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New-car buyers today complete their vehicle shopping faster than two years ago, according to a study commissioned by third-party vehicle shopping site AutoTrader.com.

Questioning your brain power
If you're in the market for a microcar -- a term I was hesitant to use until I set foot in the likes of the Scion iQ -- then you already know what to expect: very little. I don't mean that in a derogatory way (shockingly), I mean you'll be getting little amounts of everything (wheelbase, engine displacement, trunk space, respect on the road, etc.).

What makes the 2013 Scion iQ “unique” in the microcar market is its ability to seat four. While the ability is there, I don't really recommend it. All you need to know at the moment is that I managed to make the Scion iQ my family vehicle for the week with a baby seat, stroller, 6-foot husband and all.


What is the Scion iQ?
Well, first off it's small. Really, it's kind of shocking the first time you walk up to it. First unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, the Toyota iQ (as it's known in Europe) was released as a direct competitor for the Mercedes smart fortwo, a vehicle that previously stood alone in the segment in North America.

The iQ is a microcar -- or supermini -- thanks to its 2-meter (78.7”) wheelbase and 3.05-meter (120.1”) length. Designed for city living, the Scion iQ isn't about power and driveability, but more about being comfortable in small spaces .

First unveiled in 2008 at the Geneva Auto Show, the Toyota iQ (as it's known in Europe) was released as a direct competitor for the Mercedes smart fortwo. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Technicalities
The 2013 Scion iQ is a 2+2, three-door hatchback equipped with front-wheel drive and carrying around a somewhat peppy 94 horsepower 1.3L 4-cylinder engine. Controlling the Scion iQ's miniature grunt is a CVT that's actually not the most horrible thing in the world.

The car's starting price is a little shocking. At $17,070 I think Scion (and by association, Toyota) are out to lunch on this one. I'm clearly not the only one who thinks so. In 2012, Fiat sold eight times as many 500s (another micromini offering four spots), and since the beginning of 2013 they've outsold Scion iQs by nearly 2,200 units.

The 2013 Scion iQ is a 2+2, three-door hatchback equipped with front-wheel drive and carrying around a somewhat peppy 94 horsepower 1.3L 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the Scion iQ
In all honesty, the 2013 Scion iQ is quite pleasant to drive. The transmission is much “easier” to master than the smart fortwo's (which will make most favour the iQ, I'd say), and the CVT fake shifts, which my ears appreciated. Engine and road nose at highway speeds was a bit harsh and required raised voices and/or music to compensate. And while it was convenient having Bluetooth hookup for my phone, again at highway speeds callers found it very hard to hear me.

Handling in the 2013 Scion iQ is exactly how you'd expect it to be: precise and nimble. I was a bit shocked at the weight transfer under heavy braking or acceleration, but then it does have a “backseat,” unlike the smart fortwo.

After a week behind the wheel, I averaged roughly 7L/100km. In the 2013 Scion iQ, I should have been seeing closer to 5L. Why do I think that happened? Well, my right foot is mostly blame, as is the want/need to pop it into “S” (sport) mode as often as possible.

Handling in the 2013 Scion iQ is exactly how you'd expect it to be: precise and nimble. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the Scion iQ
Like a real-life Angry Bird, the 2013 Scion iQ looks like it has a serious chip on its shoulder. Intimidation through visual tactics is obviously the name of the game, as it's not fooling anyone with its size. Beefy and squat, it looks determined -- determined to prove a point. Little Car Syndrome, for sure.

Inside, I did expect more. For the price of my tester (close to the $19k mark), I found the plastics much too cheap and the seats uncomfortable.

It is important to note that, yes, I did manage to fit my Britax Advocate baby seat in the back (with my nearly 2-year-old son in it), as well as a small umbrella stroller. And not much else. Sure, it can seat four, but not if the driver is over 5'3”. With the rear seats down, the 2013 Scion iQ offers only 168 litres of trunk space (the Fiat 500 offers 184 litres... with the rear seats up).

Inside, I found the plastics much too cheap and the seats uncomfortable. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the Scion iQ
I've already done a bit of comparing throughout the text, but I'll go a little further now. What I find most shocking is that for a few hundred dollars more, you can get a 2013 Fiat 500 Turbo. If the Fiat's not small enough and you don't really care about the back seats, then you're looking at the smart fortwo coupe, which you can have for nearly $3k less, and frankly I prefer the interior and drive of the smart.

Based on sales numbers, I'm glad to see the general public is actually showing some intelligence when it comes to choosing other microcar models over the Scion iQ.

Red Bull's Mark Webber has revealed he never considered staying in F1 for 2014, even though he had options to do so.

The Australian announced today that he will join Porsche's LMP1 programme for next season, thus bringing an end to his 12 year Formula 1 career.

Webber was expected to speak with the Red Bull over the summer regarding his position within the team, but in an interview on his official website, revealed that staying in Formula 1 in 2014 was not on his agenda.

"Yes, [but] since Formula 1 as a category wasn't on my radar for 2014, they weren't a consideration for me."

Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9. (Photo: WRi2)

He also stated that the ‘Multi-21' affair in this year's Malaysian Grand Prix had not influenced his decision to leave Formula 1.

“I've had a personal plan and I've stuck to it. This is the next chapter,” he said.

“The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme. It's a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport.”

“I realise F1 is seen as the absolute pinnacle of motorsport and I've worked with some incredible people, in particular Adrian Newey.”

Webber also added that despite his at-times fractious Formula 1 career, he will miss the series which gave him nine grand prix victories, 11 pole positions and 36 podium finishes.

“Will I miss some of this? Yes, of course, but time doesn't stand still for anyone and it's time to move on to my next challenge.”

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone insists F1 teams would simply waste money if he agreed to up their income.

Amid reports only Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes are not having financial troubles at present, backmarker Marussia complained that Ecclestone is not providing a "level playing field" for the smallest team.

"We have a suitably obscene amount of money to go motor racing with," team president Graeme Lowdon told the Guardian, "but nowhere near the levels of the other teams. If we had another couple of tenths in the car, we would be troubling some pretty big names ahead of us, who have been in the sport for a long time."

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

In a big blow to Marussia this year, Ecclestone limited official prize money to just the top ten constructors, while taking away the $10 million per year bonus to the newest teams.

But F1 chief executive Ecclestone told Switzerland's Blick newspaper: "I could give all the teams another $20 million. But after a month, there'd be nothing left."

From Williams

Williams Advanced Engineering announced Thursday a new collaboration with Nismo, the performance orientated brand of Nissan, to partner in the development of high performance road cars.

Williams Advanced Engineering will join the engineering development team from Nismo currently working on developing future Nismo products for launch worldwide from 2014 and beyond.


This new collaboration will help accelerate the growth of the Nismo brand across the globe and enhance Nissan's reputation for innovation by incorporating cutting edge Formula 1 based technologies and processes into Nissan's high performance road cars.

Williams Advanced Engineering is the division of the Williams Group that commercialises F1 based technologies and know-how. It has a track record of bringing high performance road and race cars to market with short lead times and was chosen by Nissan because of its expertise in areas such as aerodynamics, simulation and material science.

From GMM

Paddy Lowe will attend his first grand prix as Mercedes' executive technical director this weekend at Silverstone.

The 51-year-old started work at Brackley early this month, having served a period of 'gardening leave' after stepping down as McLaren's technical boss.

Germany's Sport Bild reports that the Briton's home race this weekend will mark his first in the paddock and on the pitwall in Mercedes team wear.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh told Sport Bild that it was his decision to release Lowe early from his 2013 contract.

"I did it because I like Paddy, and because we have a good relationship with Mercedes-Benz," he said.

McLaren will remain powered by customer Mercedes engines until its works partnership with Honda formally begins in 2015.

It was previously thought Mercedes had to buy the remainder of Lowe's contract, but Whitmarsh said: "In the end I just thought it wasn't right to delay Paddy's commitment to Mercedes unnecessarily. I wanted to do it fairly and correctly."

Sport Bild correspondents Bianca Garloff and Ralf Bach said Lowe's precise role is yet to be defined, but he is "somewhere between team principal Ross Brawn, motor sport director Toto Wolff and technical director Bob Bell.

"Paddy is a smart guy," Whitmarsh said. "I recruited him myself more than twenty years ago. But I don't know the organisation at Mercedes and where he fits in there. Clearly they have many bosses, but they must know what they are doing."

From GMM

Honda's return to formula one in 2015 is being warmly welcomed in the paddock.

Amid poor results and the global financial crisis, the Japanese carmaker pulled out as a team at the end of 2008, but will return in 2015 as a works supplier of the new turbo V6 engine to McLaren.

"I think it's very good for the team and for McLaren's future," said Jenson Button, "but I think it's also good for the sport.

"It means we will have four engines in formula one, and I think it will pave the way for even more carmakers to come in," the McLaren driver, and former works Honda driver, told Brazil's Totalrace.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso also welcomed the good news, believing Honda will boost competition in F1.

"It's always positive and always welcome when manufacturers come into F1," the Spaniard is quoted as saying.

"We have seen that the smaller teams with lower costs did not have the success that was expected, as formula one is much more demanding than any other category. Honda's arrival is the best of news," added Alonso.

Photo: WRi2

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also sees Honda's return as a good sign for F1.

"It's great to see them coming back. It shows that F1 is very significant for car manufacturers," he said.

"We have seen the benefits that Infiniti has had to be involved with Red Bull, so I'm very happy to see Honda coming back," the Briton added.

Four time world champion Alain Prost, affiliated with F1 engine supplier Renault, agreed: "I think it's great. It's great for F1. It's good for Honda but I think also good for the image of F1.

"We have new and very complex technology coming next year, and manufacturers want to be involved in F1 again because of that, which is great for F1's image in general," he added.

Button's former works Honda teammate, Rubens Barrichello, commented: "When I knew they (Honda) were going out of the team I was in, there was a very big sadness in the air.

"Honda without F1, and F1 without Honda -- they're not the same. I am very happy to see them again," said the veteran Brazilian.

McLaren managing director, Jonathan Neale confirmed the team have used one of their allotted straight line test days to trial their Silverstone upgrade package.

During the weekly Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in, Neale explained the Woking-based squad have used the test at Idiada in Spain to help decide which new parts they'll bring to their home race, as well as to gain a better understanding of the MP4-28.

McLaren MP4-28. (Photo: WRi2)

"The only issue with our car is we lack downforce and that is what we are trying to create at the moment," Neale explained.

"We've got a range of upgrades for the weekend but we're not there just testing parts, but testing some fundamental understanding issues as well.

"We'll wait and see on Friday afternoon at Silverstone as to what remains on the car for Saturday to know how successful it has been, but we won't know until this evening (Tuesday) finally what package we'll take (to Silverstone)."

Given the team's recent form, Neale is cautious about their prospects: "We want to get both cars into Q3 and then race hard for good points," he said.

"It would be great if the guys could get a podium out of it but I think on recent performance that could be quite challenging.

"There isn't going to be a golden bullet," he added. "We are pushing hard but the reality of the situation is there is still a big gap from us to the front of the grid."

The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor is the first-ever EcoBoost-powered sport truck. With a 3.5L turbocharged V6, it delivers the power and performance of a regular V8 as well as the fuel economy of a V6.

Riding on a short wheelbase and using a 4.10:1 rear axle (the shortest final drive ratio offered in an EcoBoost F-150), the 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor is also the only regular-cab F-150 offering a flow-through centre console and bucket seats.

Other highlights include a custom-inspired FX Appearance Package featuring unique 20” flat-black wheels, stylized bodyside graphics, and black badges with red lettering. The interior boasts leather seats and MyFord Touch.

The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor will go on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Photo: Ford

From GMM

In the fallout of the 'test-gate' scandal, F1's governing body has moved to clean up its procedures regarding tire testing.

While Mercedes was banned from the forthcoming young driver test and Pirelli reprimanded over their secret Barcelona test in May, the FIA also resolved to ensure its own "control of the testings is strengthened".

Indeed, as Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported on Thursday, Pirelli has not been banned from tire testing with F1 teams -- even if 2013 cars are used.

Photo: Pirelli

But a number of strict conditions now apply and have been made clear to the teams, correspondent Michael Schmidt said.

"One condition is that the (test) team and Pirelli have to prove that the test is organised, carried out and paid for by Pirelli.

"Another is that Pirelli needs to send a precise test plan to the FIA, a fortnight before the test is to take place. If the FIA accepts it, they will send an observer to the site.

"The other teams cannot refuse the test, but they can send observers, and the test and tire data must remain in the possession of Pirelli and not be communicated to the test team," he added.

World Rally Championship leader Sebastien Ogier is linked to a test in a Bentley Continental GT3.

The Frenchman, who drives a Volkswagen Polo in WRC, get the green light from Jost Capito, head of VW motorsport for this run, as Bentley is part of the Volkswagen Group.

Sebastien Ogier, who already ran several GT championship rounds in the past, took part to the Porsche Supercup race in Monaco, and aims for more circuit outings in the future. If he would have the opportunity to enter a GT race with the Bentley, he could join Sebastien Loeb, who takes part to the FIA GT Series, driving a McLaren MP4-12C ran by his own racing team.

Photo: Bentley

Auto123.com Racing is currently running a contest on its Facebook fan page to help raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation for sick kids.

Staff members of Auto123.com will participate for a third time in the 48-hour bike marathon fund raising event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Quebec at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, home of the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, September 13, 14, and 15.

Motorsport editor, René Fagnan will be assisted by Mathieu Germain, Philippe Champoux, Miranda Lightstone, Olivier Delorme and Mathieu St-Pierre.

We are now running a contest for the people who accept to support our cause by making a pledge. We certify that 100% of the proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish.


Everyone who has made a pledge to our team between June 26 and July 15, 2013 will be eligible for the draw of the grand prize:

GRAND PRIX - Lotus F1 Team goodies bag consisting of:
Lotus F1 Team team cap signed by 2013 race drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean;
Lotus F1 Team hero cards signed by 2013 race drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean.
Lotus F1 Team official note book;
Lotus F1 Team pen;
Lotus F1 Team earphones;
Lotus F1 Team USB phone charger;

Click here to visit our Facebook page and enter the contest. Look for the news that says “F1 CONTEST”.

The items were kindly donated by Lotus F1 Team to Auto123.com in support of the 48h bike marathon, with all donations going directly to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Any bid you can make in support of our 48h ride will be hugely appreciated by not only us but the sick children who will be able to realise their dreams.

Thanks for your support and spread the word!

On Wednesday in New York, Mazda unveiled the hatchback version of the all-new 2014 Mazda3, which is the third model to adopt both the “KODO-Soul of Motion” design theme and the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies after the 2014 Mazda6 and CX-5.

The engine lineup of the 2014 Mazda3 includes two variants of the automaker's SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine in 2.0L and 2.5L sizes.

In order to improve the riding experience, the car features a new Human Machine Interface (HMI), as well as a range of new Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technologies to aid the driver in recognizing and avoiding hazards.

The 2014 Mazda3 will be launched around the globe, with sales starting in Canada this fall. Pricing will be announced in the meantime.

Photo: Mazda

From GMM

A departing Mark Webber has swung the door open at Red Bull, but Kimi Raikkonen on Thursday insisted he has not made a decision about what to do beyond 2013.

The 2007 world champion is a free agent beyond his contract with Lotus this year, and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admitted this week the Finn is "an option" to replace Australian Webber.

But Raikkonen said at Silverstone on Thursday: "I have not made any decision for next year.

"I can do whatever I want because I don't have a contract," he is quoted by the BBC.

Photo: WRi2

Raikkonen, famously short with reporters, tried to insist Webber's switch to Porsche and Le Mans "is nothing to do with me", but he also hinted that choosing between Lotus and Red Bull next year will be a tough decision.

"It's never easy," he said. "It's not the first time there are different options on the table, then you take the one that you think is right for you at the moment."

From GMM

Formula one cars will be much heavier in 2014, according to a report in the German newspaper Bild.

The report by correspondent Frank Schneider said the V6 engines and related energy-recovery systems and batteries will make the 2014 machines weigh 50 kilograms more.

"It will certainly be a big change," world champion Sebastian Vettel is quoted as saying, "and very different to drive."

Photo: WRi2

However, the 50kg calculation may not be as simple as that.

Although the current V8s weigh just 95kg, while next year's V6s will be about 145kg - excluding the heavy ERS batteries - the fuel tanks will be much smaller in 2014.

That's because while cars currently start grands prix with up to 150kg of fuel on board, next year the rules dictate that only 100kg of fuel per race may be used.

"That is a significant difference," said the FIA's Charlie Whiting.

The minimum legal weight of the cars is also changing for 2014; from 640 to 660kg.

Red Bull's Mark Webber has announced he will leave Formula 1 at the end of the season to join Porsche's 2014 LMP1 programme.

The Australian has had a fractious relationship with the team since the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix, and has since seen Webber sign one-year contracts with the team.

Mark Webber, winner in Silverstone 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

The sometimes difficult relationship was further underlined by the ‘Multi-21' scandal at this season's Malaysian Grand Prix, which saw team-mate Vettel disobey team orders to take the race victory from Webber.

Since the debacle, Webber has been linked to Stuttgart manufacturer and its forthcoming return to sportscar racing; a category in which he competed prior to breaking into Formula 1 in 2002.

Despite both Webber and Porsche denying the rumours at first, both parties revealed to today that they will join forces for 2014.

This will bring the 36-year old's 12-year Formula 1 career to a close, which has seen him take nine grands prix victories, 11 pole positions and 36 podium finishes; each of which has been with Red Bull who he joined in 2008.

“It's an honour for me to join Porsche at its return to the top category in Le Mans and in the sports-car World Endurance Championship and be part of the team,'' said the Australian. “Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding technology and performance at the highest level.

''I'm very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in formula one.

“Porsche will undoubtedly set itself very high goals. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sports cars in the world.”

Photo: Porsche

Porsche research and development board member, Wolfgang Hatz, also echoed Webber's enthusiasm for both parties' forthcoming challenge.

“I'm very pleased to have secured Mark Webber for our LMP1 project as one of the best and most successful formula one pilots of our time,” said Hatz. “Mark is without doubt one of the world's best race drivers. He has experience at the Le Mans 24-hour race and on top of that he's been a Porsche enthusiast for many years.”

Line-up
Competing in the new LMP1 car alongside Mark Webber are the two long-standing Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) as well as the ex-Formula 1 test driver Neel Jani (Switzerland).

The Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) and Strike Ten Entertainment announced the launch of a new partnership that will feature GoBowling.com as a primary sponsor of the No. 43 Ford Fusion driven by Aric Almirola.

The new sponsorship's racing debut takes place on August 4 at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. The GoBowling.com Ford will also be the primary partner for the No. 43 team at the same event in 2014.

"Just like racing, bowling is pure Americana - it's our nation at its best, a sport that brings people together and creates memories. Not to mention bowling is a lot of fun," said Petty.

“We don't always have free time between races but when we do, our team is always looking for fun activities and ways to relax,” Almirola said. “ Going bowling is something that is easy, affordable and enjoyable for us all. We're better at racing than bowling, but we all have fun when we go bowling. I'm glad that we can be a part of promoting such a great experience to our race fans."

Photo: Richard Petty Motorsports

Bill Ford Jr., executive chairman of Ford Motor, nearly doubled his holdings in a special class of supervoting shares that gives the Ford family more sway over the automaker's direction.

GM is shuffling its design executives for the second time in a year, promoting the lead designer for the Holden brand in Australia to the top design job at Cadillac and Buick.

Legislation that would block Tesla Motors from using the Internet to sell its electric cars in North Carolina is on the back burner for now. But a legislative maneuver has cleared the way for a vote on other dealer-franchise matters.