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Chrysler Group has just announced a pair of recalls in Canada, one on six 2013 Dodge Dart sedans and another on 2,431 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. In both cases, the braking system is affected.

On certain Dart units, incorrect rear brake callipers may have been installed at the assembly plant. As a result, the parking brake may not function. Dealers will therefore inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear brake callipers.

As for the Ram 1500, the parking brake equalizer may have been adjusted incorrectly at the assembly plant, which could reduce the effectiveness of the parking brake. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, re-adjust the parking brake equalizer.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Dodge

Photo: Dodge

From GMM

Not long ago, McLaren's 2013 campaign was in tatters, as the famous British team refused to rule out scrapping its new car and putting the 2012 machine back into action.

But after Malaysia, and the long three-week gap that preceded this weekend's Chinese grand prix, the rhetoric from the Woking based camp is now infinitely more positive.

Jenson Button is refusing even to rule out a title challenge.

"The championship is still on as far as I am concerned and I am aiming for that. Definitely," he said.

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

That's not to say McLaren has fixed all of its problems in the weeks since Malaysia.

But managing director Jonathan Neale on Tuesday suggested the team has at least identified the major issues, having taken a big step forward even in the mere days between Melbourne and Sepang.

"We know where the problems are and I believe we're on the right track now," he said.

Most teams have announced they are taking significant upgrades to the China-Bahrain double header, but McLaren is rolling out not only scheduled developments but also a raft of changes in light of what has been discovered about the flawed MP4-28.

"It's a long season," said Neale. "Everything we do is designed to get us to win races and if we can get on that quickly - and there's no reason why we can't - we should be fighting for the championship."

Jonathan Neale. (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

Volvo has developed an all-new direct injection technology called i-ART that will help make its new diesel engines more fuel-efficient. The launch is scheduled for this fall.

By featuring pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of using a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail, i-ART makes it possible to continuously monitor and adapt fuel injection per combustion in each of the four cylinders.

“Each injector has a small computer on top, which monitors injection pressure,” says Derek Crabb, Vice President of Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group. “Using this information, the self-adapting i-ART system makes sure that the ideal amount of fuel is injected during each combustion cycle.”

According to Volvo, the combination of higher injection pressure and i-ART technology gives the customer an engine with improved fuel economy, considerably lower emissions, and high performance output.

The new diesel engines will be built in Skövde, Sweden, and mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox that contributes to a refined drive and excellent fuel economy.

Photo: Volvo

Adapted from GMM

The "Multi-21" affair has been nothing except "very good" for formula one, according to former grand prix driver Alex Wurz, who thinks Mark Webber should accept his highly-paid "number 2" status.

Some, including 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, said the affair and Red Bull's reaction shows it is "clear" Sebastian Vettel is the team's number 1.

On the issue of Australian Webber settling for the subordinate role, Austrian Wurz told Spox: "He has a double digit million salary to help him deal with the pain. If he believes another team could serve him better, then he should say goodbye."

"But at the moment I think he will swallow the bitter pill. At the end of the day, he is on a team with which he can celebrate successes. If he is lucky and Vettel is not, maybe he could even win the title. Otherwise, he plays second fiddle, earns good money and is one of the stars of the show. Easy!" the 39-year-old insisted.

Photo WRi2

Asked what he thinks of the affair named after Red Bull's team orders codeword 'Multi-21', however, Wurz insisted: "I see it as very good for the sport. These stories bring interest and boost ratings. The bottom line is that it's good for business, even if it can be debated whether the actions of some teams is right for the sporting ideology."

On that subject, Alex Wurz doubts what German Vettel did was justifiable.

"It began on lap 28, when Sebastian said on the radio 'Get Mark out of the way, he is too slow'.

"At that time, Webber had the tires well under control and was able to respond by extending his lead to five seconds. Sebastian was not able to counter it. In retrospect, we now know what 'Multi-21' means. Had Red Bull not issued these team orders, for sure - with 99.9 per cent certainty - Webber would have brought it home. On the day he had been better with the tire management. But he accepted the team's instruction and turned his engine down. Sebastian didn't, and couldn't resist the temptation to drive past," said Wurz.

On the issue of number 1s, some saw the situation behind the warring Red Bulls in Malaysia as evidence Lewis Hamilton has arrived at Mercedes with clear favourite status.

"I think not," Wurz commented. "For sure (Nico) Rosberg and his management will have been straight onto getting an explanation. (They will be asking) if a pecking order has been established. Or whether it was a spontaneous decision based on logic. Maybe (Ross) Brawn was not thinking about the friction and the misunderstanding that may arise."

Photo: WRi2

Former Toyota driver Allan McNish, however, thinks Briton Hamilton's new status is obvious.

"Even though it's not official," he told the BBC, "there's definitely a strong focus on Hamilton being their main challenge for the championship. They've opened their arms to Hamilton and they've certainly got their arm round him quite well at the moment."

When the four-door Hyundai Elantra sedan debuted for model-year 2011, it set the standard for expressive styling in the bread-and-butter, compact car category.

The new for 2013 two-door Hyundai Elantra Coupe builds on an already very swoopy profile with added classy 17” wheels and low-profile rubber standard on our SE trim-level tester. It's a definite “looker.”

However, if you're one who thinks looks should match performance, you may have an issue with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe because dynamics and performance are pretty much on par with the sedan.

Not that there is anything wrong with the sedan: 2013 Canadian sales from the first two months show only one other compact car to outsell the Hyundai Elantra, and that's the Honda Civic.


Subtle changes
In addition to the two-less-doors thing, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe's body differs from the sedan with more black in both the front fascia and rear valance, and the addition of a small rear spoiler.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe also features unique-to-Coupe chrome exhaust tips, and a slightly stiffened suspension that adds sportiness to the ride. The top-shelf SE model (like our tester) has an even “sharper” suspension calibration.
The changes do not vault the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe out of the sedan's ride and handling realm. We get the same smooth, comfortable ride, and predictable handling befitting a mainstream compact car.

The electric power steering feels precise -- with just the right weight on-centre -- giving you a confident and relaxed feel when tracking straight on the highway. The feel off-centre could be a bit better, but such is the case with most compact cars with electric power steering.

In addition to the two-less-doors thing, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe's body differs from the sedan with more black in both the front fascia and rear valance, and the addition of a small rear spoiler. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Powertrain points
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe's zippiness obviously matches that of the sedan's as it packs the identical 1.8L “four” that produces 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra SE model only comes with a 6-speed automatic, but a 6-speed manual is available on the GLS trim.

With either transmission, the powertrain provides a brilliant mix of performance and fuel efficiency. Hyundai purposefully kept the power in check to achieve over 40 mpg (5.8L/100km) in the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe. Manual transmission models are rated at 7.2L city and 5.2L highway per 100 km, while automatic models are rated at 7.6/5.3 L/100 km.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is slightly heavier than the sedan, but that doesn't hamper the drive and the engine remains refined and quiet. I wouldn't say the Hyundai Elantra loves to rev or even that it has buckets of low-end torque, but overall it is a very pleasant and easy-to-live-with engine.

With either transmission, the powertrain provides a brilliant mix of performance and fuel efficiency. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Concerning the cabin
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe's front seats have a bit more lateral support than the seats found in the sedan, and the SE model sports aluminum pedals, otherwise it's business as usual inside the cabin. This is all good because the standard Elantra cabin is a good one. It's very roomy for a compact, with a nice spread of high-tech goodies. The Elantra Coupe doesn't lose out on much of that space either as the cabin is only 6 litres smaller overall than the sedan.

Rear seat ingress and egress could be an issue for some inflexible folk, and my son didn't like the smallish window that doesn't roll down. However, the rear seat area remains comfortable and roomy, as it is equal in size to the sedan.

The trunk openingin the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is not large, but the space itself is biggish, and the backseats fold forward via neat latches in the cargo area to open up 420 litres of cargo space (the same as the Elantra sedan and larger than the Honda Civic Coupe).

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe's front seats have a bit more lateral support than the seats found in the sedan, and the SE model sports aluminum pedals, otherwise it's business as usual inside the cabin. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Pricing and final thoughts
2013 Elantra Coupe models join the party at Hyundai's GLS level starting at $19,949 -- exactly $100 less than a GLS Sedan. An automatic Coupe GLS is $21,199. The only other Coupe model is the SE (like our tester) for $25,199. Don't forget Hyundai's Delivery and Destination Charge: another $1,495.

Just a few of the techie bits available on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe are:

• Navigation
• Mirror-mounted turn signals
• Rear-view camera
• Push-button start
• Automatic climate control

Like I said off the top, the Hyundai Elantra sedan is easy to love, and the Coupe version will be loved for the same reasons. Especially if you hanker for more style and don't need to ferry more than one passenger every day. However, if you want lots more oomph with your sport coupe style then you'll have to look elsewhere, maybe to Hyundai's own Veloster Turbo or to something like the Honda Civic Si.

From GMM

Alex Wurz has played down suggestions Lotus has an unfair advantage over its formula one rivals in 2013.

Since Pirelli scrapped its outdated 2009 Toyota test car, it has been developing the sport's control tires at the wheel of a 2010 Renault single seater.

The R30 was built by the Lotus team at Enstone for the 2010 season, when it was the Renault works team.

Renault R30. (Photo: Pirelli)

So some have suggested that Pirelli's 2013 tires suit the Melbourne-winning black and red E21 best of all, because the R30 and Lotus' 2013 machine share the same basic design philosophy.

"It's obvious that the Pirelli tires are designed for this type of car," Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko said last month. "The Lotus of today has the same DNA."

Former Williams driver and Austrian Wurz, however, thinks that argument is invalid.

"Each team could have made a test car available to Pirelli, but no one else wanted to. I don't think they (Lotus) get a benefit," he told Spox.

"These are standard tires; everyone has the same number of tests, the same amount of time to adjust to them and develop. They're all dealing with the same problem, which is trying to outsmart the competition and find an advantage. It's an opportunity, not a disadvantage," Alex Wurz added.

Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The new cream of Red Bull's driver development programme is continuing his steady push towards formula one.

For well over a decade, even before the energy drink company had even one F1 team let alone two, Red Bull has been backing promising young drivers for a future on the grid.

The latest are Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne, who have just begun their second - and some would say decisive - seasons at Faenza based Toro Rosso.

Undoubtedly, the Red Bull youngster next in the queue is Portuguese 21-year-old Antonio Felix da Costa.

Antonio Felix da Costa driving the Red Bull RB8 in Abu Dhabi, back in November 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

This year, he is considered a potential champion of the Formula Renault 3.5 series, and the next step after that could be a seat at Toro Rosso.

"I see no problems with that," Frenchman Vergne insisted in February. "That's how it works at Red Bull. I've been in the same position. Antonio is a good driver."

It now emerges that da Costa has moved a step closer to his target this week, having been dispatched by Red Bull to Shanghai.

After winning the Formula Renault round at Monza, he is indeed now en route to China, where he will fill in for regular Red Bull reserve Sebastien Buemi.

While F1 races in the Far East, Swiss Buemi will be at Silverstone, kicking off his sports car world championship campaign at the wheel of Toyota's hybrid prototype.

Mark LaNeve, former top North American marketer at General Motors and ex-head of Cadillac, has taken over as president of the Lincoln brand's ad agency.

Automakers are offering cut-rate financing, cash back and lease deals just as our income-tax-refund checks are coming in the mail.

GM's Holden division will cut about 500 jobs in Australia, saying the strong local dollar and currency devaluations in competing markets had made operations in the nation among the most expensive in the world.

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven

The smallest Buick gains big power.

The Buick Verano is quiet. There is very little engine noise. There is very little road noise. There is very little wind noise. More than any other aspect of the Verano, the silence tells you that this model has ambitions as an entry-luxury machine. Now Buick has added a turbocharged model, which is available with a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain might have made the Verano into a sport sedan -- but again, Buick is speaking very softly.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven - Automobile Magazine

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Driven | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Bugatti placed this teaser shot on its Facebook page Monday with a cryptic quote.

General Motors expects this month's launch of the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala to boost sales of the tired nameplate and help revitalize the overall large-sedan segment.

Also in this episode: Corvettes take Grand-Am win; Toyota disgruntled over Big Three's truck towing standard.

Johan van Zyl has been appointed CEO of Toyota's operations across Africa, one of two non-Japanese executives now tasked with heading a region, along with Jim Lentz in the US.

Ford has started decommissioning its assembly plant in the Philippines following the company's decision to downgrade its operations in the country into a purely trading operation.

Imagine if you were to wake up tomorrow, flip on the morning news, and discover that during the previous night, 3,092 people veered over a cliff to their deaths.

Hong Kong is not the place to be if you want a decent warranty on your new car, according to the South China Morning Post.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech's wife looks set to join the supervisory board of Audi in a move by the controlling Piech-Porsche family to solidify its sway over Europe's biggest carmaker.

Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech's wife looks set to join the supervisory board of Audi in a move by the controlling Piech-Porsche family to solidify its sway over Europe's biggest carmaker.