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UPDATED: Cadillac's benchmark CTS sedan will go on sale this fall with a longer, leaner body and a

Sitting in a '60s-era

General Motors Vice Chairman Steve Girsky took inspiration from a historical figure to try and stem chronic losses at Opel. GM is the leader in China and the United States but turning around its Europe operations remains spectacularly challenging.

German supplier Continental says it expects 'high single-digit growth' in 2014 if economic conditions don't worsen. The company added that it is sticking to its forecast of a 5 percent increase in sales this year.

Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti, has overhauled his top management with hand-picked executives tasked with taking the brand global. The changes inject the top ranks with non-Japanese executives, many poached from rivals.

Renault says the new Zoe is the first mass-market EV available at an affordable price with low running costs and a long driving range.

We now have the complete specs for the third-generation 2014 Lexus IS sedan.

Both the IS 250 and IS 350 models sport bold new looks with the company's signature spindle grille and, for the first time, separated LED daytime running lights. Also, look for more cargo and passenger room, as well as a host of advanced safety features.

The 2014 Lexus IS 250 carries over the 2.5L V6 engine rated at 204 horsepower. With a 6-speed automatic transmission, it can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h. Fuel consumption amounts to 9.8L/100km city, 6.5L/100km highway, and 8.3L/100km combined.

Meanwhile, the 2014 Lexus IS 350 boasts a familiar 3.5L V6 that produces 306 horsepower through an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. This one accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h.

A new Drive Mode Select system features up to five driving modes, including ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, SPORT S, and SPORT S+. All of them are tailored to meet the driver's preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. In addition, AWD models also feature a SNOW mode.

Canadian pricing for the 2014 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 has yet to be announced.

Photo: Lexus

The mini-est minivan out there
Sometimes smaller really is better, especially when that reduced size doesn't skimp on other things such as cargo space, design and practicality. Enter the Mazda5: a “minivan” for the masses that toes the station wagon line and even plays in the hatch zone if you look at it from the right angle.

That's what makes the 2013 Mazda5 so attractive, in my mind. Here's a vehicle that's extremely practical, easy to drive, easy to use as a family vehicle, and fits as comfortably on narrow city streets as it does on open highways. Add to that equation a great starting price ($21,995 for the base GS model), and you've got quite an impressive, well-proportioned, cute package.


What is a Mazda5?
I've liked the idea of the Mazda5 since it made its first North American appearance in '06. Known as the Mazda Premacy in Japan (and available there since 1999), the Mazda5 hit North American soil running, and in its first year here, won Best New Multipurpose Family Vehicle at the Canadian Car of the Year awards.

In Europe, the Mazda5 is an MPV and in North America the Mazda5 falls into the mini-minivan category. Here, due to safety regulations, the Mazda5 seats six; however, in Europe and Japan there is a seven-seat option with a jump seat available for the second row.

Technicalities
Available in two trim levels (GS and GT), the 2013 Mazda5 houses the same engine in both: a 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder that pushes out a reasonable 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. With two transmission choices (6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic), the Mazda5 may not have a million variations available, but that's fine because it gets the job done either way.

I had the pleasure of driving the 2013 Mazda5 GT trim level with an automatic transmission, which meant my particular tester started in the $26k range. I had the optional moonroof and the luxury of the Luxury Package (pun intended) which included leather-trim seats.

In my opinion, the price befits the vehicle and everything it offers the user, from amenities to the drive.

Available in two trim levels (GS and GT), the 2013 Mazda5 houses the same engine in both: a 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder that pushes out a reasonable 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the Mazda5
Speaking of the drive: Piloting the 2013 Mazda5 might not be thrilling, but it's not a chore either. I quite liked the 5-speed automatic transmission with sport shifting (something I wasn't always fond of, as seen in my review of the 2012 Mazda5). For a few snowier days around town, I used the shift lever to gear down in order to help slow the vehicle down instead of slamming on the brakes. The transmission responded nicely, doing just as I asked without delay.

Speaking of snow, Mazda's Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System kept the 2013 Mazda5 on track. Unlike the Honda Crosstour I'd had the week before, the Mazda5 seemed to find traction more easily (which perhaps had more to do with tire choice).

And I absolutely love the step-in height of the 2013 Mazda5. It's ideal for ingress and egress and putting my son in his car seat in the rear second-row passenger seat was a breeze thanks to the height and the sliding doors.

Mazda's Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System kept the 2013 Mazda5 on track. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Ins and Outs of the Mazda5
From the outside, the 2013 Mazda5 has definitely matured over the years - it even has laugh lines now. Running from nose to rear flank, the Mazda5 sports a “moving sands” look that's attractive to some, not so much to others. My husband wondered what “all the lines were doing there” and turned his nose up at them. While others thought the look was sporty, dynamic and modern. I fall into the latter opinion.

Somehow, Mazda has designed a minivan that breaks the conventional minivan look. Sure, it's still a tall wagon, but there's something more to it. The gaping front Mazda grille works well on the Mazda5, and the wide fog-light openings add a sporty touch as well.

Inside, the 2013 Mazda5 continues to impress with a roomy, well-appointed cabin. The captain's chairs up front and in the second row are comfortable and supportive. Everything is perfectly within reach and well position for all multimedia controls.

In the back, headroom is ample in the 2013 Mazda5, even all the way in the third row where two adults can actually sit (if second row seats are slid forward a bit to accommodate legs). I was happy to be able to stand up in the car while I installed my son's baby seat.

Cargo space is rather small with the third row up (at only 112 litres), however, fold them down and you've got plenty with 426 litres.

In the back, headroom is ample in the 2013 Mazda5, even all the way in the third row where two adults can actually sit. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the Mazda5
With the upcoming 2014 Kia Rondo, I think the Mazda5 has some serious competition coming its way in an otherwise barren mini-minivan segment. Otherwise you start looking at the likes of the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan, all of which I feel are too “large” to properly compete with the Mazda5 (for example, the Odyssey's cargo space behind the third row is nearly eight times more than that of the Mazda5 -- with the seats up).

It stands alone (for now), and that's perhaps the reason it does so well.

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde has admitted he is prepared to endure a couple more painful grands prix.

The Dutchman has been struggling so far in his young F1 career, while Caterham's usual wheel-to-wheel rival Marussia - particularly the red and black car driven by impressive rookie Jules Bianchi - looks set to race into the midfield.

Van der Garde told De Telegraaf newspaper that his green car will not be updated until the fifth race of the season, once F1 has returned to Europe.

"The season really starts for me in Spain," he said.

Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham CT03. (Photo: WRi2)

In the meantime, Marussia has sped into the lucrative tenth spot in the constructors' championship, with France's Auto Hebdo calling compatriot Bianchi "flawless" so far.

The Ferrari-linked 23-year-old was recruited by Marussia at the very last minute, after Brazilian Luiz Razia's sponsorship money failed to arrive.

"It was nice to have held off (Williams' Pastor) Maldonado (in Malaysia) and to maintain the gap for so long," the Frenchman, who like teammate Max Chilton also complained at Sepang about being "stuck behind" a Caterham, said.

"This shows we have the car to fight with them (the midfield teams) in the future."

On Monday evening Denny Hamlin was released from Loma Linda University Medical Center after suffering a compression fracture of his lower back in a last-lap crash involving former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Joey Logano on Sunday at Auto Club Speedway.

The injured driver will be flying to his home in Charlotte, NC where he'll be further evaluated by Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates to determine whether surgery is required. Dr. Petty is well known to the racing community.

Logano and Hamlin were having a fierce, side-by-side, battle for the win when they made contact and Hamlin's car was sent, nose first, into an inside wall which was not protected by a SAFER barrier.

Caption: NASCAR.com

Hamlin, said to reporters at the hospital, that it was too soon to tell when he will be able to return to racing. NASCAR has the next weekend off due to the Easter holiday. Also complicating his situation is recurrent back injuries prior to Sunday's incident.

Some drivers have missed up to six months of racing while recuperating from an injury of this type. Until Dr. Petty and his associates review Hamlin's medical records and current tests the date he can return to driving for Joe Gibbs Racing is up in the air.

After the race, but before learning of Hamlin's injury Logano said that Hamlin had hard racing coming to him as a result of bumping incidents at last week's race at Bristol. On learning of Hamlin's hospitalization Logano changed his rhetoric.

Logano told USA Today on Monday, in telephone interview,"I just thought we were racing hard, you know? It happens. You don't ever want anyone to get hurt; you don't ever want anything to happen, especially to Denny. We were racing really hard there at the end of the race. I wish there was a SAFER barrier down there, and I wish I knew before I made any comments on TV also."

In a related development, Logano's boss, Roger Penske, supported Logano's driving in Sunday's Auto Club 400.

Denny Hamlin at the hospital. (Photo: Twitter)

From fiaf3europe.com

The FIA Formula 3 European Championship got its 2013 season underway this past weekend and entertained the spectators with three spectacular races.

Italian Raffaele Marciello (Prema Powerteam) and German Pascal Wehrlein (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport) were the race winners of the season opener.

Marciello leaves the 5.793km long Grand Prix circuit of Monza in Italy as the leader in the points' standings.

In qualifying, Pascal Wehrlein and Raffaele Marciello already emerged as the favourites: Wehrlein claimed a pair of pole positions while Marciello secured himself third place.

Raffaele Marciello (car No. 1) leads Pascal Wehrlein at the start of the third race. (Photo: fiaf3europe.com)

Marciello won the first race while Wehrlein showed his skills in the rain during the second race and won from Marciello. In race three, Marciello -- the 18-year old protégé of the Ferrari Driver Academy -- had his revenge for this defeat against Wehrlein and ended up winning two races.

Other junior drivers showed a strong performance. In the first race, Lucas Auer (Prema Powerteam) made it onto the podium after finishing second, while William Buller (ThreeBond with T-Sport) showed a great recovery which saw him move up from twelfth on the grid to finish fourth.

Tom Blomqvist (Eurointernational) shone with third place in the rain-soaked second race, in which Josh Hill (Fortec Motorsports) finished eighth. In the third race, marred by heavy rain, Briton Alex Lynn, claimed the final podium slot.

The next round of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship takes place at Silverstone, April 12 to 14.

In less than 48 hours, Porsche will unveil the new 2014 911 GT3 at the New York Auto Show. The model will make its North American debut as part of the German automaker's 50th anniversary celebration.

The fifth-generation 911 GT3 is the sportiest and fastest member of the iconic 911 family, having completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under 7:30 minutes.

With a new engine, transmission, body and chassis, the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 sprints from 0-96 km/h in 3.3 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 315 km/h.

Photo: Porsche

Suzuki Canada Inc. (SCI) today announced in a press release that it will stop selling new automobiles after the 2014 model year. However, all of SCI's warranties will be honoured. Moreover, automobile parts and service will continue to be provided to customers without interruption through SCI's warranty and service dealer network.

SCI will realign its business operations to focus on the long-term growth of its Motorcycle, ATV & Marine division in Canada. The transition is expected to take at least 12 months.

South of the border, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) made a similar announcement back in November 2012.

Some 50 Dodge Challenger coupes from 2013 (all equipped with a V6 engine) may suffer from an electrical short circuit between the electrical terminal of the starter motor cable assembly and the starter solenoid. This could result in an unexpected fire causing possible injury and/or property damage.

Dodge dealers will therefore replace the starter motor electrical cable assembly.

Source: Transports Canada

From GMM

Mark Webber's father insists the 36-year-old Australian driver is not quitting Red Bull or formula one.

After teammate Sebastian Vettel passed him for victory in Malaysia in defiance of a team order, comments made post-race by Webber indicated he was now considering his future.

Webber went straight from Sepang to a surfing holiday, insisting his phone will be "off the hook".

At the same time, videos were emerging on Youtube showing Webber angrily swerving at Vettel at high speed after the pair had crossed the chequered flag.

It is even rumoured Webber threatened to boycott the podium ceremony.

Photo: WRi2

But his father Alan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday: "We'll be up in China for the next one."

The major fallout of the Sepang affair is undoubtedly the now completely broken relationship between top team Red Bull's driver pairing.

"I think it will take a while (for Vettel) to earn the respect and trust again," admitted Alan Webber.

Webber father, however, insisted his son has the full support of Red Bull's most influential figure -- Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz.

"I'll say this," Webber told Australia's ABC on Tuesday.

"I read the text (message) that Mr Mateschitz sent Mark and I think Mark's position is assured."

He suggested the only driver in trouble with the Red Bull management is reigning triple world champion Vettel, 26.

"The team aren't altogether happy with Sebastian I'm afraid," said Alan.

Webber's dad said Vettel has issued apologies all round, but "I know (the team) aren't happy with him at all".

Alan also said Vettel's reputation in the wider F1 community has taken a big knock.

"Up and down the pit lane I even had FIA people come up to me and say they felt sorry for him (Webber)," he said.

What the experts say

Former driver and respected British commentator Martin Brundle said that is a "huge problem", because a F1 team cannot manage its drivers if there is no "trust".

Dr Helmut Marko agrees: "Seb and Mark don't need to go on holiday together, but there must be a constructive working environment."

Flavio Briatore pinned the blame on Red Bull's management.

"Unacceptable," he is quoted by Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport. "You can see who the real manager is at Red Bull; it's Vettel."

John Watson, a former McLaren driver, therefore called on Red Bull to ban Vettel for a race.

"I know that if other drivers in other teams disobeyed a team order they would be suspended or even fired," he said on BBC radio.

"If Christian Horner doesn't reassert his authority, then his position in the team is not exactly the role it is designed to be."

Even Bernie Ecclestone admitted Red Bull have a big problem.

"Maybe there will be a stage when he (Vettel) would like Mark to help him, but I don't think Mark is going to come up front and do it (now)," he is quoted by the Telegraph.

Webber is not the only one who has lost respect for Vettel.

"I used to regard him as the most intelligent and worldly 25-year-old I have ever seen racing," fellow triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart is quoted by the Independent.

"But not anymore."

Red Bull is doing its best to claim it has the situation under control. Team boss Horner has called meetings with his drivers, and Dr Helmut Marko has revealed the pair "shook hands" in the post-race engineering briefing.

"We have to rebuild trust between the two of them," he told Bild newspaper, "but from our side it is done."

Austrian Marko even appeared to excuse Vettel.

"When two alpha males are fighting wheel to wheel, they're not listening to the radio any more. The situation got out of control."

Marko even hinted he is totally on Vettel's side, pointing out the "risk" that both Red Bulls would be "swallowed up" by the chasing Mercedes at Sepang.

He admitted, however, that team owner Dietrich Mateschitz was "not amused".

"We have made clear to Seb that something like that will not happen again. I don't think it will."

From GMM

Toto Wolff, the new Mercedes co-owner and director, has played down reports of a growing rift between the team's German and British factions.

After German Nico Rosberg was ordered by Ross Brawn to stay behind Briton Lewis Hamilton in Malaysia, Austrians Wolff and Niki Lauda admitted their disapproval.

But RTL now quotes Wolff as saying: "The decision was unpopular, but right."

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

The incident is being compared to the situation at Red Bull, where team bosses tried - but ultimately failed - to impose a 'hold station' order at Sepang.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko had tried to differentiate the teams by insisting "It's not like at Mercedes, where there's a clear number 1 and number 2".

Lewis Hamilton - who according to Marko is undoubtedly the '1' - dismissed that as "rubbish".

"They (Red Bull) have a clear one and two, they always have had," the 2008 world champion told British reporters. "And that is why they have always had the problems they have had."

But during Martin Brundle's Sky commentary in Malaysia, the former McLaren driver admitted he finds it hard to believe Hamilton decided to switch to Mercedes over the winter without the promise of higher status.

Lewis Hamilton denied: "I have always said, from the moment I was speaking to the team, that I wanted equality."

That's why the 28-year-old looked so unhappy despite finishing third on Sunday.

"I said to Ross at the end that I wanted to let him (Rosberg) past. He said 'Absolutely not. When I tell you what I want (you) to do, you have to stick by it'," recalled Hamilton.

Hans-Joachim Stuck, the German federation president, said he admires Rosberg for not behaving like Vettel in Malaysia.

"It was a textbook example of a world-class driver. He is an employee of Mercedes and so when he receives an order, he follows it," he told SID news agency.

Price Range: $52,200 to $80,500-plus

Description: Now in its third generation, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class takes the two-seat compact roadster goodness launched by the original in 1996 to all-new levels.

More modern, advanced and upscale than ever, this posh drop-top packs three engine options, including an ultra-performance AMG variant, as well as the latest in efficiency and luxury touches. No fewer than five option packages and a full range of accessories help drivers fine-tune the 2013 SLK to their personal tastes.


A two-seat roadster, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class packs plenty of at-hand storage and a reasonable trunk, making it ideal as a daily commuter or a two-person weekend getaway machine. The hard-top roof can be toggled between its open or closed position at the touch of a button in just a few seconds.

Drivetrain: Several engines are available to meet a variety of tastes. The range-opening SLK 250 model gets a 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Look for an automatic or manual gearbox here. The SLK 350 packs a high-revving 3.5L, 302-horsepower V6 which should prove adequate for most drivers.

If not, the SLK 55 AMG is the solution, as it shoehorns a 5.5L, 415-horsepower V8 engine into the compact engine bay for 0-100 km/h in a rip-snorting 4.6 seconds.

Consider it if: you're after a touch of the premium convertible high-life from a lusted-after brand or you're after a sporty convertible that's just as comfortable and every-day friendly as it is fun to drive. The SLK is noted by owners and reviewers to be a sensible machine, as far as roadsters go. Long-haul comfort, handling, performance, and all-weather confidence are top-notch.

Skip it if: you're on a budget, you need a rear seat, or you'd rather a coupe as the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK only comes as a convertible. Pricing of $52,200 for the base model, $67,000 for the SLK 350, and over $80,000 for the SLK 55 AMG may be prohibitive for some.

Other Notes: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK range packs the latest luxury-car touches, despite its compact size. Look for full multimedia connectivity; a driver computer; premium audio options; power everything; memory seats; automatic climate control; and push-button start. Radar-guided cruise control is available, too.

Don't Miss: Two clever roadster innovations help set the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK apart. First, the AIRSCARF system incorporates a heat vent within the seat, positioned just behind each occupant's neck. A powerful heater provides a virtual “scarf” of warm air when the system is turned on to help extend the top-down season.

Second, the MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof lets drivers tint or clear the full-glass roof panel at the touch of a button. Tap the button once and a bit of clever electrochemistry darkens the glass, instantly. Tap it again, and the glass clears, letting in the rays -- a great conversation starter.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

From GMM

Renault has admitted it is negotiating with Toro Rosso.

Currently, the second Red Bull-owned team is powered by Ferrari's V8 engine.

But it has been rumoured that, in order for the Faenza based squad and 'big brother' team Red Bull to more closely collaborate in the new V6 era, Toro Rosso could switch to Renault turbos from next year.

Toro Rosso STR8, powered by Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

At the moment, Renault supplies four teams - Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Caterham - which is more than any other engine supplier on the F1 grid.

Asked if four is "the ideal number", Renault's Jean-Michel Jalinier told Speed Week: "I don't think there is an ideal number. In 2014, we want - if it is necessary - to supply five teams. We are negotiating with the teams and with Toro Rosso."

"We are ready for five teams. But three teams would be good for us, making it easier for us to support all of them," he admitted.

Asked if another engine supplier entering F1 would ease the load, Jalinier answered: "Yes. Three is not enough to equip all the teams. Five (customer teams) is not my first choice."

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

The Evo is wild, fun, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

I adore the Evo. It makes no sense at all as a daily driver because it's so loud and horrible on fuel, but it's the most visceral car you can buy today. There is absolutely nothing refined about the car. And that's why I love it.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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Subaru of America has promoted Tom Doll to president, effective April 1. He will remain COO and CFO. Doll, 57, is the highest ranking non-Japanese executive at Subaru's U.S. subsidiary. He joined Subaru of America in 1982.