Auto News 5

For the second time in his career NASCAR driver, Brian Vickers, will close out a season on the sidelines.

Vickers' Sprint Cup Team, Michael Waltrip Racing, sent out an announcement on Monday morning that Vickers said DR. William Downey put the driver of the No. 55 Toyota on on blood thinning medication after finding the small clot in a Monday morning examination.

Back in 2010 Vickers who was then driving for the defunct Red Bull Racing team in NASCAR had to miss the last half of the season while recovering from blood clots and heart surgery to repair a hole between his atria. RBR, subsequently, went out of business leaving Vickers without a full-time job.

The team announcement added that doctors are confident he will be able to climb back in the cockpit before the 2014 season.

"If there's anything to be positive about with today's news it's that this is only a temporary setback," Vickers said in a team release. "The timing for this is never good, but I'm glad we'll get it out of the way now and be ready to run for a championship with the Aaron's Dream Machine in 2014."

Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip Racing. (Photo: NASCAR)

Vickers' manager, Don Rohr, also tweeted “just walked and talked with BV. Good spirits. Just another set back. He stopped to sign for the fans outside the race shop too.”

"We were just informed this morning and our concern is for Brian's health," MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman said. "Anything else will be worked out in due course."

Vickers also was driving part-time in the Sprint Cup Series, and a full-time contestant in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing while waiting to resume a full-time ride in Sprint Cup with MWR in 2014.

The 29-year old driver's road back to Sprint Cup includes one victory this for MWR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway ending a 75-race winless drought.

MWR said it would name a replacement later.

From press release

Ander Villarino clinches his second consecutive title in the NASCAR Whelen Euroseries after the final rounds presented at Le Mans.

Frederic Gabillon had no rivals on Saturday, in the first Elite race of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Le Mans Finals at the Bugatti Circuit of Le Mans. The Frenchman took a lights to flag victory and won his third race of the season, reducing the points gap from Ander Vilarino, who got involved in a contact at the start.

Ander Vilarino could have lived a nightmare sunday, but he managed to win his second consecutive title in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series. Although he was pushed and span in the last lap of the decisive race at the Bugatti Circuit, the Spaniard reached a 4th place that was enough to preserve a 4-points adavantage over Frederic Gabillon. The Frenchman closed a perfect week-end with a his fourth win of the season.

Photo: NASCAR Euro Series

Before spending a week with the 2013 Ford Focus Electric, I asked myself: Where's the fun in driving a car that's so quiet? Well, I got a resounding answer in the form of the most laid-back and relaxing car I've ever driven. What an awesome product! I so want one!


What is the Ford Focus Electric?
Much like its main rival, the Nissan LEAF, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive and seating for five. However, instead of offering a unique, futuristic interior layout, it proves eerily similar to every other member of the Focus family.

The 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive and seating for five. (Photo: Richard Roch)

2013 Ford Focus Electric Price and Specs
Under the hood of the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a permanent-magnet electric motor that generates a very reasonable 143 horsepower. It draws energy from a 23 kWh lithium-ion battery (located in the trunk) that can be charged through any 120V household outlet. Using this power source, a full charge may take around 20 hours.

Unlike the gasoline-powered variant, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric produces a healthy 184 lb-ft of torque right off the bat. When accelerating from an intersection, I left many Civic, Mazda3, and Elantra owners dumbfounded. A single-speed transmission is also part of the mix.

The MSRP for the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is $39,342. Some Canadian provinces (including Quebec) offer a credit of $8,000 to electric-car buyers and leasers, so that brings the price down to $31,342.

Based on a 20,000km yearly average, you would start to receive a return on your investment ($8,109) in just under five years if you opt for a 2013 Ford Focus Electric instead of a Focus Titanium.

Under the hood of the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is a permanent-magnet electric motor that generates a very reasonable 143 horsepower. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Driving the 2013 Ford Focus Electric
There's always a bit of a shock factor when driving an electric vehicle, especially for the first time. I mean, the motor is silent and all you hear is the tire noise. As far as the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is concerned, the body is so rigid that you never hear a peep out of it. Meanwhile, the suspension remains neutral in corners and does a great job of limiting body roll.

Overall, the ride is super comfortable. Whether you go to work, run errands or just drive around town, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric is sure to please.

Of course, it's not perfect. For starters, the turning radius is too large for such a small car. Also, when my 4'11” wife sat behind the wheel, she didn't even have long enough arms to adjust her seat. Ford designers should take a page from VW's book, which puts the lever on the right and not under the seat.

The body is so rigid that you never hear a peep out of it. Meanwhile, the suspension remains neutral in corners and does a great job of limiting body roll. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Ford Focus Electric
Like its three siblings, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric looks very dapper. The interior sits five and has all the amenities you want including Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, a Sony audio system, and a sharp-looking touchscreen. What's more, after testing three other vehicles from the Blue Oval, I must say the once-complex SYNC technology has now grown on me.

Like its three siblings, the 2013 Ford Focus Electric looks very dapper. The interior sits five and has all the amenities you want. (Photo: Richard Roch)

Comparing the 2013 Ford Focus Electric
The 2013 Ford Focus Electric faces only two serious threats: There's the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is about $7,000 cheaper, but far less sophisticated and compelling; and then there's the Nissan LEAF, which uses a more modern approach but is not quite as roomy and attractive as the Focus. By the way, another American electric car will go on sale for 2014, namely the Chevrolet Spark EV (range of 132 kilometres).

From GMM

Eric Boullier has admitted Nico Hulkenberg is Lotus' "choice" successor for the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen recently said he decided to leave the Enstone based team only for financial reasons.

Lotus has been sweating on a deal with a group of private investors originally called 'Infinity Racing', who in June committed to buying 35 per cent of the team.

But team boss Boullier admitted as recently as at the weekend in Japan that the deal is still not sealed.

In the meantime, Infinity has changed its name to Quantum, to avoid confusion with Infiniti, the luxury Nissan brand that is Red Bull's title sponsor.

"We want to now close this Infinity partner story because this should give us the ability to at least be secure and move us on to the next step," said Boullier.

An obvious 'next step' is the identity of Raikkonen's successor.

The clear frontrunner is German Hulkenberg, who was also considered by Ferrari and McLaren for 2014, and remains in the running either to return to Sahara Force India or stay at Sauber.

Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

But if the 'Quantum' deal falls over, Boullier may have to go down the path of a pay-driver, even if the Frenchman admits "This is not the way to go".

Eric Boullier hinted at Suzuka that he is also in talks with a sponsor, as well as engine supplier Renault, who could deepen their relationship with Lotus in 2014 and beyond.

If all the pieces fit together, Nico Hulkenberg will surely be signed.

"Since he has been talking to us he has been doing a good job," said Boullier.

"I would love to (sign him)," he is quoted by Sporting Life. "He (Hulkenberg) is our choice."

Winter, and the associated snow, ice, cold and climatic nastiness that goes with it, will be with us Canadians shortly.

You know that winter tires will make your ride safer if you're driving in winter. You know that you should probably install a set, because they're a good idea. If you ask someone you know who owns winter tires, they'll tell you they make a big difference for grip, handling, traction and all-around confidence.

Since you know that installing winter tires are an all-around solid idea, the balance of this article won't be your typical preach-piece about putting winter rubber on your ride and what could happen if you don't. Instead, we'll focus on a few key benefits you can expect by installing a set—especially on your newer car, truck or SUV model.

Compromise-Free
Winter tires have both a flexible rubber compound and unique tread design that's made exclusively for use on snow, slush and ice and in cold temperatures. With no compromises made for other seasons, drivers will benefit from significantly increased traction during acceleration, notably shorter stopping distances, and a drastic increase in directional stability at speed. Where all-season tires are a little bit good in the heat and a little bit good in the cold, winter tires specialize in cold-climate driving, and it shows. With the compromise-free, cold-climate engineering behind winter tires, drivers can enjoy the cold-weather travel season with peace of mind to spare for themselves, or anyone using their ride.

Maximized AWD Performance
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a favorite bit of powertrain hardware with Canadian shoppers in numerous vehicle types. Today's latest models have more fast-acting, precise and sophisticated all-wheel drive systems than ever before—and whether you drive a Subaru, Ford, Acura Hyundai or Mitsubishi, your ride's AWD system reacts with millisecond precision to low-traction situations to keep you and your family safe by supporting you in maintaining vehicle control.

So, if you've invested in AWD, why not consider maximizing the system's performance with a set of winter rubber? Remember: the only way to increase the amount of physical traction between a vehicle and the road's surface is through the tires. Proper tires for the season gives your AWD system plenty more grip to work with, allowing it to do its job with maximum effectiveness.

Not Just for Snow and Ice
Did you know that all-season or summer performance tires get really, really hard when it's cold outside? Since effective traction relies on tires being soft and malleable against the roads surface, hard tires can be a recipe for disaster. In cold weather, even on dry roads, the softer, more flexible rubber used in the construction of winter tires provides that all-important give that all-season tires lose when it's cold out. Translation? Even on dry roads, winter tires work better in the winter.

Continue reading 7 Important Reasons to Add Winter Tires to Your Ride

From GMM

Mercedes has vowed to catch F1's runaway Renault-powered teams, as it risks losing millions in Concorde Agreement bonus money.

Formerly looking set to finish second behind Red Bull in the lucrative constructors' championship, Mercedes had a bad weekend in Japan and is now ten points behind Ferrari.

Not only that, Lotus - whose Romain Grosjean was challenging for victory at Suzuka - is no longer far behind in the teams' title chase.

Mercedes, on the other hand, has lost ground.

"Red Bull has taken a big step forward since Singapore," Toto Wolff told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, adding that the similarly Renault-powered Lotus is now a few tenths ahead.

"We need to analyse what they have done," said Mercedes' motor sport chief.

What's happening under the Red Bull RB9's cover? (Photo: WRi2)

The German report said Wolff suspects that the top two Renault-powered teams are now streaking away with a clever engine mapping and exhaust-blowing solution.

"If that's the case, we need to find out why we have missed something," Wolff said.

"We think we know what they're doing. The only question is whether we have the resources to implement something in the last four races. Perhaps we will need to reallocate some resources," he added.

The problem is that, at Mercedes' Brixforth engine facility, all the test benches are reportedly now being used for next year's turbo V6 development.

Well, that didn't take long! The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups, which both hit the market back in June, have now been slapped with a first recall that affects 2,575 units.

Chevrolet Silverado 2014. (Photo: Chevrolet)

In some cases, either front seat may display seatback movement. If the vehicle were struck from behind, the head restraint may not meet the requirements of the safety standard, which could increase the risk of injury.

Chevrolet and GMC dealers will therefore inspect the seatback recliner mechanism and make adjustments as necessary.

Source: Transport Canada

GMC Sierra 2014. (Photo: GMC)

From GMM

Pedro de la Rosa has heard the paddock whispers about 'ugly'-looking formula one cars in 2014.

Adrian Newey, the designer of the dominant Red Bulls of the past few seasons, revealed last week that his car for next year's radical new rules is not pretty.

Asked if he has seen Ferrari's 2014 car, test driver Pedro de la Rosa said no.

"I heard that they are going to be different," the Spaniard told Marca sports newspaper, echoing Newey's claim that the nose of the cars will be "very low".

When asked if the new Ferrari is 'ugly', he answered: "I don't know.

"It's true that you hear comments, not only here but in other teams, of people saying 'Hey, our car is very ugly, is yours?'" added de la Rosa.

Pedro de la Rosa aboard the Ferrari F138 this season. (Photo: WRi2)

Ultimately, the biggest question is about whether the new rules will shake up the pecking order in F1 -- or, more specifically, will Red Bull's dominance finally end?

"No idea," Pedro de la Rosa smiled. "Honestly. We are working hard, but without any reference. But for the first time, the engine will have a significance about equal or even greater than the aerodynamics."

From GMM

Ross Brawn has threatened to leave Mercedes if he is not assured his job as team boss is safe.

After denying he has already decided to quit, but confirmed talks are taking place, Brawn made clear on Sunday he will only stay beyond 2013 if Mercedes agrees he will have a clear role at the very top of the Brackley based team.

"I think we need a very clear definition of who is in charge and obviously I need the motivation to carry on," the 58-year-old Briton said at Suzuka.

"Any successful F1 team has to have a senior reference and that's the big question. We need to make sure if I'm to remain here that I'm the reference," Brawn told the British broadcaster Sky.

Amid rumours Brawn could be looking in McLaren and Honda's direction, he also left the door open to switching teams.

Mercedes AMG F1 Team. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked if he would walk away from the sport if Mercedes doesn't give him the answer he wants, Brawn responded: "Not necessarily walk away from the sport."

Brawn's comments tie in with the latest rumblings from within McLaren, where the British team has said it will not stop after signing Red Bull's aerodynamics chief Peter Prodromou.

"This (signing) is not something isolated," managing director Jonathan Neale is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.

"There are other things we are going to do to strengthen the team. It's a series of things aimed at 2015 and Honda, to ensure we are on the road to victory," he added.

On the driver front, McLaren has signed - but not officially confirmed - Jenson Button for 2014, but the future of his teammate Sergio Perez remains unclear.

The Mexican's case was not strengthened at Suzuka, where he crashed heavily in practice and then earned a rebuke from Nico Rosberg after the race.

"It's not good what he's doing, we know he has issues," Mercedes' Rosberg fumed after their run-in.

Every day, Captain Sharif Ahmed Zahedi peers from the bridge of the massive 12-deck, 57,455-ton Cassiopeia Leader and counts his blessings he's shipping cars.

Nissan envisions an auto industry future that includes self-guided tourist vans, small vehicles that can be driven through crowded pedestrian malls and cars styled by fashion designers or home do-it-yourselfers.

When the federal government shut down, Alex Perdikis opened his doors a bit wider. Perdikis is general manager of Koons of Silver Spring, just outside the Washington Beltway.

It came too late to put Brad Keselowski in NASCAR's playoff called the Chase, but, the Michigan native felt pretty good back in Victory Lane.

The 2012 Sprint Cup champion ended a 37-race winless drought after a fierce battle with second place Kasey Kahne.

Photo: NASCAR Media

It was “a never-give-up-night,” Keselowski said referring to a penalty for leaving the pits with a tire jack attached.  Then a timely decision from the pits made the victory possible.

“When Paul (Wolfe his crew chief) made the call to take four tires and I saw we were that close to the front, I knew we could get them. I knew we had a good car. Raced Kasey really (with emphasis) hard!! He ran me hard, but, he ran me clean.

And as a shot at Kyle Busch who tangled with him in the Nationwide series race in Kansas last week he added "there's some guys you can't race hard with because they freak out."   

Photo: NASCAR Media

Coincidentally, Kahne was the last non-chaser to win a race during NASCAR's playoffs with a victory at Phoenix in 2011.

Kahne, who led a race-high 138 laps, explained that, after a pretty intense battle that the key to the victory was fresher tires. “I was on two he was on four,” said Kahne. “I'd get loose, I was doing all I could and he was able to get by me.”

Series points leader Matt Kenseth finished third (after starting 20th) and now has a four-point lead over Jimmie Johnson who finished fourth and Kyle Busch was fifth.

“It was a little bit of a struggle this weekend more than we anticipated,” said Kenseth.  “I didn't get a good lap qualifying, and that was really the start of us being behind tonight.

Photo: NASCAR Media

“About our second or third adjustment, Jason and our group really hit it and really found something that I liked, and our car started driving really good.  I could pass really good, start working our way up through the field.  It was such long runs and long greens that they got really far ahead of us. “

Johnson said the final restart hindered his shot at a hometown victory. “Down in (turns) one and two just in the dirty air I pushed the No. 5 (Kahne) off into (turn) one. He didn't get the best restart and something to do with that combo got me off the bottom and a couple of cars got into the side of me.”

Jeff Gordon who continues to hold fourth place, 36 points down, finished seventh.

Photo: NASCAR Media

From GMM

Maria de Villota's family have confirmed the testing crash at the wheel of a Marussia last July led to her death on Friday.

"Maria left us while she was sleeping as a consequence of the neurological injuries that she suffered in July of 2012," sister Isabel said.

De Villota's family added that the "forensic doctor" had come to that conclusion after an autopsy.

Investigations into the incident at Duxford airfield last July are still taking place.

A spokesperson for the UK's health and safety executive said the organisation "would expect to be kept informed of any new evidence".

De Villota was cremated in Seville on Saturday before a private ceremony, the Spanish news agency EFE said.

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton has tempered his comments, having earlier urged Ross Brawn to stay at Mercedes.

Earlier at Suzuka, amid rumours Brawn could step away from the Brackley based team, the 2008 world champion said he would "like him to stay", as Brawn was "very influential in bringing me to the team".

But Brawn, currently team boss, said he only wants to stay in "a role I'm motivated by and want to do".

"We all want to get the situation clear as to how we are going to go into next year," he told the BBC.

Hamilton, whose next boss is likely to be Paddy Lowe, has now said he supports Brawn's decision and would also be happy under a new regime.

"He knows I'm a big supporter of his," he is quoted by the Mirror, "but at the end of the day he has to do what it right for him.

"I don't think it (Brawn's departure) would derail my season next year," Hamilton added.

Meanwhile at McLaren, boss Martin Whitmarsh did not completely deny speculation linking McLaren with Brawn.

"At the moment, I don't think so," said the Briton when asked if Brawn is heading to Woking.

"I've known Ross for 20 years, I get along with him, but I don't see Ross (coming) here now.

"He is very experienced and is a major asset for any team, but right now I don't think he is thinking of coming to McLaren," added Whitmarsh.

From press release

DTM stars Andy Priaulx (BMW) and Mattias Ekstrom (Audi) teamed up to drive the Xbox One Racing team's Holden Commodore VF in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, a 161-lap enduro in Bathurst. They managed to reach the top 10.

"I am very happy," admitted Priaulx.

"I think that was where we expected to be. It was a solid job and we were able to run with the top guys.

Photo: v8supercars.com.au

"To be leading such an iconic race, on one of the best tracks in the world, while competing against these guys who race in the V8 Supercars week in week out was unbelievable."

The race was eventually won by the Ford of Mark Winterbottom/Steve Richards, with Jamie Whincup/Paul Dumbrell second in their Holden and Craig Lowndes/Warren Luff also in a Holden third.

Priaulx and Ekstrom will now fly back to Europe, where they will face off in the final race of the DTM in Hockenheim on 20th October.

From GMM

Some say reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel is only winning because he drives the fastest car. But 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, once a fierce critic of Vettel's, disagrees.

"Whoever says that the car is better than Vettel needs to look at how he has destroyed Mark Webber, year after year," Villeneuve told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

Even Red Bull's own Dr Helmut Marko would agree with that.

"We give both drivers the same car," he insisted. "But how often has Mark won against Vettel?" he asked rhetorically.

Sebastian Vettel has just won his fifth race on the trot (Photo: WRi2)

That could be the cause of Vettel's image problem: he now beats the retiring Australian veteran Webber consistently. Is that enough to be considered great at the wheel of an Adrian Newey-penned car?

"Lots of guys win in Adrian Newey's cars ... big deal. Adrian's the real genius. There's Schumacher, there's Senna, there's Newey," the former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine recently told British broadcaster Sky.

Nico Rosberg would agree that the 'Newey' and 'Webber' factors do not help how people perceive Vettel's achievements.

"For sure it would help his perception if he had - and nothing against Mark who is a fantastic driver and a great person - if he had a Fernando-calibre driver next to him," he told the Telegraph.

Another German, Nico Hulkenberg, agrees: "I think if he had a Kimi next to him, or Fernando at Ferrari, and still came out on top then it's fair to say he would be regarded even more highly."

Despite a new scenario in Japan, the outcome was the same: reigning champion Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) won again, for the fifth consecutive time.

Photo: WRi2

Vettel usually starts at the front and stays there for the whole race. But in Suzuka, he had to share the lead with his teammate Mark Webber, who beat him to the pole on Saturday, and with Romain Grosjean (Lotus), who ran strong all race long.

The three men managed to open up a big gap after the first round of pit stops, as the rest of the field was held up by a late stopping Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso).

Sebastian Vettel, Romain Grosjean (Photo: WRi2)

On lap 41, Vettel probably felt he had shared enough and drove around Grosjean. One lap later, their two-stop strategy allowed them both to stay out as leader Webber pitted for his third and final stop. With fresher tires, the Australian was able to track down Grosjean, but ran out of time to close the gap to his teammate.

Romain Grosjean, Mark Webber (Photo: WRi2)

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) was the first to cross the finish line after them, as the first to find a way passed Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber). Before the end of the race, the German would also allow Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) through, but nevertheless held on to finish an impressive sixth.

His teammate Esteban Gutierrez also performed very well. Albeit a full 20 seconds behind Hulkenberg, he finished seventh and picked up his first points in F1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) survived a dicy fight with Sergio Perez (McLaren) to come home eighth, ahead of Jenson Button (McLaren) and Felipe Massa (Ferrari).

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W04 (Photo: WRi2)

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) could not reach the finish after he touched with Vettel at the start.

The results in Japan means the championship fight is still alive. But Vettel only needs to finish fifth once to win his fourth consecutive title, even if Alonso wins the four remaining grands prix.

Photo: WRi2

Race results* - Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
1 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 53 laps 1.26'49"301
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 7"129
3 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E21-Renault) - 9"910
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 45"605
5 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 47"325
6 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 51"615
7 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1'11"630
8 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'12"023
9 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'20"821
10 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 1'29"263
11 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'38"572
12 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
13 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
14 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
15 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1 lap
16 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
17 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
18 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 lap
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 1 lap

Fastest lap of the race: 1'34"587 (Mark Webber)

Retirements
Lap 7 - Lewis Hamilton
Lap 1 - Giedo Van der Garde
Lap 1 - Jules Bianchi

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 297; 2.Alonso 207; 3.Raikkonen 177; 4.Hamilton 151; 5.Webber 148; 6.Rosberg 126; 7.Massa 90; 8.Grosjean 87; 9.Button 60; 10.Hulkenberg 49; 11.Di Resta 36; 12.Sutil 26; 13.Perez 23; 14.Ricciardo 18; 15.Vergne 13; 16.Gutierrez 6; 17.Maldonado 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 445; 2.Ferrari 297; 3.Mercedes 277; 4.Lotus-Renault 264; 5.McLaren-Mercedes 83; 6.Force India-Mercedes 62; 7.Sauber-Ferrari 55; 8.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 31; 9.Williams-Renault 1.

*Unofficial timing

Back in the summer, Auto123.com's Matt St-Pierre took part in the Scion FR-S Tuner Challenge where he and two other auto journalists had to evaluate the competitors.

A video of the event is now online, and as you will see, Matt and the guys had a wicked time on the track.

Model: 2009 to 2013 Subaru Forester

Vehicle Type: Crossover

The Verdict: Major issues are largely non-existent here, and the Forester is enjoying a reputation for reliable long-term performance. Shop confidently if you find a good deal on a nicely maintained Forester that fits your needs and budget.

Price: Depending on engine and trim, shoppers will find used Forester examples starting from under $10,000 for an older unit with some mileage, and can expect to pay upwards of $25,000 for a newer, loaded, low-mileage unit. There's plenty of selection in the high-teens.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

What Owners Like: Owners commented positively on fuel mileage, performance from the standard engine with manual gearbox, the slippery-weather assurance of the AWD system, and laid-back, easy-to-drive character. An easy-to-use control layout and highly functional interior round out the package.

What Owners Dislike: Common complaints centre around bland looks, poor performance from models with the automatic transmission, and a clumsy cupholder design. Other complaints include sub-par audio system performance and uncomfortable seats.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

History/Description: The 2009 to 2013 generation of Subaru's Forester enjoyed a healthy sales life and a loyal following of owners. A compact crossover SUV with an eye for safety, confidence, and sensibility all models got five seats, All Wheel Drive (AWD) and over 1,900 litres of cargo space.

Available feature content included navigation, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, xenon lights, and more. Building on a solid product noted for safety and value, this generation Forester was available in numerous models and trim levels to fine-tune it to the needs of any shopper.

The Forester came with one of two engines: Standard was a proven 2.5L BOXER 4-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower. Available in the 2.5XT model was a turbocharged version of this engine, which made 225 horsepower. Manual or automatic transmissions were available, depending on the model selected.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Common Issues: Check for proper operation of the air conditioning system. Some owners reported issues with the A/C, possibly accompanied by excessive noise when the system is turned on. Turn on the A/C, and ensure that with no excessive noise it begins pumping cool air into the cabin within a few seconds. If a problem is detected, have it checked out ahead of your purchase.

Be sure to determine where the timing belt lies within its service life on the Forester you're considering. If a replacement is due, it could cost up to $1,000. If you neglect said replacement, it could cost you an engine.

Pop the hood and listen to the engine idle. A squealing or scraping noise from the front of the engine could be caused by a belt-tensioner pulley that's starting to fail. The noise occurs when bearings within the pulley begin to wear before failing out.

Signs of turbocharger trouble on a Forester XT may include smoke from the exhaust at startup or after a drive. Be sure the turbocharged Forester you're considering hasn't been pre-warmed ahead of your test-drive to conceal a smoke issue. Note that models treated to regular oil changes should have no turbocharger issues.

Finally, front seats, hatchback prop struts and paint on the rocker panels just behind the front wheels should be scrutinized for signs of wear. Confirm proper operation from the xenon headlights (if equipped) as replacement bulbs for this up-level lighting system can be pricey.

Photo: Justin Pritchard