Auto News 5

Would you look at that? They started building Saabs again. A bright future, perhaps, for the

It's no secret that we're fans of classic BMWs, and this week there's one on eBay that appears to tick all the right boxes. This

Recently, we featured a watch, a nice watch, in the Sept. 16 print issue of Autoweek as part of our coverage of Ron Howard's "Rush."

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are gaining market share in Europe at the expense of mass-market rivals as they push into making smaller cars.

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are gaining market share in Europe at the expense of mass-market rivals as they push into making smaller cars.

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are gaining market share in Europe at the expense of mass-market rivals as they push into making smaller cars.

German premium automakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz are gaining market share in Europe at the expense of mass-market rivals as they push into making smaller cars.

A new compact car platform under discussion between Daimler and Renault-Nissan could be used for non-premium cars sold by Renault and Nissan.

German partsmaker Dr. Schneider Automotive Systems will invest $29 million (about 22 million euros) to open its second factory in the United States.

Tesla is working to produce a car capable of running on "auto-pilot" within the next three years, CEO Elon Musk said, joining Google and rival carmakers in the race to roll out a driverless car.

A new compact car platform under discussion between Daimler and Renault-Nissan could be used for non-premium cars sold by Renault and Nissan.

German partsmaker Dr. Schneider Automotive Systems will invest $29 million (about 22 million euros) to open its second factory in the United States.

Tesla is working to produce a car capable of running on "auto-pilot" within the next three years, CEO Elon Musk said, joining Google and rival carmakers in the race to roll out a driverless car.

A new compact car platform under discussion between Daimler and Renault-Nissan could be used for non-premium cars sold by Renault and Nissan.

German partsmaker Dr. Schneider Automotive Systems will invest $29 million (about 22 million euros) to open its second factory in the United States.

Tesla Motors is working to produce a car capable of running on "auto-pilot" within the next three years, CEO Elon Musk said, joining Google and rival carmakers in the race to roll a driverless car into the market.

Mazda Canada has revealed pricing for the all-new 2014 Mazda3, which will go on sale next month starting at $15,995. The car will feature the full complement of SKYACTIV technology, along with the exclusive capacitor-based i-ELOOP regenerative braking system.

Two engines will be available with the 2014 Mazda3 including a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G on GX and GS models, as well as a 2.5L SKYACTIV-G rated at 184 horsepower in GT trim.

Fuel consumption for the 2.0L unit is 6.8L/100km in the city and 4.8L/100km on the highway when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. The optional 6-speed autobox improves these numbers to 6.7 and 4.7L/100km, respectively.

Meanwhile, with 7.2L/100km in the city and 5.1L/100km on the highway, the 2014 Mazda3 GT shows that power and fuel economy are not mutually exclusive. When equipped with i-ELOOP from the Technology Package, fuel economy is improved even further to 7.1 and 5.0L/100km.

2014 Mazda3 prices

• Mazda3 GX: $15,995 (+$1,200 for automatic transmission)
• Mazda3 GS: $19,695 (automatic transmission available)
• Mazda3 GT (SKYACTIV-Drive): $25,855

Photo: Mazda

The Marina Bay Formula 1 circuit in Singapore will have a second DRS zone for this year's race.

The detection point of the first zone will be located 230m before Turn 5 and the activation zone will begin 50m after the apex of Turn 5.

The detection point of the second zone will be located 80m before the apex of Turn22 and the activation zone will begin 45m after the apex of Turn 23.


Lotus's trackside operations director Alan Permane expects the extra DRS zone will do little to make it easier for drivers to pass each other.

“The additional DRS zone along the pit straight is very short so we wouldn't expect that to have much of a bearing on overtaking,” said Permane in a Lotus press release.

“It may help a driver close up to the car in front through the opening sequence of corners, but even the original section from turn five to seven is quite a tricky place to make a move so it's unlikely to have a major influence.”

The fallout from the NASCAR race Richmond fiasco continues as NAPA, one of Michael Waltrip Racing's earliest and major sponsors, has announced that it's ending its contract prematurely at the end of this year.

The auto parts retailer made the announcement on its Facebook page.

“After thorough consideration, NAPA has made the difficult decision to end its sponsorship arrangement with Michael Waltrip Racing effective December 31, 2013. NAPA believes in fair play and does not condone actions such as those that led to the penalties assessed by NASCAR. We remain supportive of the millions of NASCAR fans and will evaluate our future position in motorsports.”

Martin Truex Jr., Michael Waltrip Racing. (Photo: NASCAR)

MWR was singled out by NASCAR, for the manipulation of the outcome of the Richmond race. The sanctioning body imposed the heaviest penalties in NASCAR history in terms of points against the three MWR teams, indefinite suspension of competition director, Ty Norris, and fines against MWR. MWR driver Martin Truex, Jr., (whose Toyota wears NAPA livery) points penalty, knocked him out of the Chase.

“Michael Waltrip Racing respects the decision NAPA announced today following the events at Richmond. There is no doubt, the story of Michael Waltrip Racing begins with NAPA Auto Parts, but there are many more chapters yet to be written. MWR has the infrastructure and support of Toyota for three teams plus three Chase-caliber, race-winning drivers. With the support of our corporate partners we are preparing to field three teams in 2014. MWR is a resilient organization capable of winning races and competing for the championship and that remains our sole focus,” said the team in a written statement.

Chad Johnston and Martin Truex Jr. wearing NAPA colors. (Photo: Michael Waltrip Racing)

NAPA had sponsored Waltrip going back to his years with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated's race team in 2001.

Top down. Sun out. Ignition on. Clutch in. First gear. Start moving. Shift gears. Repeat.

That's driving awesomeness -- or at least it's driving the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS. With its True Red exterior paired with a Brilliant Black retractable hardtop, 17" dark gunmetal wheels and more, looking good in the roadster is easy. Feeling great is even easier.

What is the Mazda MX-5?
If you haven't heard of the MX-5 before -- previously known as the Miata -- you have probably been living under a rock. Or don't have the internet. Just kidding. Since its introduction in 1990 as a 1991 model, it has sold millions of units worldwide, earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and is raced on tracks around the world.


2013 Mazda MX-5 GS Price and Specs
The front-engine, rear-wheel drive MX-5 is the essence of what a sports car should be.

With a sport-tuned suspension complete with Bilstein shocks, a limited slip differential, and a 6-speed manual transmission, it's a recipe for a good time.

There's 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque generated from the 2013 Mazda MX-5's 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine. While it might not look that impressive on paper, the MX-5 only weighs 1,182 kg (2,606 lbs.), therefore it has a swiftness to it.

Moving through the close-ratio, 6-speed manual also proves to be one of the shining attributes of the tiny two-door's persona.

Where the MX-5 falls short is in standard equipment. Better yet, stuff people look for in cars these days. Particularly a Bluetooth system. With most Canadian provinces employing a handsfree policy, Bluetooth is high on the list of features drivers seek. It's a quick fix if you have a headset, but I wish it came, especially with the $36,045 price tag of the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS. It is, however, standard equipment on the top-of-the line GT trim.

There's 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque generated from the 2013 Mazda MX-5's 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Driving the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
It's peppy, without the drama. Shifts are smooth, the clutch isn't too hefty to push in and it has a spring in its step. Whether going for a joyride or driving with a purpose in mind, the 2013 Mazda MX-5 makes it enjoyable -- top up or down.

Speaking of putting the top down, it's fairly straightforward. Undo the latch where it says "release," push the button on the centre stack and, within seconds, the world opens up. To reverse the process, hold the button down with the "top up" icon, wait a few seconds and then do up the latch.

Life is good.

When it comes to fuel economy, it's rated at using an estimated 9.7L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway. Mazda does recommend filling it up with premium fuel. The 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS is a performance machine, after all, but that's your call to make if you want to go with a lower octane.

It's peppy, without the drama. Shifts are smooth, the clutch isn't too hefty to push in and it has a spring in its step. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
With room for two inside, don't expect much more. Granted, there are a couple of nooks for some personal items, but it's pretty tight inside.

Taller people could find it somewhat cramped, even with the seats extended all the way back.

Plus, this roadster has ground-hugging attributes, so it sits very low. Ingress and egress requires some effort; effort I'm willing to put in.

Don't get too excited when you I say there's only 150 litres of trunk space. Let's face it, that's not a lot. On the bright side, when the top is down, the retractable roof doesn't encroach upon the meagre trunk space.

Then there's the USB plug, or lack thereof. For those who enjoy listening to their tunage from their MP3 players or listening to audio books or anything in between, you'll either have to dig out your aux cord or get it on a CD. You remember those round things that hold music files?

Are these make-or-break qualms in regards to the MX-5? Not at all.

This roadster has ground-hugging attributes, so it sits very low. Ingress and egress requires some effort. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Comparing the 2013 Mazda MX-5 GS
Currently, the MINI Roadster can be pinned up against the MX-5. That said, the MINI comes with a front-wheel drive configuration, not rear-wheel.

However, both these pint-sized vehicles still dish up a healthy dose of fun.