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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has played down reports civil unrest could yet again affect the running of Bahrain's grand prix.

Ever since the revolutionary Arab Spring of early 2011, formula one's annual visit to the island Kingdom has been under a dark cloud of controversy and uncertainty.

A report in the Daily Mail this week said there could be problems yet again, with fresh graffiti on a wall west of the capital Manama depicting an F1 car with the words 'No for the bloody formula'.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone, however, said he is not concerned.

"I haven't had any negative reports from anybody there," he told Reuters, ahead of his sport's forthcoming double-header in China and then Bahrain.

"Somebody who actually lives there came to see me yesterday and said everything's very normal. I think (the opposing sides) are talking now anyway, so I don't think they'll upset the talks by making protests," the 82-year-old added.

"It didn't help them last year, so if they had any brains they'd just get on with their talks."

Bernie Ecclestone also suggested that the long-term future of the controversial race is secure.

"They do a very, very good job of the race, the whole support from the top is good. No problems," he said.

Start of the 2012 Formule 1 race in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Paul di Resta is worried Sahara Force India will struggle to keep up with the development race in 2013.

Driving for one of F1's small-to-middle budget teams, the Scot is concerned that the huge technical challenge of improving the current car as well as preparing for the radical new rules in 2014 will be a major hurdle for the Silverstone squad.

"We have fewer resources than the top teams," the 26-year-old is quoted by Speed Week.

"This will be a disadvantage. At some point we will need to shift development to the 2014 car. Until then, we need to develop really well, because from June or July we will have to stop (developing the 2013 car)."

Photo: Sahara Force India F1 Team

Some, however, are concerned about the noises being made by Paul di Resta; linking his dip in form late last year to his disappointment in missing out on a top drive for 2014.

"Paul di Resta seems to moan quite a lot," Speed Week quoted a source as saying. "I would like to see him focus more on beating his teammate."

Price Range: $42,860+

Description: Today's premium coupe shopper wants it all, including ever-improving performance and fuel efficiency to go with world class styling and features.


As the most dynamic and striking of the Cadillac CTS models, the CTS Coupe is designed and engineered to deliver on these fronts, highlighting the brand's artful design language at every turn.

In addition to its striking exterior styling, the Cadillac CTS Coupe boasts one of the richest and most sophisticated cabin environments in its segment. Look for metallic accents, stitched leather and various contrasting colours and textures for an upscale feel.

High-tech and comfortable, the 2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe's cabin is designed to be an energetic retreat for its owners and their passengers. With easy-to-access rear seating and a surprisingly generous trunk, it's a cinch to bring your friends along for the ride.

Drivetrain: Under the 2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe's hood is a potent 3.6L V6 engine that comes fitted with numerous advanced systems that intend to boost performance and efficiency. Plenty of power is delivered alongside modest fuel consumption thanks to Direct Injection (DI) technology, Variable Valve Timing (VVT), and a variable intake system.

The engine was recently enhanced by the CTS engineering team and now delivers 318 horsepower. Revisions to engine design have made the 2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe engine lighter and more efficient, and shoppers can expect no penalty in fuel consumption despite the extra output. Six-speed transmissions continue to help enhance both performance and fuel efficiency. All models are automatic, and all-wheel drive is available.

Consider it if: a world-class touring coupe with all of the luxury goodies is on your shopping list. Thanks to top safety ratings and the confidence of OnStar and available AWD, the 2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe is also tops when it comes to confidence on the go. As a 2+2, it's able to carry the kids along for the ride when required.

Skip it if: you're after all-out performance and handling, as the standard 2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe range is more geared towards long-distance comfort and touring. If you want to shift your own gears you'll have to look elsewhere, too.

Other Notes: Available high-tech features include

• Touchpad-activated keyless entry system
• Satellite-linked navigation with real-time traffic updates
• Bluetooth hands-free phone interface
• Fully automatic temperature-sensing automatic climate control system

Remote start is standard on all CTS models for 2013, and advanced OnStar functionality can be accessed via the owner's Smartphone. Audiophiles will love the BOSE audio system, too.

Don't Miss: You've heard about Cadillac's legendary ride quality and the 2013 CTS Coupe offers it up in several ways. Shoppers can specify a performance suspension calibration for increased precision and responsiveness over the standard sport suspension. An enhanced braking and cooling system is also available for high-performance driving, while a Touring Package adds 19” wheels, microfiber suede seats, sports pedals, Recaro seats, and more.

Photo: Cadillac

Highlights*
Reliability, generous legroom, an ergonomic layout, and good residual value make the Honda CR-V a smart choice for compact SUV/CUV shoppers. It's also comfortable and nicely equipped.

Lowlights*
On the other hand, the 2013 Honda CR-V's performance and driving excitement fail to match a number of rivals. Moreover, soundproofing and rearward visibility are said to be insufficient.


Pricing
The base LX model starts at $27,645, and comes standard with many convenient features such as Honda's intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), a rearview camera, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Next up is the EX model at $29,595, which includes automatic climate control, a sunroof, and automatic headlights. Both are available with Real Time AWD for an extra $2,000 or so.

Farther up the ladder, you'll find the EX-L model. For $33,895, buyers get AWD, leather upholstery on the seats and steering wheel, a power adjustable driver's seat, and 360 watts of sound. However, those looking for a luxurious CR-V will best be served by the Touring model, which encompasses all of the above along with GPS-based navigation, an auto-dimming mirror, and roof rails. This one retails from $35,795.

Fuel consumption
Without the Real Time AWD system, the 2013 Honda CR-V burns 9.0L/100km in the city, 6.4L/100km on the highway, and 7.8L/100km combined. These numbers jump to 9.2/6.6/8.1 when you add AWD.

New for 2013
The Honda CR-V was completely redesigned for 2013, and now boasts sportier, more refined looks. Also, engineers reduced internal friction in a move that contributes to superior power (+5 hp) and torque (+2 lb-ft).

Styling
Key cosmetic changes include stretched headlights, a more aggressive front grille, and a whole new interpretation of the CR-V's signature vertical taillights. The side windows feature a chrome surrounding and a sharp wedge toward the back.

Cargo capacity
The 2013 Honda CR-V can swallow 1,054 or up to 2,007 litres of cargo, depending on the seating configuration.

Powertrain
Unlike some of the newer players, this Japanese crossover makes do without a turbocharger and direct injection. However, the reliable 2.4L 4-cylinder engine in the 2013 Honda CR-V produces a healthy 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission. No manual gearbox is available.

Safety
Six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, 4-wheel ABS, and a tire pressure monitoring system are some of the safety highlights of the 2013 Honda CR-V, regardless of trim level.

Competitors
Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, ">Hyundai Tucson

Photo: Honda

* Based on expert reviews.
Richard Louis-Alain, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.274
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions de l'homme, 2012, p.296

For anyone who has ever travelled to New York City in the spring, the feeling one gets once out in the open is like few others once the cold weather recedes and makes way for the warmer sunrays.

The New York International Auto Show is much like the arrival of spring in the sense that it's a send-off for the following model year. Yes, a New York Auto Show brings with it a clear and present picture of the very near future, and a glimpse of what is yet to come.

This is why what the NYIAS has to offer is critical fodder for us car peeps and you eager consumers and car nuts.

Here then are my top 10 unveils from the 2013 NYIAS:

This I did not expect from Toyota... The new 2014 Highlander actually has flair along with a dose of attitude. The mildly enhanced outer dimensions do wonders for the interior as well. The 3.5L V6 returns.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Continue reading 2013 NYIAS - Matt's Top 10 Unveilings

In an effort to curb traffic violations and accidents, authorities in Bangalore, India, are using cardboard cutouts of police officers to scare drivers. Three of the most problematic areas have been targeted.

“Drivers in Indian cities violate traffic rules when there are no cops around -- they jump traffic lights and go the wrong way on one-way streets,” Bangalore police commissioner M.A. Saleem told AFP.

Using cardboard officers may sound silly, but it works. In fact, similar measures have been deployed around the world including in North America, the U.K., and Thailand.

“It's good. From a distance it looks like a real cop. Two or three times we thought it was a real policeman standing there, and we slowed down,” some local drivers said.

One cardboard cutout was stolen last week, but that has not discouraged Saleem, who said the fake policemen will now be removed at night to reduce chances of theft.

He added that 10 others could soon be installed on the roads of Bangalore.

Source: TIME NewsFeed

GPS manufacturer TomTom has published its annual Congestion Index for North America and Europe.

This side of the Atlantic, six Canadian cities were among the most congested in 2012, including Vancouver (2nd), Toronto (6th), Montreal (10th), Ottawa (18th), Calgary (26th), and Edmonton (34th).

Here's the top 10:
1. Los Angeles
2. Vancouver
3. Honolulu
4. San Francisco
5. Seattle
6. Toronto
7. San Jose
8. Washington
9. New Orleans
10. Montreal

FYI, New York City now ranks 14th in North America.

Across the pond, the 10 most congested European cities in 2012 were:
1. Moscow (Russia)
2. Istanbul (Turkey)
3. Warsaw (Poland)
4. Marseille (France)
5. Palermo (Italy)
6. Stuttgart (Germany)
7. Paris (France)
8. Rome (Italy)
9. Hamburg (Germany)
10. Brussels (Belgium)

For the full results and a detailed analysis, go to tomtom.com

Price Range: $51,105 and up

Description: For a carefree Lexus driving experience, more Canadian shoppers than ever are considering the Lexus IS C -- which takes the roof off the popular sport sedan and turns it into a two-door convertible that's ready for luxury touring. The IS C is available with either of Lexus' V6 engines, and features a sleek, two-door design topped by a fully motorized hard-top convertible roof.

At the touch of a button, that roof folds entirely into the 2013 Lexus IS C's trunk leaving no elements visible from the outside. The added security, toughness and insulation of the hardtop roof mean the Lexus IS C can be used comfortably any day of the year.


Drivetrain: Opening the model range is the IS 250 C, which features a 2.5L V6 engine, a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. This entry-level engine is noted for a pleasing, athletic and free-breathing character, and high levels of fuel efficiency.

For enthusiasts after higher-performance thrills, the Lexus IS 350 C offers up an award-winning 3.5L V6, which generates 306 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic with Super ECT control is standard with this powerplant.

Both engines use variable cam timing, aluminum construction and a combination of ported and direct fuel injection for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Consider it if: you need a handsome, high-class convertible with all the toys from a brand with a solid reputation and proven reliability. Additionally, the 2013 Lexus IS C's underlying platform is that of a compact sedan, so it'll meet the needs of shoppers looking for room for a four-person road trip. A range of top-line options and safety features helps connect with the confidence-minded luxury aficionado.

Skip it if: you're after all-out performance, as the 2013 Lexus IS C model range is equal parts luxury and sportiness. Better-handling, faster cars can be had for the price.

Other Notes: Look for the 2013 Lexus IS C lineup with features such as automatic climate control, heated leather seats, high-output xenon lights, and an available remote-start system. A range of accessories is also available to fine-tune the IS C to any lifestyle or outdoor sport. Lexus accessories are built to the exactly the same standards as the rest of the car, and typically covered under the new-vehicle warranty, too.

To further enhance dynamics and style, the available F Sport Package adds a sports suspension calibration, special wheels, a distinctive front grille, unique leather seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel, and other sporty touches.

Don't Miss: The Mark Levinson audio system. This is one of the market's premier mobile listening experiences, thanks to a long-standing relationship between Lexus and Mark Levinson. Since 2000, that relationship has worked to create stereo systems optimized specifically to each vehicle, in order to deliver unmatched sound quality and music reproduction. Mark Levinson audio systems put upgraded components; powerful subwoofers and 7.1-channel surround sound audio at the Lexus driver's disposal.

Photo: Lexus

On April 21st, BMW will introduce the Concept X4 at Auto Shanghai 2013, bolstering a crossover lineup that represents 25% of total BMW sales.

With this new vehicle, the German automaker offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. Nicely proportioned (4,648 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, and 1,622 mm tall), the Concept X4 is said to embody “sporting elegance and powerful robustness.” In fact, BMW hopes to continue the success story of the larger X6 in a new vehicle class.

Details about the interior and powertrain remain unknown, so we'll have to wait until Auto Shanghai 2013 to find out more about the concept. We do know, however, that the production BMW X4 model is scheduled to hit the market for 2014.

Photo: BMW

My list of Top NYIAS Unveilings holds a number of cars that I can't wait to drive, but there were other cars on the show floor that may not have been as new, however, I'm still very much looking forward to putting them through their paces.

Scroll through the gallery and look forward to the future with me.

The new 2014 Kia Forte Koup looks great and should be just as great to drive, especially with its available turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine good for 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Continue reading 2013 NYIAS - 2014-2015 Cars I Can't Wait to Drive

Nine-time World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb was a big star of the Coupes de Pâques, site of Round 1 of the FIA GT series at Circuit de Nogaro in southern France.

Edward Sandstrom and Frank Stippler (Audi) took the main race win after a post-race time penalty was imposed on their team mates, Rene Rast and Niki Mayr-Melnhof.

Photos: Jean-Claude Loustau

Rast and Mayr-Melnhof won on the road but were later given a 30 second penalty for failing to switch their engine off at the mandatory pit stop.

Sebastien Loeb Racing McLaren MP4-12C, which started form pole position in the hands of Sebastien Loeb.

The battle for the lead later came to a head after the pit stops, when Loeb's teammate, Alvaro Parente touched Rast, spinning the German. However, a retrospective penalty was then given to the No. 9 McLaren, as Loeb was earlier adjudged to have unbuckled his belts before his car came to rest at his pit stop.

The McLaren re-joined and eventually finished in 5th position on the road.

BMW is revealing the striking appearance of its upcoming X4 with a concept set to debut later this month at the Shanghai motor show.

BMW, capitalizing on a surge in its U.S. light-truck sales, is expanding its new 4-series lineup with the X4 crossover that will be built in South Carolina and is expected to go on sale next year.

Interior designer, bed-and-breakfast owner and blogger Michael Wurm Jr. recently pinned his way to developing a custom interior for the Buick Encore.

TRANSCRIPT

The slide in the yen has turned Mazda's biggest weakness into its biggest strength. All Japan's most export-dependent automaker has to do now is sell more cars.

Nearly 3,000 cars, bikes and trucks will be on display at Lime Rock racetrack to benefit the victims and first responders of last year's deadly school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.

If you were perhaps enamored with our report from the Mullin Automotive Museum but haven't gotten a chance to venture forth to Oxnard, Calif.

Here's something to fill your mid-afternoon break.

BMW Concept X4 First Look

No niche unfilled.

Who knew that the combination of SUV and coupe would be so successful? Apparently BMW did, and its X6 "Sport Activity Coupe" is proof. The German automaker is now looking to capitalize on the segment with the Concept X4.

Photo Gallery: BMW Concept X4 First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: BMW Concept X4 First Look - Automobile Magazine

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