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As part of a deal with Volkswagen Canada, Canadian rock band Walk Off The Earth has produced a three-part YouTube clip featuring different versions of their song Gang of Rhythm, including one in which a Volkswagen Beetle serves as an instrument.

While watching the video, you can switch between "Playful," "Soulful," and "Powerful" interpretations of the track.

Which one do you prefer?



Source: Adweek

On October 31st, 1957, the Americans discovered the Toyopet brand, aka Toyota. While the Japanese manufacturer today has a stronghold on the U.S. market, it wasn't always the case.

Despite its affordable prices, Toyopet failed to meet expectations in terms of build quality and comfort. The company later admitted that its cars were noisy and produced troubling sounds under acceleration. In 1965, only 2,314 units were sold.

Then came the Corona, sold under the Toyota name, which helped Toyota become the second largest foreign automaker in the U.S., behind Volkswagen.

Over the years, Toyota cars have gained a stellar reputation for safety, reliability, and fuel economy.

Source: Le Devoir

Photo: Toyota

It slipped...
The Prius is another staple household name that Toyota has successfully imprinted on North America's (read: the world's) psyche. The moment the name is heard hybrid comes to mind, much like a tissue is a Kleenex, and an icebox a Fridge.

The Toyota Prius is the benchmark dedicated hybrid vehicle or at least, it was. The advent of full EVs, numerous hybrid cars from other manufacturers, and variations on both themes have left the almighty Prius somewhat squeamish.

As a whole, the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is quite good at what it does. Its drive, roomy cabin, and quick charging time all work heavily in its favour. However, in a time and place where design and appeal weigh heavily on consumer's minds, the Prius slips behind a number of its latest competitors.


What is a Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid?
The Prius was Toyota's first foray into the then unknown and untested waters of the world of hybrid technology. It became an overnight success and solidified Japan's No. 1 carmaker's dedication to the hybrid powertrain.

The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is currently the ultimate iteration of this popular car. How popular? Nearly 3 million Prii have been sold worldwide to date.

The present third-generation Prius arrived for the 2010 model year and was joined by the Prius c and Prius v in the last 2 years.

The Prius was Toyota's first foray into the then unknown and untested waters of the world of hybrid technology. (Photo: Toyota)

Technicalities
The 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid is motivated by an Atkinson Cycle 1.8 L 4-Cylinder engine coupled to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). The latter consists of an electric motor mated to a CVT ‘box and an advanced Lithium-ion battery.

The combined output from the system is 134 hp. Standard features include electric power steering, a 3-hour full-charge time and a 22 km full-electric range.

The base 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid has a sticker price of $35,700. The Technology package adds $5,235.

The 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid is motivated by an Atkinson Cycle 1.8 L 4-Cylinder engine coupled to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). (Photo: Toyota)

Driving the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
As with every other hybrid, Plug-In or not, careful and precise modulation of the throttle is in order to maximize the use of the battery's charge. This action also plays an important role on range.

With a strong charge, the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will travel to roughly 100 km/h on electric power alone. The Prius prefers being utilized as an urban mode of transportation as this is where battery life is fully optimized thanks in part to regenerative braking. Maintaining highway speeds for even a short time will quickly deplete any remaining charge.

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid drives efficiently and seamlessly. Between sources of forward momentum, little to no lag or hesitation is present. Then again, Toyota's had 15 years to get it right.

The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid features three drive modes (EV, ECO, Power). The EV mode is automatically engaged when the battery is fully charged. It can be defeated through throttle pressure or the use of the console buttons. I found Power to be best for highway merging and passing; it is, however, battery murder.

I was able to briefly drive a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi and immediately noted an important difference in throttle response; the Fusion reacted (in full EV mode) more like a regular gas-powered car whereas the Prius' powertrain is far more apathetic and resistant.

Proof that the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is destined for urbanity is its very short turning radius, along with an especially soft ride.

The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid features three drive modes (EV, ECO, Power). (Photo: Toyota)

Inside and out of the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid's styling is not likely to change drastically any time soon. The wedge shape (trendy these days) practically owes its status to this car.

The cabin is a hit-and-miss affair. The most unfortunate is the top and centrally mounted digital display that would look more at home in a mid-‘80s Subaru. The information on hand is certainly pertinent, but its presentation is not.

The rest of the dashboard is fine with plenty of buttons for those who love to fiddle around. I'm no fan of the textured plastics as they look as bad as they feel. The console's waterfall shape allocates a large storage spot below it. The cabin is spacious and five adults can be seated is

The cabin is a hit-and-miss affair. The dashboard is fine with plenty of buttons for those who love to fiddle around. I'm no fan of the textured plastics as they look as bad as they feel. (Photo: Toyota)

Comparing the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid is a compelling piece of modern technology; however, the car's attractiveness has lessened. Thankfully, it has a name, but beyond that it's not as great as it should be.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi takes it to the cleaners on nearly every level. As time progresses, PHEV cars will multiply and likely outdo the Prius. I'm not concerned, as I'm certain the next Prius will reset the bar.

From GMM

Adrian Newey has dismissed suggestions Mark Webber's reliability problems are something other than just bad luck.

While Sebastian Vettel collected his four consecutive world championships, Australian Webber always seems to be the one struck by car problems.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner doesn't think Webber is simply harder on his equipment.

"I don't think so," he is quoted by Sky, after Webber's latest alternator problem in India.

It was believed Red Bull had got to the bottom of the recurring alternator issues of last year. Has the same gremlin returned?

"We don't know yet," car designer Adrian Newey told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

Mark Webber, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

He did at least dismiss the conspiracy theories.

"What can I say?" Adrian Newey answered. "I can only assure you that the conspiracies are nonsense. The cars are identical. It must just be bad luck."

Webber is retiring from F1 at the end of the season, and Newey said the Australian's detailed technical feedback will be missed.

"Mark's contribution should not be underestimated," said the Briton.

"Interestingly, Mark feels small aerodynamic changes in the car earlier and with more detail than Sebastian," revealed Newey.

From press release

As the start of the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship season rapidly approaches, Hyundai Motorsport continued to prepare for its upcoming challenge during October, testing the i20 WRC for a total of 15 days and driving more than 1000 km on both gravel and tarmac.

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

“This month was exceptionally busy for us: we were out testing the i20 WRC on both surfaces for more than half of the month, with our three test drivers swapping the seat on four separate test sessions. We now have two latest-spec i20 WRC, which allows us to further intensify the development schedule by alternating between the two chassis,” said Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan.

“Overall, it was a positive month as we managed to test new parts, try different set-up solutions and cover some good mileage with the car.”

October's testing kicked off with a four-day gravel test in the south of Spain where the team continued to assess the behaviour of the i20 WRC in warm weather conditions with both Juho Hänninen and Chris Atkinson on duty.

“During this test we took the opportunity to continue the development of the car on gravel conditions, similar to the ones we will find in Portugal and Sardinia next year. We tried several configurations for these kinds of terrains and evaluated some new components which we hadn't tested before,” explained Nandan.

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

The Hyundai Motorsport team then moved from the south of Spain up to the Catalonia region for a five-day gravel test. This was followed by a tarmac test in Baumholder, Germany, home of the iconic Arena Panzerplatte, which forms part of Rallye Deutschland's itinerary.

“After concentrating on loose surfaces in the first part of October, we took the i20 WRC to tarmac for a test on the same conditions of Rallye Deutschland. We had some new suspension parts to try as we hadn't tested on tarmac since August,” Nandan continued.

In the final week of October, the team continues tarmac development in Catalonia on the roads of Rally de España, the penultimate round of the WRC, which was held last week. “Testing on the same roads as the rally allows us to start to have some references on the stages we will tackle next year,” concluded Nandan.

This month marked also the beginning of another important process for the Hyundai Motorsport team. The dossier for the homologation of the i20 WRC needs to be compiled and lodged by the FIA by the end of October.

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

From NASCAR

NASCAR issued penalties to the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team Thursday in the wake of an on-track incident and its aftermath after a crash involving Kevin Harvick and Ty Dillon in Saturday's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Martinsville Speedway.

NASCAR fined crew chief Marcus Richmond $10,000 and indefinitely suspended RCR crew member Adam Brown who threw a sledgehammer at Harvick's truck.

Harvick and Dillon had an argument out on the race track and made contact before they made their way back to pit road.

The Childress crew confronted Harvick, needing to be separated by NASCAR officials from the driver's compartment. Brown, listed as a mechanic on the team roster on RCR's website, lofted a padded mallet at Harvick's truck during the scrum.

We told you last week that Auto123.com's Justin Pritchard was the second runner-up for the AJAC's 2013 Automotive Journalist of the Year award. Well, other members of our team were recognized during the award ceremony.

Pirelli Photo Awards
Published Category: Matt St-Pierre (runner-up)
Unpublished Category: Alexandra Straub (winner)

Integrated Automotive Video Journalism Awards
Web Category:
Justin Pritchard (runner-up)



Julie Wilkinson Motorsport Journalism Award

Alexandra Straub (runner-up)

Congratulations to our brilliant journalists!

From GMM

A lack of sponsors and the power of pay-drivers could lock Nico Hulkenberg out of formula one.

On the one hand, the German is the hot property at the tail-end of the 2014 'silly season', linked with moves to Lotus, McLaren and Sahara Force India.

McLaren, however, is tipped to stick with the Mexican-backed Sergio Perez, while Pastor Maldonado's PDVSA millions are speaking loudly at Lotus, whose 35 per cent team sale to a group of investors may have failed.

Staying at Sauber could be problematic for Hulkenberg because of the importance of Sergey Sirotkin, Esteban Gutierrez or even Vitaly Petrov's powerful backers, and even a return to Sahara Force India may now be off the table.

McLaren is desperately seeking a F1 seat for its youngster, the new Formula Renault 3.5 champion Jan Magnussen, and Marussia seems to fit the bill.

"Kevin has impressed us in the tests he has done," sporting director Graeme Lowdon is quoted by France's L'Equipe.

"We are a team that brings young drivers into F1 so it (signing him) would fit with us," he added.

However, with the Ferrari-linked Jules Bianchi already signed for 2014, Lowdon said he would also like to keep Max Chilton on board, because continuity and experience will be important for the all-new rules next year.

Max Chilton aboard the MR02 in India. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

Briton Chilton also has millions in backing courtesy of the insurance giant Aon, where his father Grahame is the vice chairman.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Chilton's departure at Marussia could see his reportedly EUR 12 million in Aon backing race straight to Sahara Force India.

Sahara Force India is believed to be extending its deal with Adrian Sutil, who has some backing by the German computer company Medion.

That leaves the substantially unsponsored Paul di Resta, who has had an often fraught 2013 season, in the dark.

"It's mighty tough out there at the moment," the Scot told the Telegraph this week. "Who wouldn't be worried?"

In short, even Hulkenberg and his manager Werner Heinz are having "sleepless nights" about the situation, the Swiss newspaper Blick claims.

The Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway for automobiles across the U.S., was inaugurated on October 31st, 1913. Stretching from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, it originally crossed 13 states over a distance of 5,454 kilometres.

Numerous realignments and additions were made over the years, so the Lincoln Highway now covers 9,450 kilometres.

Image: Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Highway Association, originally established in 1913 to plan, promote, and sign the highway, was re-formed in 1992 and is now dedicated to promoting and preserving the road.

Celebrations took place this summer as part of the 100th anniversary. Over 270 people travelling in 140 vehicles, from 28 states and from Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Norway and Russia, participated in the two tours which started simultaneously the last week of June in New York City and San Francisco, and took one week to reach the midpoint of the Lincoln Highway in Kearney, Nebraska.

Sources: Wikipedia and Lincoln Highway

One very talented female racer, Britain's Alice Powell will return to the GP3series this weekend for the season finale in Abu Dhabi with Bamboo Engineering.

Miss Powell competed in the GP3 series last year and she became the first and only women to have scored a championship point.

However, due to a lack of sponsorship, she left GP3 and raced in the more affordable F3 Cup this season where she finished as runner-up.

A last-moment deal was struck earlier this week for Powell to take the spot of Bamboo Engineering's Meville McKee at the Yas Marina Circuit, which has given her little time to prepare.

It will be Powell's first experience in the current normally aspirated, AER 6-cylinder car introduced at the start of this season.

From GMM

In a further sign that Kimi Raikkonen's relationship with Lotus is dead in the water with three races still to run in 2013, his manager says the radio rudeness in India last Sunday was unprecedented.

"I've never heard of a driver being spoken to like that," Raikkonen's manager Steve Robertson told Turun Sanomat newspaper.

He is referring to Alan Permane's radio message to Raikkonen during the Indian grand prix, where the Finn was told to "get out of the f***ing way".

Speaking to Finland's Ilta Sanomat, Mika Hakkinen agrees: "In the teams that I drove, radio messages were never delivered with profanity."

The double world champion added that Permane's radio call to Raikkonen was neither "smart" nor "correct".

Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus F1 Team. (Photo: WRi2)

Another former F1 driver, Mika Salo, said it is up to F1 team members to "remain calm".

"Raikkonen's departure is a big blow to the team both in terms of marketing and the results," Salo told MTV3 broadcaster. "You can see they are now trying to make Grosjean into a winner, so that they can still explain to sponsors and investors that they have a good guy in the garage."

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier apologised for the outburst, but only after Permane revealed on Twitter that some of Raikkonen's fans threatened to "kill my family".

Alan Permane called those fans "losers", but the tweets were later deleted.

Robertson, meanwhile, said Raikkonen - who angered Lotus recently when he said he only signed for Ferrari because he hasn't been paid - has no intention of giving up wheel-to-wheel battles with his teammate Grosjean.

"Kimi will always try to fight whenever it is possible," he said.

"Of course, Kimi also knows how to fight for the team, so that if his teammate is fighting for the championship, for example, he wouldn't get in the way. But Grosjean is not fighting for the championship, so in that way he is just like any other driver on the track," Steve Robertson insisted.

From GMM

Paddy Lowe, 51, married his girlfriend Anna Danshina, 31, between the Indian and Abu Dhabi grands prix.

Bild newspaper reports that Ross Brawn's future successor as Mercedes team boss proposed to Danshina, who Lowe met in 2012, just three weeks ago.

"It just felt right," Briton Lowe, who for years was McLaren's technical director, told the German newspaper.

Bild said Paddy Lowe will forgo a honeymoon by returning to the pitwall in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Paddy Lowe and Ross Brawn, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

The Adrian Newey era at Red Bull could be nearing its end.

It emerged last weekend that, after four consecutive championship clean-sweeps with Sebastian Vettel, the eyes of the team's famous designer may be wandering elsewhere.

"Maybe the America's Cup, who knows?" said the 54-year-old Briton, admitting a new project could be on the horizon.

Now, the Mirror newspaper reports that Sir Ben Ainslie, the famous British sailor, is travelling to Abu Dhabi this weekend and will meet with Newey.

"Someone with his (Newey's) design and technical experience would be invaluable," said Ainslie.

Christian Horner and Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

It is already known that Red Bull is losing its other two key figures in Newey's renowned aerodynamics department.

McLaren is waiting for Peter Prodromou's 2014 contract to expire before welcoming him to Woking, and we reported recently that his 'number 2' has also been signed by the British team.

Until now, that 'deputy' has been unnamed, but Germany's Auto Motor und Sport has now identified him as Dan Fallows.

Fallows' job title at Red Bull is aerodynamics team leader.

"McLaren obviously have lost significant technical staff over the last few years and it is only natural that they are looking to recruit," Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told F1's official website.

Most fans know the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans car race, but very few are aware that a similar 24-hour event is staged for racing karts.

These purebred race machines of Class 1 are powered by two-stroke, 125cc, liquid-cooled engines that develop 34 horses. Gearboxes are prohibited, but the karts are fitted with an electric starter and a centrifugal clutch.

Every component has been designed or modified for endurance racing. Basic repairs and driver changes can be executed in the blink of an eye.

In this video, note that the team do not fill up the fuel tank. The empty rank is simply replaced by another one that is full of gasoline. The switch is rapidly done thanks to a quick connector.

If you think these cars are not fast, note that the record for the distance covered during the race (established in 2006 and still unbeaten to this day) is 1,670 laps or 2,004km (1,245 miles)!

HANOVER, Germany - Add a pinch of unobtanium to something and it instantly becomes more desirable. As the sole Canadians at the international launch of the Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG, after hearing there was no point in us driving the two A 45 AMG models available (since they wouldn't be coming to Canada), of course, we couldn't wait to get our hands on it.

The A 45 AMG is such a blast that the car we were actually brought there to drive paled by comparison.


What is the 2014 Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG 4MATIC?
Quite simply, the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is the most powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder production car in existence. It's a rather dramatic departure for AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. Not only is it a four-pot produced by a company who built their reputation on powerful 8-cylinder coupes, but the A 45 AMG is also a compact, transverse-engine, all-wheel-drive hatchback with a front-wheel drive bias.

Quite simply, the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is the most powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder production car in existence. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

2014 Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG Price and Specs
Just like its 6.2L and 5.5L V8 counterparts, the A 45's 2.0L engine is hand-built from start to finish by one technician. The in-line four has a single twin-scroll turbocharger and producers 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, which works out to 173 horsepower per litre, more than some supercars. With that much power channelled through the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the all-wheel-drive configuration was a wise choice, as there's no hint of what could have been some pretty epically dramatic torque-steer. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch manages the torque distribution between front and rear axles.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4MATIC would cost an estimated $45,000 (€57,000 with European taxes).

For our limited "Edition 1" tester, featuring matte paint, a trick roof spoiler, larger front splitter, carbon-fibre trim inside and out, privacy glass, AMG performance exhaust and suspension, AMG performance seats, red callipers, and 19" wheels factor in another probable $15,000.

The A 45's 2.0L engine is hand-built from start to finish by one technician. The in-line four has a single twin-scroll turbocharger and producers 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Driving the 2014 Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG 4MATIC
This hot little 5-door hatch is one of the nimblest offerings ever to come out of Mercedes-Benz's Skunk Works division. Stiffer, firmer, and more communicative than its sibling the CLA 45, the A 45 is clearly meant to be thrown about in fun.

The engine in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG fires up with a raucous blatt that's giggle-inducing and any disappointment we may have felt over the lack of a manual gearbox was quickly dispelled by the Gatling-gun downshifts of the DCT that offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus for re-mapping gear changes and throttle response. Sport Plus's rev-matching throttle blips and snort-y downshift blatts are pure sonic entertainment.

Steering is sharp and throughout the winding, cobblestone streets of Hanover's rural outskirts, the 2014 A 45 AMG displayed extremely firm handling and neutral balance. The car will reportedly sprint from 0-100 km/hr in 4.6 seconds.

We expressed our disappointment at the car's Canadian unavailability to AMG Chairman Ola Källenius, who hinted that the future lineup just might compensate for our loss.

This hot little 5-door hatch is one of the nimblest offerings ever to come out of Mercedes-Benz's Skunk Works division. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG
With its matte Mountain Grey Designo paint, snarling front splitter and red callipers peeping through gun-metal grey, multispoke 19" rims looks every inch the hot hatch it's purported to be.

Its snout wears the large, familial tri-star, framed by the AMG twin-blade grille. The blunt but tidy rear is topped with a neat spoiler, while quad tailpipes are embedded in a black trimmed rear diffuser. Sharp character lines break up the side flank sheet metal, adding visual drama and flair.

The cockpit features many signature AMG touches: sports bucket seats in Artico manmade leather, flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, carbon-fibre trimmed dash with black & red air vents, and AMG instrument cluster.

The cockpit features many signature AMG touches. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG 4MATIC
The A 45 AMG's closest competitor is another Teutonic hot hatch, the Audi S3 that has less power at 296 hp/280 lb-ft of torque and does the 0-100 run in 5.2 seconds. However, the Audi will be coming to Canada in 2014.

BMW's 1M could also be considered in the same class as the A 45 AMG, with 316 horsepower and 332 lb-ft sans all-wheel drive option.

The very first compact car built by AMG and targeted towards the young performance buyer - the 45 AMG is one of the most exciting hot hatches on the market today. All of which intensifies the frustration that we won't be able to buy one.

2014 Chevrolet Sonic

If the Cruze was the first indication that Chevrolet could finally shift away from building subpar small cars, the Sonic was confirmation.

New For 2014

A rearview camera is now standard on the 2014 Chevroletn Sonic LTZ and RS models, but the most interesting safety-related gadgets are available as part of a new Safety Package. Offered on LT, LTZ, and RS trims, the package includes both lane-departure-warning and forward-collision-alert systems, both features not commonly found in this market segment.

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2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe is certainly a large, full-size SUV, but it's not as big as it could be.

2014 Chevrolet Tahoe LS models gain a raft of standard equipment, including remote start, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and rear park assist -- all features previously available as optional equipment.

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2014 Chevrolet Spark

There's no denying that the 2014 Chevrolet Spark is a youthful car.

New For 2014

There's no denying that the 2014 Chevrolet Spark is a youthful car, aimed at the vibrant millennial customers GM desperately wants to lure into showrooms. That said, when stacked against some of its supersmall-car competitors -- such as the Scion iQ, the Mitsubishi Mirage, and the Fiat 500 -- the 2014 Chevrolet Spark actually looks like a surprisingly mature choice.

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2014 Chevrolet Volt

It's a hybrid. It's an electric. The reality is that the 2014 Volt lies somewhere between those two categories.

New For 2014

Chevrolet has only mild cosmetic tweaks in store for the 2014 Volt. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is now standard, while heated front seats are optional on cars equipped with cloth seating surfaces. The charge-port cover, located ahead of the driver’s door, now opens with a simple push instead of an internal release. Two new paint colors join the lineup, while the available jet black interior scheme now incorporates monochromatic seats.

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Tower International, which supplies structural metal components and assemblies to automakers, said today it posted third-quarter net income of $3.3 million.