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The Australian government is investigating reports of power loss problems in cars built by Volkswagen, amid an inquiry into the death of a woman killed when her VW Golf was hit by a truck in 2011.

The Australian government is investigating reports of power loss problems in cars built by Volkswagen, amid an inquiry into the death of a woman killed when her VW Golf was hit by a truck in 2011.

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars.

Owning an electric vehicle is getting easier, and much more common in 2013.

Skoda has started production of the updated Superb saloon and combi (wagon) at its Kvasiny plant after modernising and expanding the lines for its flagship model.

Honda says current Acura MDX owners asked for simpler controls, a lighter steering touch, a quieter interior with higher quality materials and better third-row access.

Renault denied a French newspaper report that it is holding cooperation talks with Mitsubishi Motors.

Renault is exploring a possible cooperation deal with Mitsubishi, a French newspaper reported.

Japan's automakers complain about red tape that discourages young people here from buying cars. Add to all that the trials and travails of simply getting a driver's license and then keeping it.

FAW Group has started sales to the public of its new Red Flag sedans, pitting the symbol of Communist privilege against Audi for China's elite.

Automotive News Europe salutes the winners of the 2013 Rising Stars awards. Every day until June 12 one of the 18 winners will be featured. Today's Rising Star is Ian Hucker, Opel/Vauxhall's director of European fleet and commercial vehicles.

Renault's Dacia will not join Europe's minicar segment, the automaker's Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares said. The segment is gaining in importance as the economy slumps.

The Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and the automotive industry have a love story that has lasted over 60 years, well before the Beetle Fender appeared on our streets!

While many people may know and recognize the Fender brand and their guitars, very few realize their connection to certain cars over the years. For example, the use of exactly the same shades seen on the Cadillac, Buick, and Oldsmobile on Fender's guitars.

Here are some examples of these "cosmic twin" car-guitar combos!

Olympic White

Fender Stratocaster 1968 Jimi Hendrix Tribute, olympic white colour (Photo: Maxime Allaire/Auto123.com)

1961 Buick Invicta Convertible Coupe, Olympic white colour (Photo RM Auctions)

Continue reading Top 10 Auto-Inspired Fender Guitars

From GMM

Felipe Massa has reassured his fans that he will be back in action next weekend in Canada.

Before going to hospital for checks, the Brazilian sat trackside with a neck-collar in the wake of his two high-speed crashes at Monaco's first corner last weekend.

Photo: WRi2

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali said earlier this week: "Felipe is fine. All he has to show for (the crashes) is a bit of muscle pain."

Indeed, on Thursday Massa tweeted a photo of himself training at home with the caption: "Working hard, 100pc confident for the race".

Williams' Pastor Maldonado also crashed heavily during the Monaco grand prix, his clash with Max Chilton bringing out the red flags when it dislodged the soft barriers.

"My body still hurts," he told The Racer's Edge, "but it's not a problem. As soon as I knew I was ok I was thinking already of Montreal."

Photo: WRi2

Warning: it boogies!
The X1 struck fear in many BMW enthusiast's hearts when it was introduced in 2011 as a 2012: many assumed that it signaled the end of the 3 Series wagon, but it was not. Then came the 3 Series GT and more fear, but still no end to the delightful wagon.

Highly popular, the BMW X1 quickly became an alternative to the perennial 3 Series. The fact is there is no less expensive way to get behind the wheel of an AWD BMW with more powerful engines than in a 2013 X1.

The X1 xDrive35i may be one of the fastest, certainly most unassuming, luxury German vehicle for $40,000. My issues with the 2013 X1 are essentially limited to its shape as the drive is beyond impressive as is fit and finish, and luxury levels.


What is a BMW X1?
The 2013 BMW X1 is the lowest echelon in BMW's collection of crossover vehicles. This once niche category continues to expand and shows great potential for the near future as a conquest segment.

The X1's lineup gains one new trim; more precisely, a new engine that transforms the BMW crossover from friendly to monstrous with the simple addition of a new powertrain.

The 2013 BMW X1 is the lowest echelon in BMW's collection of crossover vehicles. (Photo: BMW)

Technicalities
The 2013 BMW X1 features a gem of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Its 241 hp are strong and healthy. The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favourite 6-cylinder mills: BMW's superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 4-pot's transmission gets an 8-speed, while the 6 gets the same number of gears. All BMW X1s include BMW's xDrive intelligent AWD system. Steering is managed by good, old hydraulics.

A base 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i sports a $36,900 sticker price while stepping up to the xDrive35i requires $39,900. As tested, my 35i with options (Executive and xLine packages) retailed for $52,100.

The tested xDrive35i gains one of my favourite 6-cylinder mills: BMW's superb turbocharged 3.0L that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: BMW)

Driving the BMW X1
I keep blabbing about how BMWs no longer drive like BMWs. I touch on it in a number of my reviews, including the one on the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive, but as I state: the car is still fantastic.

Not quite as dedicated to clawing at the tarmac as a 3 Series, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i can still make way at a stunning pace. The 3.0T has gobs of power -- it's almost mind-blowing. As of 1,300 rpm, all torque comes out to play and eventually meets up with the horses at 5,800 rpm. The rush surprised me constantly.

With a gentle stab at the brake pedal, the X1's forward momentum is cancelled. As with all BMW products, the X1's road manners are just about flawless. It'll hug, it'll glide, and everything in between without ever struggling.

The “good, old” hydraulic steering is surprisingly heavy at first, especially at low speeds, but the weight evens out beautifully at speed. I would suggest BMW increase power assistance at low speeds if only to improve maneuverability in tight spaces.

By week's end, the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i fuel consumption averaged at 11.5L/100 km.

As of 1,300 rpm, all torque comes out to play and eventually meets up with the horses at 5,800 rpm. The rush surprised me constantly. (Photo: BMW)

Inside and out of the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1's shell is where my love for it turns to like. The profile or side view disturbs the eye to a point that even the hottest 19” M wheels do little to improve its looks. Despite this, the simple fact that it wears the right crest makes it all OK.

The X1's innards are typical BMW fare with business as usual. The steering wheel is meaty and the dashboard is finely sculpted and austere as it should be in a German product. Fit and finish are also to BMW standards.

Some of the controls in the lower portion of the center stack are smallish; however, the 2013 BMW X1's HMI controller holds not only a level of simplicity but the majority of the required commands for comfort and entertainment.

The xLine package brings with it specific terrific touches such as Oyster Nevada leather with orange and black piping. The seats are firm and comfortable, but short on lateral support. The rear bench serves a pair of anything, and the X1's overall dimensions limit the trunk.

The X1's innards are typical BMW fare with business as usual. The steering wheel is meaty and the dashboard is finely sculpted and austere as it should be in a German product. (Photo: BMW)

Comparing the BMW X1
The 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i is hugely compelling, especially because of its performance and drive. It will reach 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds! A more powerful-on-paper Infiniti EX37 takes 0.3 seconds more. Seriously, with a little weight reduction and some slicks, the X1 xDrive35i could be a drag-strip monster.

In the real world, the X1 must tackle the likes of the upcoming Audi Q3, the Land Rover LR2 and to a lesser extent, the Volkswagen Tiguan. In this lineup, the Bimmer needs little encouragement as it holds its own very well.

Autism Speaks teams with NASCAR, FedEx, Denny Hamlin and 64 additional drivers, this weekend at Dover International Speedway, to raise awareness for the brain development condition which is a growing concern.

Hamlin will be driving with a blue and white puzzle piece paint scheme on his No. 11 Toyota while the other drivers' racers will sport a puzzle piece decal at the track known as the Monster Mile. All three of the NASCAR top-tier series will be involved including Sunday's “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks.”

Earlier this year the Autism awareness campaign kicked off with a gala dinner at New York's Metropolitan Museum where the charity raised almost $1.2 million dollars.

Brian Z. France, NASCAR's CEO, and his wife were among community leaders supporting the program.

It meant a lot to Liz Feld, president of the non-profit organization, “to have their participation and support. When people of influence stand up and acknowledge that Autism is a problem -- a challenge that needs national attention.”

Image: NASCAR

The connection of Dover and Autism Speaks began with Artie Kempner, a director for Fox Sports.

Ms. Feld said it was Mr. Kempner who “really made the connection for us. We are now in the seventh year of being a partner of NASCAR's. He introduced the Autism Speaks group to NASCAR. It's been a strong and deep relationship going back seven years.”

Probably the most famous person in the NASCAR garage with an Autism connection is Daytona 500 winner, Jamie McMurray, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing. McMurray has a niece with the condition. His experience is like many had from years ago.

“When my sister called me and told me my niece was affected by Autism 12 or 13 years ago no one really knew what Autism was. Everyone assumed “Rain Man” was your kid.

Part of what my foundation has done and the golf tournament has done is create awareness to different levels creating awareness is important as anything and different ways of treating.

One in 88 children is now born with some form of the Autism spectrum disorder (AUD). This means from high functioning children to severely impacted ones.

At present there is no cure for the condition. Early diagnosis and special care is needed to make sure each child can reach his or her potential.

The condition is a heavy burden on parents especially if one of them is a regular on the NASCAR circuit.

Trent Owens, a veteran crew chief, who works with young phenom Kyle Larson, has a five-year old son, Gray Owens, with the condition and an 11-year old daughter who does not.

Since Owens is not in the Sprint Cup Series his duties are a little less intense which gives him the opportunity to help his wife with the child care.

“When I'm home, when work is over at 4:30, I go straight home and help,” Owens said. That gives his wife a bit of break. “When she's home alone it's more of a challenge,” he added.

The family is still discovering things about their son as Owens explains his knowledge of the condition.

“The autism spectrum is so broad, there are so many unknowns,” said Owens. “My son, in particular, is not verbal, but, his communication skills from perceptive language are good. We can ask him to do things.”

Since the Owens family found out that Gray had the condition when he was around 18-months old they were able to do research to find appropriate schools and therapies. Only some states offer more care than others. Unsupported special education can be a big financial drag on many families.

Auto racing can be antithetical to those with the condition because of the heightened sensitivity to noise. Gray Owens hadn't been to a race track yet because of that. “I don't know how he'd react,” Trent said.

“On Saturday he'll watch our (Nationwide Series) race. He loves watching; he's a car guy. It's the only thing he wants to play with me. He'd ride to California from North Carolina and he'd smile the whole way.”

Gray may have a way to get closer to the action. For the second year-in-a-row there will be a special sound-proof room for the AUD children and their parents. Because of this Trent may take his son to his first, in-person, NASCAR race.

American Alexander Rossi will take the wheel of a Renault-powered Caterham CT03 during the first free practice session of the Grand Prix of Canada Friday of next week in Montreal.

“After Monaco I was home in the United States for the first time since January, preparing for my FP1 session at the Canadian GP, and then for the start of my Le Mans work straight after Montreal!” said Rossi in a press release.

Caterham CT03-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

“Returning to F1 action is obviously another important step in the plan I've worked over a decade for and I take all the opportunities I get very seriously. This will be my first outing in the CT03 and on the 2013 Pirelli tires in F1 and it's good that my 2013 F1 debut is on North American soil, in front of a crowd who are seriously passionate about F1 and really know what our sport is all about. I've raced and won in Montreal back in Formula BMW and I enjoy the circuit a lot - it will be a special feeling to play an active role in the race weekend with the team,” the American added.

“Even though FP1 sessions always seem to be over in the blink of an eye, it'll be good to play an important part in the team's work on track. I was last in an F1 car in the CT02 2012 car in Abu Dhabi, last November for the young driver test so I'm looking forward to see how far the car has progressed since then,” he said.

“This year for the F1 team I've done aero testing, simulation work and I drove at the team's filming day, so this will be a good session for me to use what I learnt about the car in the simulator and the aero tests as a comparison to help the team progress this weekend. It will be all about working to the run plan for the session and helping the team set the car up for the race drivers for the rest of the weekend. I leave Montreal on Friday evening, straight after FP2 and head back to Europe for the first Le Mans sessions,” Rossi explained.

The cost of living is constantly increasing. Of all the “things” we care for, purchase or maintain in our daily lives, cars are just about the most costly.

In 2012, vehicle operating costs rose 2.2% from 2011. All things considered, this increase was “mild” when considering that for 2011, over 2010, the jump in operating costs was of 10.6%. In 2010, the growth numbered at 6.0%.

The main element in the massive hike in 2011 was the 20.0% increase in fuel costs.

In 2012, the largest contributing factors to the 2.2% rise were parking fees followed by parts, accessories and supplies. Insurance premiums and vehicle registration fees were relatively unchanged from 2011.

Racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss and Mercedes AMG driver, Lewis Hamilton will attend the Grand Prix of Great Britain at the end of June.

(Photo Mercedes-Benz)

For the announcement, the two last winners of the British Grand Prix were accompanied by a Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 car and a stunning Mercedes-Benz W196.

It is the very car that won the Grands Prix in Germany and Switzerland at the hands of five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954, and the same model raced by Sir Stirling Moss at the British Grand Prix in 1955 - his first ever F1 World Championship victory.

(Photo Mercedes-Benz)

Stirling Moss was born September 17, 1929 and is now 83.

Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix in 2008, driving a Mercedes-powered McLaren.

(Photo Mercedes-Benz)

The new 3rd generation Acura MDX will be hitting showrooms in July of this year. The anticipated replacement for the best selling Acura was recently tested by Matt St-Pierre and the review will be published on Auto123.com on Monday, June 3rd.

In the meantime, here's the price range:
Base: $49,990
Navi: $54,690
Tech: $59,990
Elite: $65,990

U.S. pricing will be slightly lower but not entirely for the usual reasons. Unlike the Canadian market, Americans will be able to purchase a Base front wheel drive MDX for the first time. This, in part, explains to lower entry price of $42,290.

As well, Canadian spec MDXs will carry extra standard features such as a heated steering wheel.

Photo: Acura