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Passion: Something we all wish we had in life, something we all strive for, and something very few actually have. Passion is almost a luxury in today's society, something only a select few get to experience and revel in. From passion at work to passion between lovers, it's an emotion and experience we as human beings crave.

When it comes to the automotive industry, I know that all manufacturers have passion but only a few exude it truly through their product and what their products stand for. Porsche is one such company, and events like their World Roadshow are proof of that passion.

What is the World Roadshow? Well, it's just that: Porsche travels the world over with their current lineup in tow (from the Boxster up to the Panamera and everything in between including the Cayenne), and they visit various track locations the globe over, inviting Porsche owners and enthusiasts alike to drive their vehicles. That's right: Anyone can do it.

That's part of Porsche's passion, and part of what makes drive programs like the World Roadshow so amazing. Here's a company with millions of dollars' worth of vehicles parked on track starting gridlines, and they're opening the car doors to average, everyday drivers and encouraging them to experience what makes their cars truly fantastic.

To say I was excited about the World Roadshow was an understatement. With the Canadian Tire Motorsport track outside Toronto, Ontario as our playground for the day, the sun high in the blue sky, and a brand new 2014 Porsche Cayman S (amongst others) calling my name, it was hard not to be.

It wasn't just about track driving though -- of which we got to do much of in 911s, Cayennes, Panameras, and Caymans -- we also got to experience Launch Control, a slalom course, and off-roading. Of note, at each Porsche World Roadshow stop, the 911 Turbo S selected for the Launch Control/hard braking exercise will do approximately 1,800 Launch Controls over the course of a two-week stop. That's a bit ridiculous and proves, once again, the passion Porsche has for its product and the ability of said product.

Photo: Philippe Champoux

From hitting well over 200km/hr in a 911 on the back stretch of Mosport to vertical, muddy climbs aboard a Cayenne Turbo S, a thought struck me: Here's a company that's able to design and engineer track-ready vehicles as well as off-road beasts, one of which could potentially do both on the same day. To say that's impressive doesn't seem like enough.

On more than one occasion throughout the track day, a Porsche instructor coaxed me to push harder, give more, turn sharper, brake later. Porsche vehicles constantly want more. Even with the throttle fully depressed on the back stretch, it didn't seem like enough.

Passion can change everything, and Porsche understands that which is (in my humble opinion) what makes their products so amazing to pilot. Not only are they well built with fantastic performance figures and abilities, but they are purpose-built to be pushed, to be driven and to be enjoyed.

The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship luxury sedan, which went on sale in Canada last Friday, is available in three trim levels including:

• RLX: $49,990
• RLX Tech: $55,990
• RLX Elite: $62,190

Motivated by a new 310-horsepower, direct-injected V6 engine, the 2014 Acura RLX has fuel economy ratings of 10.5 / 6.4 / 8.6 L/100km (city/highway/combined). It comes with Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) to deliver a dynamic driving experience.

The 2014 Acura RLX also features the AcuraLink connectivity system, and is the first Acura to apply Aha by Harman, a cloud-based interface that provides users with thousands of customizable media and connectivity choices.

Beyond the wide array of advanced driver assist and visibility technologies, owners will enjoy a 10-speaker Acura/ELS Premium Surround sound system with CD/AM/FM/SiriusXM, MP3/WMA compatibility, and auxiliary input.

Photo: Acura

Circuit Mont Tremblant, QC - Sometimes, life is good... no, scratch that: Sometimes, life is glorious. Just such a glorious occasion arose when I was handed the keys to a pumped up 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GTand told to take it out on one of the most well known and loved tracks in North America.

Nestled in the valleys of a popular ski resort, the Circuit Mont Tremblant offers everything from tight hairpins to elevation changes and blind, cresting corners; I love it. And I love it even more behind the wheel of a hopped up version of the already fantastic MB SLS AMG.


What is a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT?
This is the MB supercar, the cream of the crop, and it's the first such car to emerge from Mercedes since the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Developed in-house by Mercedes and AMG, the SLS first appeared as a 2010 model.

In just three short years, Mercedes-Benz unveiled 13 separate “versions” of the SLS AMG, the GT being one of them. With the same body and styling as a regular SLS AMG, the GT gets a boost in the horsepower department as well as a set of fancy rims.

This is the MB supercar, the cream of the crop, and it's the first such car to emerge from Mercedes since the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Technicalities
A quick look on the Mercedes-Benz website will prove the GT isn't actually listed there, but trust me when I tell you that this version of the SLS AMG gets a 20-horsepower jump, making the 6.2L V8 good for 583 glorious horses and 479 lb-ft of torque.

An AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission handles all that fantastic power as it's pushed out the rear wheels. The 0-100 km/h sprint is covered in 3.4 seconds.

A base 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT will set you back at least $207k, so it's safe to assume the GT version will cost more coin. However, I'd say it's well worth every penny if you've got 'em.

This version of the SLS AMG gets a 20-horsepower jump, making the 6.2L V8 good for 583 glorious horses and 479 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
It's not so much “driving” as it is experiencing the track through the SLS AMG GT. From the moment your anxious finger brushes the bright red start/stop button and the gnarly V8 barks to life, spitting glorious expletives out the oversized dual exhaust pipes, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT will try to kill you -- and that's bloody fantastic.

Throttle response is almost telepathic, and will have you flying towards corners and rumble strips at mad speeds. Speed-sensitive power steering ensures you're fully in control and able to keep the SLS AMG GT on the right line. The precision with which the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT turns is shocking at first and some adjustment is needed after the first few turns.

In Sport Plus mode with the AMG button activated, this sporty beast will rip through gears faster than any human ever could, executing spot-on downshifts and throttle blips (the sound!). The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is a happy track monster.

For all that power, nestled behind the SLS AMG GT's stunning 20” matte black, AMG light-alloy rims are a set of AMG high-performance phenomenally powerful ceramic composite brakes. Really, I need not say more.

I was drunk on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT's power after the first lap and couldn't wait for the next round. This is a car that asks to be pushed, wants to be tested, and needs to be driven to the limits.

For all that power, nestled behind the SLS AMG GT's stunning 20” matte black, AMG light-alloy rims are a set of AMG high-performance phenomenally powerful ceramic composite brakes. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Ins and Outs of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
The SLS AMG is hot; there's really no other word for it. It's sexy, seductive and curvy in all the right places. Mercedes-Benz and AMG designed a proper supercar in the SLS AMG, and thankfully the GT model sticks to the coupe, gullwing look. Only the rims and a small “GT” badge give it away.

Inside, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is sumptuous and sporty. Wrapped in red Nappa leather, the cockpit of the SLS AMG GT is a place to behold -- once you get that gullwing door closed. As a 5'2” (on a good day) driver, I had to coordinate my entry, grabbing the door as I sat down as there was no way I could reach the handle once seated.

Despite a complicated-looking middle console, it's actually quite straightforward throughout the cabin of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT, which I was also grateful for.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG designed a proper supercar in the SLS AMG, and thankfully the GT model sticks to the coupe, gullwing look. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT
After driving the SLS AMG (and its predecessor, the SLR McLaren -- another glorious day), I must say there's very little on the road today that feels quite like a Mercedes-Benz supercar. However, on a non-personal level, the SLS AMG has some steep competition in the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Ferrari 458 and the brand new (and much anticipated) Jaguar XKR-S.

From GMM

The F1 world is mourning its first fatality in over a decade, after a track marshal was killed in the wake of Sunday's Canadian grand prix.

Photographs depict the marshal, whose identity has not been revealed, holding the rear wheel of Esteban Gutierrez's car steady as a recovery vehicle returned the Sauber to the pits.

"The worker dropped his radio and attempted to pick it up," read a statement issued by the governing FIA. "As he did this, he stumbled and was hit and run over by the recovery vehicle."

The marshal was airlifted to hospital but he died shortly afterwards.

"It's terrible," race promoter Francois Dumontier is quoted by AP news agency. "It tarnishes the superb weekend that we had. I am devastated to learn this. I don't have any other words."

F1's last fatality, in Melbourne in 2001, was also the death of a trackside marshal.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Surprisingly superb combination of comfort and driving pleasure, precise steering, leading-edge technology, choice of powerful engines and impeccable fit and finish are a few of the strong points of the 2013 BMW X6.

Cons
Limited visibility, thirsty engines, cumbersome size and weight as well as its limited cargo room spoil some of the charm.


Price
The BMW X6 xDrive 35i starts at $66,800.

The selling price of the xDrive 50i starts at $82,200.

The X6 M version has a $102,900 MSRP.

* These prices apply to 2014 models

Fuel Economy
Fuel economy ratings for the 6-cylinder engine are estimated at 13.1 L/100 km city and 8.6 L/100 km highway.

The V8 powered xDrive 50i consumes 15.3 L/100 km city and 9.9 L/100 km highway.

The powerful (and thirsty) X6 M consumes an estimated 16.9 L/100 km city and 11.9 L/100 km highway.

Exterior Styling
The muscular X6 is built from the X5 platform design. The chopped-off styling of its steeply raked rear end and the dual-exhaust tips combine with its muscular front end to create a truly unique vehicle. The M version has quadruple exhaust tips and 20-inch wheels.

Drivetrain
The xDrive35i is powered by a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft torque.

Under the hood, the xDrive 50i has a twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft torque.

These first two engine choices deliver power to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The ferocious X6 M has a twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 lurking under its hood that can churn out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft torque.

It delivers this power through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity
The BMW X6 can hold between 70 and 1,450 litres of cargo.

Safety
This model is equipped with six standard airbags and a variety of active and passive safety features.

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

X6M : Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Porsche Cayenne turbo

Photo: BMW

*References
Crépault Michel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.144
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.180
www.bmw.ca

Adapted from GMM

Quebec premier Pauline Marois met with Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone on Sunday and vowed to work hard to safeguard the future of the Grand Prix of Canada.

Reports have indicated the historic race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, on Montreal's Ile Notre Dame, could be in doubt beyond 2014 due to the lack of agreement of the tripartite funding agreement between the various levels of government (Federal, Provincial and Municipal).

But Marois was quoted by Canadian Press news agency after her brief meeting with Ecclestone: "I said to him 'We have to conclude a win-win agreement'. I think he agrees with me."

Start of the 2013 Canadian Grand Prix. (Photo: WRi2)

It has been reported the race requires additional funding for a new contract due to Ecclestone's demands for the ageing circuit facilities to be updated.

"I remain optimistic," Octane Management's boss, Francois Dumontier, promoter of the race, said. "Negotiations are moving forward between all parties and the tone is favourable."

Ecclestone, however, indicated during an interview with Radio-Canada that he is prepared to play hardball.

When asked by a reporter of Radio-Canada how desperate he was to keep the race in Montreal, Ecclestone replied: “I like Montreal but as far as the race is concerned it's not desperate, it's not the only race in the world”.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Quality build, quiet ride, impeccable handling, supportive seats and a superior all-wheel drive system combine to make the 2013 Audi A4 simply irresistible.

Cons
Limited rear cabin room, reduced steering feedback and the absence of a diesel option are some of the sorer points.


Price
The base price of the front-wheel drive Audi A4 starts at $37,800.

The all-wheel drive version has a MSRP of $39,700 with manual transmission and $41,300 when equipped with the DSG automatic.

As for the S4, it starts at $53,000 when equipped with the manual transmission and $54,600 with Audi's S tronic®.

Fuel Economy
The front-wheel drive Audi A4 consumes an estimated 8.6 L/100 km city and 6.2 L/100 km highway.

The all-wheel drive, manual transmission version consumes 9.5 L/100 km city and 6.3 L/100 km highway.

As for the manual S4, fuel economy is rated at 13.1 L/100 km city and 8.3 L/100 km highway.

These numbers are lower with the S tronic, and are estimated at 11.7 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
The A4 benefits from elegant new LED-framed headlights along with the restyled front grille design that is found on a number of other Audi models as well. The rectangular foglamps give it a distinctly elegant style.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine churns out 211 hp and 258 lb-ft torque which can be delivered to two or all four wheels. The front-wheel drive version is mated to a CVT transmission. When all-wheel drive is added, a 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed Tiptronic transmission drives the vehicle.

The S4 version is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft torque. It can be matched to a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic that delivers the power to all four wheels.

Cargo Capacity
Seat configuration can be arranged to expand cargo room from 352 to 962 litres.

Safety
Six standard airbags along with an additional two optional bags protect the occupants of this luxury sedan.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, BMW Série 3, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Volkswagen CC, Volvo S60

Photo: Audi

*References
Charette Benoit, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.100
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.138
www.audi.ca

Audi locked the top 3 of the test day classification ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as Loïc Duval set the quickest lap aboard his Audi R18 e-tron.

The frenchman, who shares his car with Alan McNish and Tom Kristensen, set his best lap time at the end of the afternoon session in 3'22''583 - which was already nearly a second quickest than last year's pole position - after he had an heavy crash in the morning session. Duval leads the sister cars of Gene/Di Grassi/Jarvis and Lotterer/Fassler/Treluyer.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

Both Toyota TS030 Hybrid took 4th and 6th positions on test day, Davidson/Buemi/Sarrazin leading the car driven by Wurz, Lapierre and Nakajima. The fourth Audi, driven by Marco Bonanomi who was on track to test 2014-spec Michelin tires, was 5th quickest.

Both Team Rebellion's Lola Toyota were again quickest of the independant teams, with the 7th quickest lap set by Prost, Jani and Heidfeld. The team OAK's Morgan Judd driven by Pla, Heinemeierand Brundle was the fastest of the LMP2 cars.

In GTE Pro, the best lap time was set by the Aston Martin Vantage driven by Turner, Mücke and Dumbreck. Aston also dominated the GTE Am category, with the quickest lap set by Jaime Campbell Walter.

The Le Mans 24 Hours will be presented on June 22nd and 23rd.

Les 24 Heures du Mans se disputeront les 22 et 23 juin.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

Test day classification:
1. Duval/McNish/Kristensen (Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'22"583 (1st LMP1)
2. Gené/Di Grassi/Jarvis(Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'25"358
3. Lotterer/Fassler/Trluyer (Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'25"647
4. Davidson/Buemi/Sarrazin (Toyota TS030 Hybrid) - Toyota - 3'27"581
5. Bonanomi (Audi R18 e-Tron) - Audi Joest - 3'27"894

6. Wurz/Lapierre/Nakajima (Toyota TS030 Hybrid)) - Toyota - 3'29"593
7. Prost/Jani/Heidfield (Lola B12/60-Toyota) - Rebellion - 3'31"967

8. Belicchi/Beche/Cheng (Lola B12/60-Toyota) - Rebellion - 3'34"724

9. Levents/Watts/Kane (HPD ARX 03c-Honda) - Strakka - 3'35"631
10. Pla/Heinemeier Hansson/Brundle (Morgan-Judd) - OAK - 3'38"801 (1st LMP2)
(...)
31. Turner/Mücke/Dumbreck (Aston Martin Vantage V8) - Aston Martin - 3'58"806 (1st GTE Pro)
(...)
40. Goethe/Hall-Campbell Walter/Adam (Aston Martin Vantage) - Aston Martin - 4'00"867 (1st GTE Am)
etc.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Its affordable price, improved fuel economy, efficient 4x4 system and practical size are some of the advantages the 2013 Jeep Compass.

Cons
However, the passenger cab is a let-down, furnished with cheap plastic, a stiff back seat and poor soundproofing.

Price
The Sport 4x2, equipped with a 2.4-litre, engine starts at $18,995. An extra $1,400 will get you an automatic CVT.  

For $725 more than the base price, you get a 4x2 with a manual, 2.0-litre engine whereas a 2.0-litre engine coupled with a CVT will cost an extra $2,175.

The Sport 4x4 is available for $21,695, which can be also upgraded to a CVT with a $1,400 supplement. A dual, DOHC continually variable transaxle is available for $3,700. This model can only be outfitted with a 2.4-litre engine.

The North 4x2 model's starting price is $22,695, while the North 4x4 is available for $25,095.

Two engines are offered for the 2-wheel model while only the 2.4-litre engine is offered with the 4x4.

The two-wheel drive, North All Season starts at $23,190 while the 4-wheel starts at $25,590.

The two-wheel drive Limited version is available for $25,195 and the Limited 4x4 is sold at $27,195.

Photo: Jeep

Fuel Economy
Both powertrains have a similar fuel rating, somewhere around 9 L/100 km in the city and 7 L/100 km on the highway.

Exterior Styling
With its 7-slot grille, this urban SUV is easy to recognize. The Compass's elegant design was inspired by the Grand Cherokee.

Drivetrain
The 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine delivers 150 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque.

The more popular 2.4-litre engines packs 172 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque.

Cargo Capacity
Available storage varies between 643 litres and 1,519 litres when the seats are folded flat.

Safety
Six airbags and several basic active safety systems come standard on all versions.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4

*References
Aubé, Vincent, L'Annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal, Transcontinental, 2012, p. 330
Desjardins, Guy, Le Guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les Éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p. 352
www.jeep.ca

From GMM

McLaren's woes have only deepened, despondent lead driver Jenson Button said after the Canadian grand prix.

Before Montreal, team figures sounded confident the great Woking based outfit was making slow progress towards bringing the uncompetitive MP4-28 to the front of the field.

Then came Canada, where even McLaren's long streak of mere points finishes came to an end.

"We're clutching at straws," 2009 world champion Button said after a weekend of qualifying 14th, and finishing twelfth.

Photo: McLaren F1 Team

"I've never been so pleased to get out of a car," he admitted. "It was quite painful out there. It (the gap to the front) is massive. We got lapped -- easily lapped.

"It was like we were in a different category. It's really difficult at the moment to know where to look (for improvements). It's a big gap."

Nonetheless, Jenson Button saw some reason to be upbeat ahead of his and the British team's home race at Silverstone in three weeks.

"Are we going to be quicker there? Yes," he asked and answered rhetorically. "We're not going to be on the podium I don't think, but getting into high points has got to be our aim."

Pros and cons*
Pros
Classy exterior, good value for the money, quietest ride in its category, generous standard-equipment list and four-wheel disc brakes are among the many attributes that make the 2013 Hyundai Accent Sedan a definite class leader.

Cons
Its noisy engine, restricted rear visibility, imprecise manual gearbox and poor-sounding audio system are elements that reduce its overall attractiveness.

Price
The manual transmission Accent L Sedan has a MSRP of $13,399. An extra $1,250 is required for the automatic transmission version ($14,649).

The Accent is delivered with standard 14-inch wheels, USB/iPod port and a height-adjustable driver seat.

The GL starts at $ 5,499 with manual transmission and $16,749 when equipped with the automatic transmission.

It features standard heated seats, wheel-mounted audio controls, electric windows and cruise control.

The GLS sedan is available only as an automatic. It sells for $18,599. It distinguishes itself by its generous standard equipment list which includes: 16-inch alloy wheels, sliding power sunroof, foglights, Bluetooth and leather-covered steering wheel.

Photo: Hyundai

Fuel Economy
Automatic and manual transmission versions have similar overall fuel economy ratings of 6.3 L/100 km.

In city driving, the automatic sedan consumes 0.1 L/100 km more than the manual version, for a 7.2 L/100 km rating.

Highway numbers show the manual version consuming a tenth of a litre more than the automatic, with a rating of 5.3 L/100 km (5.2 L/100 km for the automatic).

Exterior Styling
The unique visual styling of this sedan gives it a modern and confident overall appearance. It strikes a perfect balance with its fluid and dynamic lines. Its distinctive hexagonally-designed front grille adds a unique touch.

Drivetrain
The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine in the Hyundai Accent produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft torque. It can be matched with either an automatic or manual 6-speed transmission.

Cargo Capacity
The trunk offers 388 litres of storage space.

Safety
The Accent is equipped with various standard active safety features and six airbags.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa

*References
Brière, Francis, L'Annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal, Transcontinental, 2012, p. 292
Charrette, Daniel, L'Auto 2013, Montréal, Les Éditions La Presse, 2012, p. 289
Fillion, Nadine, Le Guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les Éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p. 312
hyundaicanada.com

From GMM

Jean-Eric Vergne has joined the race to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull next year, after putting in eye-catching performances for the energy drink company's junior team Toro Rosso in Monaco and Canada.

Previously, it was believed the Frenchman's teammate Daniel Ricciardo was the more likely of the duo to be in the running to partner world champion Sebastian Vettel next year.

But in Canada, 23-year-old Vergne finished sixth, and he was quick to point out that it was Toro Rosso's best result since Vettel's feats at the Faenza based team in 2008.

"Jean-Eric Vergne impressed with his performance in Monaco and here in Montreal he was even better," agreed Red Bull's influential driver manager, Dr Helmut Marko.

"The result was even better than we had expected, and I hope he can continue that way," he is quoted by Speed Week.

Jean-Eric Vergne in Montreal, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Helmut Marko is also quoted by France's RMC: "It was not just a good race, he (Vergne) was very quick all weekend. In qualifying he made no mistakes in the rain and during the race I saw him fight with talented drivers."

Asked about Vergne's future, Dr Helmut Marko answered: "This is his second year in formula one, and for the second year it's really impressive. But what we are looking for is drivers who can win grands prix. For the moment, he is on the right track."

From GMM

Red Bull pulled Sebastian Vettel back into line with three simple words on the very last lap of the Canadian grand prix.

The reigning world champion is famous for not only wanting to win races, but also secure the fastest lap of the grand prix.

So, at the start of his final tour of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve en route to victory on Sunday, Vettel began his quest with the fastest - or 'purple' - first sector of the entire race.

"I wasn't surprised," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport, "but I told his race engineer to bring him under control."

Photo: Red Bull Racing

In the past, engineer Guillaume 'Rocky' Roquelin's instructions to Vettel about giving up the pointless quest for fastest laps have gone mostly unheeded.

So 'Rocky' tried a different strategy in Canada. Three words: "Monaco, 1988, Senna".

Like many in F1, Vettel knows well the tale of how legend Ayrton Senna threw away certain victory at Monaco 25 years ago when he lost focus and crashed.

Sebastian Vettel, duly backing off for a safer cruise to the chequered flag, replied to his engineer: "Ok, ok -- I'm just kidding."

Perhaps the 25-year-old thought in that moment about the state of the world championship, where in his quest for an ultra-rare fourth consecutive drivers' title he stood to push his points lead to Fernando Alonso out to 36 points.

Ferrari's Alonso, however, said afterwards that he's not panicking yet.

Asked what points deficit will make him worry, the Spaniard answered on Sunday: "I think (when) we are 80 or 85 points behind. (That) will be a very critical situation, which is (a points gap of) more than three races."

Last week, we asked you via Twitter and Facebook to submit any of your questions Eric Boullier.

Over the weekend of the Canadian Grand Prix, Auto123.com met with the Lotus team boss to answer them.

Question: Are you optimistic that Kimi will stay at Lotus for a few more years?
Eric Boullier: “Yes. Kimi is a priority for us. And yes, I am optimistic to see him stay with us.”

Q: Will Lotus give preferential treatment to Kimi who has the best chances to fight for the world championship?
Boullier: “We will continue to offer identical treatment to both drivers. However, priority will go to the driver who will be leading from the sporting perspective.”

Eric Boullier and Kimi Raikkonen. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

Q: Since Mercedes had the chance to do a test with their 2013 car, will Lotus ask the FIA to do a similar one?
Boullier: “No, not at all. You don't change the rules during the season.”

Q: What's the state of the relations between Lotus and Robert Kubica who is currently benefitting from Citroen and Mercedes' motorsport commitments?
Boullier: “I've had a some contact with Robert through text messages but they've been pretty informal. Nothing more.”

Q: Why couldn't you just admit that the team needed money and that is the reason you chased out Nick Heidfeld, and not for underperformance as you spun to the media? Did the money Bruno [Senna] brought to the team simply go to buy out Nick's contract?
Boullier: “Not at all, however, I cannot say much about this because of the legal agreement we have with Nick. We used the Senna name to attract new sponsors to the team, but it's not for that reason that we released Nick, though. Bruno was our third driver at the time and it was just a logical and contractual step forward.”

Q: Who will be driving for Lotus next year?
Eric Boullier: “Our priority is to keep the same driver line-up.”

Q: Will you offer Mark Webber a contract for 2014?
Boullier: “No. Not at all.”

Q: Do you consider yourself one of the big teams, or a smaller one punching above its weight?
Boullier: “We have the tools and the technology to be one of the top teams. We will continue to develop -- step by step -- to become one of them.”

Romain Grosjean and Eric Boullier. (Photo: WRi2)

Q: When will you find a competent number 2 driver to pair with Kimi?
Boullier: “What do you mean by competent? Romain's speed has helped Kimi to raise his game.”

Q: What is your favourite Grand Prix moment, irrespective of whether it was in the past or the current era of Formula 1?
Boullier: “Without a doubt Abu Dhabi 2012 when Kimi won the race”.

Q: Which do you prefer; a pint of Black (Guinness) or a shot of Gold (Whisky)?
Boullier (smiling): “The whiskey.”

*Please note that Boullier did not try to avoid a question. We regrouped questions that were very similar or covered the same topic.

A turn signal problem currently affects 11,545 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks from the 2013 model year.

Certain vehicles may not notify drivers when a turn signal is malfunctioning, which could increase the risk of a crash causing personal injury and/or damage to property.

Ram dealers will therefore reconfigure the central body controller for proper headlamp shutter function during high-beam mode.

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: RAM

The latest recalls by Jeep in Canada have nothing to do with Chrysler declining an NHTSA request to recall 2.7 million Jeeps in the U.S.

On 45,387 Compass and Patriot SUVs from 2010-2012, a software error in the occupant restrain control (ORC) module could delay or prevent side curtain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment in slower-developing rollover events. Since this situation could increase the risk of personal injury in a crash, Jeep dealers will reprogram the module.

Meanwhile, the power steering return line on 18,407 Wranglers from 2012-2013 may wear against the automatic transmission oil cooler line, causing a transmission fluid leak. This would result in a loss of transmission fluid, potentially causing damage to the transmission and resulting in a loss of propulsion. Here, dealers will either add a protective sleeve or replace the transmission line.

Source: Transport Canada

From GMM

Red Bull pulled Sebastian Vettel back into line with three simple words on the very last lap of the Canadian grand prix.

The reigning world champion is famous for not only wanting to win races, but also secure the fastest lap of the grand prix.

So, at the start of his final tour of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve en route to victory on Sunday, Vettel began his quest with the fastest - or 'purple' - first sector of the entire race.

"I wasn't surprised," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport, "but I told his race engineer to bring him under control."

Photo: Red Bull Racing

In the past, engineer Guillaume 'Rocky' Roquelin's instructions to Vettel about giving up the pointless quest for fastest laps have gone mostly unheeded.

So 'Rocky' tried a different strategy in Canada. Three words: "Monaco, 1988, Senna".

Like many in F1, Vettel knows well the tale of how legend Ayrton Senna threw away certain victory at Monaco 25 years ago when he lost focus and crashed.

Sebastian Vettel, duly backing off for a safer cruise to the chequered flag, replied to his engineer: "Ok, ok -- I'm just kidding."

Perhaps the 25-year-old thought in that moment about the state of the world championship, where in his quest for an ultra-rare fourth consecutive drivers' title he stood to push his points lead to Fernando Alonso out to 36 points.

Ferrari's Alonso, however, said afterwards that he's not panicking yet.

Asked what points deficit will make him worry, the Spaniard answered on Sunday: "I think (when) we are 80 or 85 points behind. (That) will be a very critical situation, which is (a points gap of) more than three races."

Former Formula One World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve has agreed to compete in the race of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series that will be held during the famed Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres in August.

The news was confirmed by Dominic Fugere, director of the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres during a press conference held Monday at the ICAR circuit in Mirabel.

Villeneuve will be competing against some well-known Quebec drivers, including Alexandre Tagliani and Andrew Ranger that have both already confirmed their participation. Villeneuve will be part of Dodge Team Quebec.

The 44th running of the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres will be held August 9-11.

Hybrid and electric cars are sparing the environment. Critics say they're hurting the roads.

Volvo Cars' new Chengdu plant in China's Sichuan province has begun building pre-production versions of the S60L, a special long wheelbase model.