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Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel has clinched his 32nd career victory at the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari's home race and the fastest circuit of the year.

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: WRi2)

The German's third win at Monza makes him draw level with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in overall Formula 1 race victories, with both drivers having won 32 races apiece.

Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

Starting from pole position, 26-year-old Vettel took his dominant victory with a one-stop strategy and now extends his championship advantage to 53 points over Alonso, who finished the race in second place.

Vettel's Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber, arrived home in third place.

Paul Di Resta. (Photo: WRi2)

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

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

I think I'm jaded. I want more. No, I need more. What may have once impressed me no longer makes me take notice. I need more excitement, more oomph, more... something. Perhaps, had I not had the privilege of driving the Shelby GT500 or the BOSS 302 I'd have been more taken with the 5.0L GT.

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the drive, far from it -- I had a blast. I just felt like the vehicle could have given me more somehow. I'm afraid someone shelling out their hard-earned dollars will eventually feel the same way, especially if they take their friend's BOSS for a spin, and that's just not cool.


What is a Ford Mustang GT?
The Ford Mustang is the original “pony car,” and Ford's most legendary nameplate. First introduced in the ‘60s, there have been five generations of Mustangs over the years. While various trim levels have been offered over the decades, on the most popular and well-known trims was and is the GT.

The Ford Mustang GT is the sportiest affordable edition of a traditional Mustang. The price is the key here, as there are more powerful and better-performing models such as the Shelby GT500, but it costs quite a bit of coin.

2013 Ford Mustang GT Price and Specs
The Mustang GT is the most powerful “regular” ‘Stang in the lineup. Equipped with a 5.0L V8, the Mustang GT is good for 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque pushed out the rear wheels. And while there is a 6-speed automatic transmission available, I recommend the 6-speed manual (especially as it is in the GT with a short shifter for quick, tight throws).

A base 2013 Mustang GT will set you back $40,099 (at the time of writing there were, however, close to $7k in allowances and employee pricing discounts). However, I'd say very few people take the bare-bones Mustang GT, and so the price can go up very quickly. My tester had over $5k in options that included a $1,000 Shaker audio system (which isn't worth the money, in my opinion).

Equipped with a 5.0L V8, the Mustang GT is good for 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque pushed out the rear wheels. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Driving the 2013 Ford Mustang GT
While I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the whole affair, I still enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT. It's got plenty of grunt and just the right amount of attitude when asked to show a bit on the open road. Getting the back end to squiggle around a little is quite easy, as is usually the case with rear-wheel drive American “muscle” cars.

So, why underwhelmed? Well, I feel like the V8 could be louder, the exhaust note a bit more obnoxious, and the overall feel of the car a bit more hard core. I guess that's where my comparison with the Shelby GT500 comes in -- that car is a struggle every time you get behind the wheel, and I wish there was a bit more of that in the GT. While I realize the GT500 is quite a bit more expensive, I just don't feel enough of the 500's spirit has trickled down into the GT.

I love driving the Mustang V6, so I wanted to love driving the V8 even more -- and I didn't. I just kind of enjoyed it. I think the first few weeks, even months, you own a 2013 Mustang GT you'll get a kick out of driving it, but then the novelty will wear off, whereas I feel other similarly priced and powered cars out there retain their fun-to-drive-ness.

While I may have been a bit underwhelmed by the whole affair, I still enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT
In Grabber Blue, the Mustang GT stands out more than usual. With colours like Gotta Have it Green and Racing Red, Ford clearly wants their Mustangs to stick out from the crowd. New-for-2013 headlights were added to the front fascia, making the Mustang GT more expressive; so much so that a little boy at my son's day care exclaimed, “It looks like it wants to play!” when he saw it.

Indeed the 2013 Mustang GT looks to have much more of a personality, and that continues straight to the traditional fastback rear of the pony car. Signature three-bar taillights finish off the package with a massive, oversize GT symbol smack in the middle.

Inside the 2013 Mustang GT is snug, but in a good way. The backseats are actually very, very comfortable and cushy, but not made for those who have any sort of vertical height. The Recaro seats are cumbersome to move when putting my son in the back, and the bolstering proved too large for my arm placement in relation to the shifter -- the seat almost hindered even-gear shifts.

Inside the 2013 Mustang GT is snug, but in a good way. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)

Comparing the 2013 Mustang GT
Of course, the Mustang's main competitors are the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. All that American muscle means the decision may come down to which brand you're more loyal to, since they all essentially offer the same nostalgic experience behind the wheel.

From GMM

As the formula one paddock emptied at Monza, one rumour had moved into the realm of fact -- Kimi Raikkonen is returning to Ferrari in 2014.

The news was being confidently reported by broadcasters, including Germany's RTL, the major daily Bild, and even perhaps the most respected correspondent in the paddock, Auto Motor und Sport's Michael Schmidt.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo will reportedly inform Felipe Massa that his services are no longer required in a personal meeting at Maranello on Wednesday.

It would go some way to explaining the Italian team's current 'number 1' driver Fernando Alonso's foul mood and outbursts of recent days and weeks.

Bild reported that the long delay in the actual signing of Raikkonen's deal is because part of his management team, David Robertson, is in hospital in the US with cancer.

In the meantime, Spaniard Alonso has pushed hard for the status-quo, openly arguing that Massa should stay put. He has not won the day.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

Der Spiegel claims to even know who will pay Raikkonen's approximately EUR 20 million salary -- partly the Alonso-linked Spanish bank Santander, and partly team sponsor Shell.

"Let's see what happens," Massa told the Italian broadcaster Rai on Sunday. "Yes, this race was important for my future, but it doesn't mean that my only future can be (wearing) red."

He is also quoted by O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper: "He (Montezemolo) will not announce anything without talking to me, for sure. I love Ferrari. But the other teams also know what I can do."

Finn Raikkonen, as per usual, was also giving little away on Sunday.

"I don't know anything yet," he told the Rai broadcaster. "Once I know, I'll tell you."

Indeed, once the news becomes official, the really explosive speculation may begin.

The German dailies Bild and Welt already report that Alonso is so unhappy with Raikkonen's arrival that he could jump ship to fill the Finn's place at Lotus.

That move actually might not be as unlikely as it sounds.

Bild newspaper said it could coincide with a ramping up of works Renault support for the Enstone based team, backed fully by the French carmaker's chairman Carlos Ghosn.

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

When asked about that potentially explosive news, Lotus team boss Eric Boullier said: "If Fernando knocks on my door, I will answer it. I just hope that I can pay for it!"

He is also quoted by f1news.ru: "We are trying to establish a relationship with Renault and Total, which is important from a technical standpoint but it also may help on the financial side."

Switzerland's Blick newspaper reported that Nico Hulkenberg will definitely not be staying at Sauber next year.

The German has been linked with Massa's Ferrari seat, but he might also be a candidate to replace Raikkonen at Lotus.

"We all have plans and backup plans," said Eric Boullier.

When asked simply 'Kimi or Nico?' the Frenchman answered: "Good question."

There was a lot of speculation this past week at the Rallye Defi, round 3 of the 2013 Canadian Rally Championship surrounding the absence of one of the top runners, “Crazy” Leo Urlichich.

Urlichich has been a top competitor on the Canadian rally scene for the past three years, but he decided to put his career on hold to work on a new and exciting program.

“Crazy” Leo Urlichich (Photo: René Fagnan)

“I'm currently in Europe trying to put together a program to compete in one of the junior categories of the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year,” Leo told Auto123.com on Monday.

“Last winter, I injured myself while skiing and I got some time to stop and think about what I really wanted to do,” he continued.

“When it comes to rallying in Canada, my car [Subaru Impreza] is not recent, and the only way I can touch Antoine's [L'Estage] pace is to get a newer one. There's no point. And in Rally America series, the style of rallying forbids proper recces. And since the WRC has always been a dream, I decided now is the time to push for it. I worked on getting ideas on paper about sponsorship, the car, the team to run it, the social networks, the exposure, the physical and mental preparation, etc.”

“Don't be mistaken: I am fully aware that the WRC is another world. It is completely different from what I am used. I did the recce of the ADAC Rallye Deutschland recently and I realised how tough it is, and how much the pace notes are crucial,” Leo added.

Last year, Leo competed with Welsh co-driver Carl Williamson, who has co-driven for Jari-Matti Latvala in the Stobart Ford World Rally Team. Leo admits Williamson has helped fine tuning his drivng style.

“I developed my own note system which uses fewer words but gives a lot more information. I am now looking to find a new co-driver who could take notes using the same system. Because success in WRC is closely linked to getting the notes exactly right,” he told Auto123.com.

“Crazy” Leo confirmed he still owns his Impreza rally car, and he will still do some events in Canada.

He also expressed his gratitude to his mentors and sponsors Can-Jam Motorsports, for the support that is now becoming increasingly international. Right now Leo's side of the team is putting all the effort to the WRC project.

“I'll definitely do something here in Europe next year,” said the Russian-born Canadian.

From press release

Fabio Leimer and Adrian Quaiffe-Hobbs take win in Monza, as the Swiss driver moves up to the lead in provisional championship classification ahead of Sam Bird.

Fabio Leimer has grabbed his third feature race win of the season with a storming drive in scorching conditions on Saturday in Monza, stealing a march at the start to lead his rivals all race long, apart from the pitstop window, for victory ahead of Sam Bird and Tom Dillmann and, with it, the championship lead.

Fabio Leimer. (Photo: GP2 Series)

The win changes the shape of the drivers' championship, with Leimer leading Bird by 153 points to 145, while Coletti and Felipe Nasr failed to add to their points after both dropping out with mechanical gremlins, standing on 135 and 130 points respectively, ahead of Calado on 119.

RUSSIAN TIME moved up in first position in the teams' championship on 223 points to Racing Engineering's 205, ahead of Carlin on 198, DAMS on 165 and Rapax on 153 before Sunday's sprint race.

In sprint race, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs gave his rivals a driving lesson with a mature, aggressive drive to lead from lights to flag in changing conditions at this morning's sprint race in Monza, dictating terms all race long to win by almost two seconds from Alexander Rossi and Julian Leal.

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. (Photo: GP2 Series)

The win was set up at the start when poleman Rossi had a poor getaway, leaving the road clear for his fellow front row starter Quaife-Hobbs to easily lead into the chicane.

Although Bird closed the gap slightly in the drivers' championship, Leimer holds on to the lead with 159 points to 153, while Coletti and Nasr's race long battle on sunday made no difference to their point scores, at 135 and 130 respectively, ahead of Calado on 119 points.

RUSSIAN TIME extend their lead in the teams' championship over Racing Engineering by 237 points to 221, ahead of Carlin on 198 and DAMS on 165 as the field looks forward to the next round in Singapore in two weeks time.

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look

Another Golf-based mini minivan, but not for the U.S.

We've already seen the new seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf in both hatchback and station wagon bodystyles, but a third variant -- the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan -- will debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. Although Volkswagen calls this particular vehicle a concept, it's quick to note it's merely a warmed-over version of a production model that goes on sale in Europe in the middle of 2014.

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look

Another Golf-based mini minivan, but not for the U.S.

We've already seen the new seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf in both hatchback and station wagon bodystyles, but a third variant -- the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan -- will debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. Although Volkswagen calls this particular vehicle a concept, it's quick to note it's merely a warmed-over version of a production model that goes on sale in Europe in the middle of 2014.

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look - Automobile Magazine

Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept First Look | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Daimler plans to start selling a self-driving car by 2020 to become the first automaker to launch autonomous functions in production vehicles, the automaker's development chief Thomas Weber said.

Daimler expects a decision by the year end on joint production of compact cars with Nissan at a Nissan plant in Mexico, Mercedes-Benz production boss Andreas Renschler said.

Daimler expects a decision by the year end on joint production of compact cars with Nissan at a Nissan plant in Mexico, Mercedes-Benz production boss Andreas Renschler said.

Volkswagen expects production of vehicles based on its new MQB modular assembly architecture to soar in the next few years, Chief Financial Officer Hans Dieter Poetsch told a German newspaper.

Volkswagen expects production of vehicles based on its new MQB modular assembly architecture to soar in the next few years, Chief Financial Officer Hans Dieter Poetsch told a German newspaper.

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the

It's funny to think of any automobile as an upgrade from the 557-hp, $164,000 Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe. That might be the best way to describe the