX is another non-Infiniti like move, but helps JX in the fuel efficiency department. It's rated at a very reasonable 11.5L city and 8.5L/100km highway. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Keen value proposition
Everything feels premium on the 2013 Infiniti JX, but maybe one slight notch lower down the upscale ladder than other Infiniti products. However, maybe that's a part of what helps its competitive pricing. Only one model is offered, and it starts at a very keen $44,900.

Standard equipment highlights include all-wheel drive, 18” aluminum wheels, leather seats, and Bluetooth handsfree phone system.

Our test vehicle had $13,500 worth of extras.

The $2,300 Theatre Package gives you 7” screens in each front headrest and wireless headphones. Very decadent.

The $5,000 Premium Package includes such niceties as Hard Drive Navigation, Infiniti Connection for third-party assistance, and a 360-degree monitor.

The $2,700 Deluxe Touring Package adds 20” wheels, a moonroof, and Surround Sound.

And, finally, there is the $3,500 Technology Package, which elevates the safety factor with Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Remote Start, Intelligent Brake Assist with Collision Warning, and the just-developed Backup Collision Prevention system, which actually brakes the vehicle if it figures you really are going to back into something.

That's a pre-tax, pre-PDI total of $60,395. So, a keen base price, yes, but ready to fly high as well.

Only one model is offered, and it starts at a very keen $44,900. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Verdict
My week with the 2013 Infiniti JX was very enjoyable. Satisfaction was high. Quibbles were few (slow power tailgate, rear-view visibility). If you're looking at premium seven-seater rides like Acura MDX, Buick Enclave and Lincoln MKT, you should also be seriously contemplating the 2013 Infiniti JX.

Reigning champions Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard are going home empty handed from the Canadian Rally Championship (CRC) season-opener, Rallye Perce-Neige in Maniwaki, Québec.

L'Estage and Richard have earned four wins at the event over the years.

The pair was heading for a fifth when the crankshaft of its Mitsubishi EVO X rally car's engine let go, putting a definitive end to the weekend after only two competitive stages.

Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard, in Sno*Drift action (Photo: Scott Rains)

It was a particularly sad ending, considering L'Estage and Richard won in similar conditions last week, at the Sno*Drift rally - the opening round of the Rally America season.

"We were on a high coming off our win at Sno*Drift," L'Estage told Auto123.com.

"We're still wondering what happened. The engine was almost new."

From GMM

Rory Byrne, Ferrari legendary former chief designer, was at the launch of the team's 2013 car at Maranello on Friday.

He told Auto Motor und Sport he is actually "working full steam" on the Italian team's project for the 2014 car, which will be powered by the all-new turbo V6 rules.

"It's a nice car," the South African - referring to the newly-launched F138 - laughed, "but it's all child's play compared to what awaits us in 2014."

Until then, Ferrari has the 2013 title to win after a so far five-year championship drought, and boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed that his designers have adopted some "extreme solutions" to compete with Red Bull.

"We are just waiting for Newey to complain about our rear suspension," Auto Motor und Sport quoted a team insider.

The German report said the insider is referring to the rear profile that duplicates the 2012 Red Bull -- only more extremely.

Kia will add a Superman-themed Optima to its Justice League fleet at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show next week.

Developed in partnership with DC Entertainment, the car will join the Batman Optima, Aquaman Rio, Flash Forte Koup, Green Lantern Soul, and Cyborg Forte.

All these models were designed to raise funds for families in eastern Africa affected by drought and famine.

Which one's your favourite?

Source: Autoblog

Photomontage: Auto123.com

Sauber unveiled its 2013 Formula 1 challenger earlier today in Hinwill.

The new Sauber Formula 1 car was presented to the world medias by Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

The new car has been designed by a team of engineers led by Matt Morris. It is powered by a Ferrari 2.4-litre, V8 engine.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn confirmed: "The C32 is based on its predecessor, which was a very competitive car."

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

There's no Jimmy Cliff or Flaming Lips in

As if you needed another reason to salivate over one of the fine micro cars being offered at RM's Bruce Weiner micro-car museum, RM has just released a series of videos highlighting the capabilities of the Peel P50. What capabilities?

A federal judge has ruled against two Chrysler Group dealerships in New York whose owners lost their franchises as part of the automaker's 2009 bankruptcy.