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Pros and Cons*
Pros
The 2013Volkswagen Touareg is one of the only crossovers to offer a diesel engine. Thanks to an efficient all-wheel drive system, the agile Touareg handles the snow very well. Its roomy and comfortable cabin is also surprisingly ergonomic.

Cons
However, some of its drawbacks include underwhelming contours and overall heaviness. Plus, it remains to be seen how reliable this vehicle turns out to be.

Photo: Volkswagen

Price
The VW 2013 Touareg Comfortline starts at $49,675, with 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, Bluetooth connectivity and a power liftgate.

The Highline model is available for $55,670 and includes a sunroof, Bi-Xenon headlights and a heatable steering wheel. The Touareg's best-equipped model, the Execline, starts at $59,500 with distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels, Dynaudio digital sound package and rear LED tail lights.

Diesel engines are available on all models, for an extra $4,300.

Fuel economy
With a gas engine, the SUV's fuel economy is rated 12.3 L/100 km for the city and 8.8 L/100 for the highway. The diesel VW 2013 Touareg needs 11.2 L/100 km, city and 6.8 L/100 km, highway.

Exterior Styling
With beefy lines, this sport utility vehicle is a brawny beast, showing off its distinctive grille, now a signature VW moniker.

New in 2013
- The new gas tank holds 100 litres of fuel.
- The TDI model now corrals 240 horses, up from 220 hp.
- There's a power liftgate on all models.
- A range of interior packages are currently offered.

Drivetrain
The VW Touareg is propelled by a 3.6 L V6 engine, packing 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. You could also go for the 3.0 TDI V6 turbo clean diesel engine which delivers 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Both of these engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission which powers all four wheels.

Cargo Capacity
The VW 2013 Touareg can store between 910 litres and 2008 litres, a marked advantage over SUVs like the X5, SRX, FX and Cayenne.

Safety
This model has 6 airbags as well as many active safety systems.

Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Land Rover LR4, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90

Photo: Volkswagen

*References
Laguë Philippe, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.616
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.578
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.618
www.vw.ca

From Williams F1 Team

Williams F1 Team announced that it has signed an agreement with Kazakhstani investment business TAK Group that will see the Kazakhstani capital, Astana, promoted as part of the arrangement with the team.

The Astana name will be positioned on the SIS vane and outer nose struts on the Williams-Renault FW35 from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards in a move that will provide both sporting and tourism benefits to the city.

The press release indicates that since 1997 Astana has been the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is a UNESCO World City.

Situated on a bank of the Ishim River, it has become one of the largest business centres in the region and will be the site of Expo 2017 which focuses on future technologies and our ‘energy future'. Ambitious infrastructure projects are also seeing the city emerge as one of the region's leading tourist destinations.

Photo: WRi2

Summary
There seems to be a consensus among journalists that the Lexus LS 600 hybrid is a veritable mobile 'cocooning' unit on wheels. The obsessive soundproofing and exceptionally quiet ride, which is a by-product of the Lexus independent multi-link suspension, eliminates any feedback, good or bad. A retractable ottoman with shiatsu massage for the front passenger clearly adds to this overall impression. Lexus has certainly made the LS the 'ultimate comfort machine'.

Pros
Outstanding fit and finish, convenient technology, an exceptionally comfortable and quiet ride, and a reputation for building reliable, long-lasting vehicles is what the Lexus brand is all about.

Cons
Limited trunk space (battery space) and overly-assisted slow steering hamper this model, according to the 'Annuel de l'Automobile'.

Photo: Lexus

Price
Base model starts at $131,200.

Fuel Economy
The fuel economy numbers for the Lexus LS hybrid are quite reasonable when you consider that it has a 5.0 litre V8, with corresponding 10.6 L/100 km city and 9.6 L/100 km highway ratings.

New and Improved
A number of esthetic changes were applied in 2013.

Exterior Styling
The Lexus LS front grille has adopted the corporate ‘spindle' shape, and is both taller and ruggedly attractive. The headlights have an angular shape that blends well with the new re-styled LS image. The rear tail lights have been considerably enlarged and are separated by a stylish chrome bezel.

Cargo Capacity
The trunk has a battery-limited 330 litres of storage space, which is 180 litres less than the non-hybrid version.

Drivetrain
The gas-powered V8 delivers 389 hp and 385 lb-ft torque, which climbs to 438 hp when combined with the electric motor.
Hybrid system: Tandem

Safety
Anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic stability program.
Lateral collision test score: 5/5
Frontal collision test score: 5/5
Airbags: 8

Comparable Models
Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S400 H

Photo: Lexus

References :
L'Annuel de l'automobile 2013

Le Guide de l'auto 2013 (www.guideautoweb.com)

The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will soon be available with in-vehicle Qi wireless charging. The factory-installed system, located in the centre console, will be part of the optional Uconnect 8.4 package.

To charge a Qi-compatible device, such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC Droid DNA, or Nokia Lumia 920, users simply place it in the middle console to power up.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Prius join the rapidly expanding Qi ecosystem of mobile devices, charging accessories, charging locations, and automobiles. The 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited, which includes integrated Qi wireless charging in the centre console, is already in production and for sale.

Toyota Canada announced that the all-new 2014 4Runner will be available in three trim levels: a well-equipped, value-driven SR5; a top-of-the-line Limited; and a Trail grade for those who want maximum off-road capability.

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner sports a muscular front grille with either colour-keyed inserts (SR5 and Trail) or chrome-plated inserts (Limited). Likewise, the first two trim levels include newly styled 17” wheels, while the more upscale one stands out with black painted 20” wheels.

All 2014 Toyota 4Runners boast a 4.0L V6 engine rated at 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission comes into play, while towing capacity amounts to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).

Inside, you'll find soft-touch door trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a new Optitron instrument panel (SR5), as well as an overhead console which organizes the off-road control switches into one location (Trail). A back-up camera comes standard, while a front and rear clearance sonar system is added on Limited models.

Prices and on-sale date for the 2014 Toyota 4Runner will be announced later.

Photo: Toyota

We knew that Panther DRR faced some financial issues that threatened its long-term survival, but team officials have now confirmed that it will close its doors after the Indianapolis 500 later this month.

Wednesday, the bad news became official when the team said Oriol Servia would drive in the Sao Paulo Indy 300 and the Indianapolis 500, but there were no plans to race again this season.

Panther DRR's withdrawal, which will have no impact on its partner Panther Racing, will retain a core group of employees at the team's headquarters in Carmel, and retain some options for 2014 as it plans to field at least one car in the Indy 500.

Photo: Panther DRR

Tesla Motors sold more than 4,750 Model S sedans during the first quarter of this year, earning the company a profit and seriously challenging the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF.

In fact, some sources claim that the Model S might already be outselling these two. We don't know for sure, because Tesla does not disclose monthly sales.

The Volt was by far the best-selling plug-in car last year, with more than 23,000 units.

Tesla also announced that the 40 kWh battery package will no longer be available due to poor sales, leaving only the 60 kWh and 85 kWh options to customers. They are said to offer a range of 375 and 500 kilometres, respectively.

Source: Green Car Reports

From Grand Prix du Canada

The Grand Prix F1 du Canada announced the return of its inaugural gala "The Grand Evening", Thursday, June 6th.

This social event bringing together Formula 1 team executives and drivers as well as the city's business community, will once again take place at the "Arsenal" Contemporary Art Gallery.

Grand Soir 2012 at the Arsenal. (Photo: WRi2)

All proceeds will go to the Fondation de l'Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal and the Canadian Olympic Foundation.

Bernard Ecclestone, president and CEO of the Formula One Group has agreed once more to act as Honorary Co-Chair of honor. He will share this responsibility with Marcel Aubut, senior partner at the Heenan Blaikie LLP and President of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

"The Grand Evening", organized here in Montreal by Octane Racing Group Inc. and produced in its entirety by local craftsmen, has brought together each time in the past three years nearly a thousand guests, including drivers and executives from the Formula 1 World Championship teams.

François Dumontier, Bernie Ecclestone and Sebastian Vettel around the young driver Olivier Mallette. (Photo: WRi2)

Over the years, world champions Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Jacques Villeneuve honored guests with their presence. Since 2010, Timo Glock, Nick Heidfeld, Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg, Jarno Trulli, Jean-Eric Vergne, Mark Webber and other Formula 1 aces have also been seen at the event.

"The Grand Evening" presented in co-operation with Mercedes-Benz Canada, is an official activity of the 2013 F1 Grand Prix du Canada. Tickets for the cocktail at 6 pm, dinner at 7:30 pm and evening are now priced at $1,000 individually. Tables of ten are offered at $10,000. For more information, please visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca or contact the F1 Grand Prix du Canada administration at 514 350-4731.

A Michigan couple found guilty of stealing General Motors trade secrets related to hybrid-car technology was sentenced to jail in federal court in Detroit.

A Michigan couple found guilty of stealing General Motors trade secrets related to hybrid-car technology was sentenced to jail in federal court in Detroit.

Chrysler is jumping on the social-media contest craze with a new campaign honoring those who love to customize their Chryslers.

2013 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline

Muscle car look and feel without the huge gas bills, stiff suspension, and expensive tires.

On paper, the Challenger Rallye Redline looks pretty excessive. The engine has only six cylinders, but it still makes 305 hp, enough to hustle this car around at police-annoying speeds. The stereo, which is the second of three levels (it's an optional extra, but audiophiles can pay extra for a more capable setup), is ear-splittingly loud. The wheels are 20-inchers; while this won't impress your local rap superstar, they're still really big. "Really big" also describes the Challenger's body, which appears to have eaten a smaller muscle car on its way to your driveway.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

2013 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Magna International said an explosion at a Newmarket, Ontario, factory sent five employees to the hospital. The injuries are not life-threatening, Magna spokeswoman Tracy Fuerst said today.

GM apologized for a Chevrolet ad that included a song referring to "the land of Fu Manchu" where all of the girls sing "ching, ching, chop-suey," which one Chinese newspaper called racist. The ad ran in Canada and never appeared in China.

Mercedes-Benz extended its lead over BMW in the U.S. luxury sales race, with a 5.8 percent gain in April. Sales for the Mercedes brand rose to 23,635 in April, led by gains for the C-class sedan and M-class SUV.

Canadian sales rose for the three Detroit automakers, led by strong sales for pickup trucks. Ford was the top-seller in Canada in April as sales rose 15.5 percent to 27,907 vehicles.

Lexus has set the base price of the 2014 IS compact sport sedan at $36,845, including shipping, an increase of $885 from its predecessor, Lexus said.

The manager of Land Rover's Solihull body shop has told just-auto.com that the JLR division has not only just completed a second shop but that the frame of a third one is presently going up.

Delphi Automotive has reported first quarter 2013 revenues of US$4bn, a decrease of 1.7% from the previous year as a result of continued weak business conditions in Europe, partially offset by the acquisition of the Motorised Vehicles Division from FCI Group.

Electric-car startup Coda Holdings Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Tuesday after producing just 100 of its EV sedans,