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Magna has opened its sixth drivetrain component plant in China, in the northern city of Tianjin. The $68 million (419 million yuan) factory will employ 400 people at full production, the supplier said.

Magna has opened its sixth drivetrain component plant in China, in the northern city of Tianjin. The $68 million (419 million yuan) factory will employ 400 people at full production, the supplier said.

TrueCar is irking some dealers again, this time by demanding payment for all vehicles sold to customers who downloaded TrueCar-sponsored price offers.

Cadillac will expand its new vSport line as an answer to rivals' performance-oriented lines, such as Audi's S packages and BMW's M Sport models.

Stout pricing has been a hallmark of the four-year sales rebound. Consumers aren't just buying a lot of vehicles.

For years, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group sang the praises of diesel in the United States as a lonely trio.

Automotive News takes a look back at Subaru's advertising strategy through triumphs and pitfalls, as the brand tried to become a major player in the United States.

Eager to regain market share in the price-sensitive compact segment, Toyota is cutting customer lease payments on the redesigned 2014 Corolla by setting residual values much higher than in the past, according to dealers and lease trackers.

Tom Doll, president of Subaru of America, wears rubber wristbands as a constant reminder of his 2013 sales goal.

Volkswagen has taken the Golf R hatchback in a more aggressive styling direction, according to photos and details released before its debut at the Frankfurt auto show.

Green shoots of recovery are beginning to appear for Europe's carmakers, despite continued shrinkage in the region's overall new-car sales.

Tom Doll, president of Subaru of America, wears rubber wristbands as a constant reminder of his 2013 sales goal.

TrueCar is irking some dealers again, this time by demanding payment for all vehicles sold to customers who downloaded TrueCar-sponsored price offers.

Automotive News takes a look back at Subaru's advertising strategy through triumphs and pitfalls, as the brand tried to become a major player in the United States.

For years, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group sang the praises of diesel in the United States as a lonely trio.

Stout pricing has been a hallmark of the four-year sales rebound. Consumers aren't just buying a lot of vehicles.

Eager to regain market share in the price-sensitive compact segment, Toyota is cutting customer lease payments on the redesigned 2014 Corolla by setting residual values much higher than in the past, according to dealers and lease trackers.

Green shoots of recovery are beginning to appear for Europe's carmakers, despite continued shrinkage in the region's overall new-car sales.

I'm a big guy who's always loved the MINI Cooper because it's a machine that's surprisingly accommodating, great on fuel, and (most importantly) hilariously fun to drive. Building on that last attribute, MINI just released a new model targeting hardcore MINI-fans after a no-nonsense, all-out, race-ready sports model: The MINI John Cooper Works GP.


What is a MINI John Cooper Works GP?
On the surface, decals, special wheels, a splitter, a spoiler, and enlarged exhaust tips strongly signal this top-line sports model's intentions. Beneath the skin, it's got shock absorbers that can be adjusted with a wrench to fine-tune the handling to your favourite racetrack, very special Kumho racing slicks, and a set of brakes from the BMW 1M performance car. These deliver prodigious stopping power -- especially considering the GP's light weight.

That weight is even trimmer here than in standard form because the MINI GP has no rear seat, no cruise control, and no spare tire provisions.

This MINI Cooper is equip with a very special Kumho racing slicks and a set of brakes from the BMW 1M performance car. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP Price and Specs
Power comes from a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 211 horsepower and nearly as much torque -- and the effect in a car as small and light as the GP translates into some serious firepower. Low-end grunt is richly delivered in an on-demand manner, and a mellow, deep and distinctive exhaust note follows the GP.

Mileage on my watch landed well under 9L/100km -- including plenty of high-speed highway driving. Few machines on the road today pack this powerful a blend of fuel efficiency and all-out performance.

You can park a 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP in your driveway starting at $44,900.

Power comes from a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 211 horsepower and nearly as much torque -- and the effect in a car as small and light as the GP translates into some serious firepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP
Drivers can watch the neck-straining acceleration via the Cooper GP's dinner-plate-size speedometer that sits just above the light-effort 6-speed manual shifter. The clutch bites positively, though the electronic throttle numbs gas-pedal inputs when drivers shift assertively, perhaps trying to keep undue strain off the driveline.

Engage the sport-enhancing “GP Mode” from the traction control system to drive like a bit of a hooligan, and the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP shines. The immediacy, even abruptness, to inputs uses every touch of the pedal and every twist of the wheel to tell you that this is a serious performance car. The MINI GP offers startling reactions to all inputs, handling that's completely flat, and more grip than you'll know what to do with.

Stopping power is rather startling, too. Stopping space was frequently over-judged for hard-brake testing. The 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP feels like it'll nearly do an end-o when you jam the middle pedal.

Ultimately, it's the car's steering that shines the brightest. Even the smallest movement is translated into a big steering reaction, supporting an effortlessly mischievous corner-carving experience.

If I've ever driven a car on this side of 70k that felt so ready to hit the racetrack, I don't know what it was. As opposed to building a weekend racecar yourself, this one has a warranty and doesn't require waiting for your eBay parts to arrive so you can slave away for hours in the garage to install them.

The 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP is relatively peaceful, refined, and easygoing on the highway, too.

Drivers can watch the neck-straining acceleration via the Cooper GP's dinner-plate-size speedometer that sits just above the light-effort 6-speed manual shifter. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Inside and Out of the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP
Where “fun factor” is concerned, the Cooper GP nails it. Though it shines when driven hard, it's also “fun” when it comes time to refuel, given its very high thrills-per-litre ratio. The GP can also snipe any parking space or gap in traffic as required thanks to its humorous size.

Complaints mainly centered around the lack of cruise control, which results in accidental arrival at way-too-high speeds on the highway as the sneaky little turbocharger discreetly ramps velocities upwards.

Finally, shoppers are cautioned to be sure they'll benefit from the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP's track-readiness, as the tires offer a mere 50 wear rating, and the racing suspension requires a more intensive maintenance schedule than standard models.

The GP can also snipe any parking space or gap in traffic as required thanks to its humorous size. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP
There's no other hot-hatch quite like this one. Neither the Mazdaspeed3, nor the Volkswagen GTI nor the Ford Focus ST feel as sharp, agile or instantly ready to hit the track, even if they are less expensive and more everyday friendly. Conversely, the Cooper GP's price will easily get shoppers a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI -- both of which deliver all-season performance, all-wheel drive thrills and plenty of racecar hardware, too.

Shoppers interested in the MINI GP's blend of giggle-inducing dynamics, fuel efficiency and standout factor are advised to investigate the model quickly: only 50 are available for the Canadian market.

L.P. Dumoulin earned his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' victory by winning the Pinty's presents the Clarington 200 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The 2011 series rookie of the year claimed the victory over runner-up Martin Roy and third-place Andrew Ranger after 42 laps under a yellow-checkered finish.

A multi-car accident in Turn 8 of the 2.459-mile course brought out the record-tying sixth caution.

D.J. Kennington, who took over the points lead finished fourth while J.R. Fitzpatrick rounded out the top five.

Rookies Marc-Antoine Camirand and Gary Klutt finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Jeff Lapcevich, Howie Scannell Jr. and Robin Buck rounded out the top 10.

With two races remaining, Kennington leads Steckly by three points (387-384) and Dumoulin (366) by 21. Hathaway dropped a spot, six points back of Dumoulin.

The runner-up finish for Roy was his best in 26 career starts, and well ahead of his previous best result in three appearances at the track, which was 14th.

Sunday marked the first time in 85 all-time Canadian Tire Series events that the podium consisted entirely of Quebec natives with Dumoulin, Roy (Napierville) and Ranger (Roxton Pond).

With the road-course portion of the schedule complete, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series wraps up the 2013 campaign with a pair of oval track races. Next up is the Hudco Electric Supply 300 at Barrie (Ont.) Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 8.