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For this year's 2013 SEMA Show theme, Kia went with music. Music is a very powerful medium, and Kia has attempted to channel its power through a few of its new redesigned Souls.

Depending on the Soul (Amped, DJ Booth, Vans Warped Tour or The Voice) speakers, amps, and huge-screen TVs were used to project the idea behind each individual car on display at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

As for any modded car, funky paint jobs and large wheels were also part of the Kia outfit at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Few in-house tuners are as well known as MOPAR. Chrysler has known how to leverage this brand within a brand since its inception, and it has worked wonders.

To further add to the tuner's street cred, Chrysler is reintroducing the Shaker hood and the Scat Pack that includes a MOPAR cold-air intake, cat-back exhaust, and a performance-calibrated engine controller.

One of the coolest setups in the Chrysler booth was the race-service prepped RAM Promaster with Fiat 500 Abarth in tow. If ever a combination for weekend track fun there was, this is it.

Photo: Auto123.TV

From GMM

The FIA is set to take a 1 per cent ownership stake in formula one.

Writing in the Guardian, leading F1 business journalist Christian Sylt said the move will be part of the sport's forthcoming stock market floatation.

It is the result of a deal between F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt for the signing of the new Concorde Agreement.

"The FIA gets 1pc if F1 floats but the teams don't have shares," Bernie Ecclestone said.

F1 owner CVC's $12 billion valuation of F1 means the FIA's stake is worth $120 million.

But for the moment, the proposed float is on the back burner, while Ecclestone is caught up in the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair.

Bernie Ecclestone and Jean Todt. (Photo: WRi2)

We're still a bit shell-shocked from the gems found on the floor at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It seems everywhere we look there's something better, something more powerful, more stunning to look at or just more incredible than the last car we drooled over. Well, few were as drool worthy as the 1965 Mustang Fastback “Blizzard” we spotted at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

What makes the 1965 Mustang Fastback “Blizzard” so impressive? Well, for starters it was bred from the stables of the custom car-build house, Ringbrothers. They chose the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for the unveiling of one of the most powerful custom-built Mustang Fastbacks to ever hit the convention centre floor.

What makes this stunning 1965 Mustang fastback so attractive to visitors at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas isn't just the pristine white paint job (from which it got its “Blizzard” name), but has more to do with the NASCAR engine beneath its hood. Built by Wegner Motorsports, the 427cid V8 is good for 710 horsepower that's handled via a Bowler 5-speed transmission and sent to the rear wheels (where else would it be sent?!).

The specs on this Ringbrothers 1965 Mustang Fastback “Blizzard” are so exhaustive, we could spent pages listing all the modifications. Instead, we invite you to check out the car porn video below of the white beast on the showroom floor at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

For more great coverage including photo galleries and many more videos, make sure you head over to Auto123.TV.

From GMM

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko has joined his McLaren counterpart in criticising the official F1 feeder series, GP2.

The 2012 GP2 champion, Davide Valsecchi, has sat out the entire 2013 season so far as Lotus' reserve driver.

And Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that first and second in this year's series, champion Fabio Leimer and runner-up Sam Bird, have "no chance" of moving into F1 for 2014.

GP2 starting grid at Monza. (Photo: GP2 Series)

At the very same time, the completely separate Formula Renault 3.5 series has seen the McLaren-backed juniors Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne dominate in 2013.

And behind the McLaren pair this year was Red Bull's Antonio Felix da Costa, even though the energy drink company plucked Russian Daniil Kvyat straight out of GP3 to move into F1 with Toro Rosso for next season.

McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh recently said the Renault 'world series' is a "much higher quality championship than GP2".

Red Bull's Dr Marko agrees: "It (GP2) is far too expensive. It costs EUR 5 million per driver, while in GP3 it (the cost) is 600,000."

Helmut Marko also criticised the quality of the latest GP2 drivers, explaining that no Lewis Hamilton (2006) or Romain Grosjean (2011)-like standout has emerged recently.

Photo: World Series by Renault

The latest reports, meanwhile, suggest new Formula Renault 3.5 champion Magnussen is now on the verge of being confirmed as Sergio Perez's race replacement at McLaren for 2014.

Runner-up Vandoorne, meanwhile, is in McLaren driver Jenson Button's management stable.

But the 2009 world champion said: "F1 (in 2014) would be a year too early for Stoffel."

Need for Speed has just released Ken Block's Gymkhana SIX, featuring his 2013 Ford Fiesta ST RX43 racecar. Curious to see the prowess of Need for Speed's new racing advisor? Enjoy!

Jimmie Johnson's drive for a sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion took a big leap forward while Kevin Harvick took home the victory flag in Phoenix.

The five-time champion avoided two near disasters while his main rival, Matt Kenseth's car handled like evil. “We haven't had a day like this all year,” Kenseth said after finishing 23rd, his worst race in the Chase, falling 28 points behind Johnson with one race to go.

Johnson, on the other hand, avoided two possible disasters finished third behind teammate, Kasey Kahne, and needs to finish 23rd or better at Miami Homestead Speedway to clinch the title.

Jimmie Johnson ahead Matt Kenseth. (Photo: NASCAR)

Concerning the first incident “the opening lap was kind of crazy,” Johnson said “just glad my car went straight. It wouldn't turn.”

Continuing to describe his day which started from the pole. "The one with the 22 (Joey Logano) didn't worry me too much. I felt like I had enough room, and then the way the car was sliding to save it.” About halfway through the race, on a restart with cars going three-wide was a bigger problem. Harvick, Edwards and Johnson at turn one not giving much quarter.

Edwards, in the middle, went up the track narrowly avoiding Johnson who had to take evasive measures. “The one with the 99 (Edwards), two different points as I saved it the car pointed back at the fence, and I thought I was going to hit it,” said Johnson.

And speaking of luck Harvick who had fuel issues himself was handed the win when then race leader, Carl Edwards ran out of fuel on the penultimate lap. It was Harvick's fourth victory of the year and fourth at the one-mile track.

As the race played out final pit stops for fuel would determine the winner. Crew chiefs were desperately calculating fuel and time in the pits. More fuel would guarantee a finish, but, would take too long. Too little gas meant they would end the race on fumes like Edwards. In the end it was Harvick's team who got it right.

Kevin Harvick, winner with Chevrolet. (Photo: NASCAR)

“With the way that the strategy and everything worked out today, you just had to play your cards right off the bat, and those guys got a little bit lucky with the way that the strategy worked out,” Harvick said. “But our car was fast enough to work through traffic and keep ourselves in contention even with the other guys on the other side of that strategy, and we were able to be there at the end. Everyone was able to put just enough gas in the cars to make it to the end, and our guys got it right and the other guys were a little short

Matt Kenseth, looking at the big picture with seven wins with his new team philosophically took the defeat in stride.

"I'm disappointed, obviously with the way our season has gone and kind of being in the championship hunt, you hope to go down to Homestead and race for it on performance,” said Matt Kenseth.

With one race to go it's Johnson's title to lose as he takes that 28-point lead over Kenseth and 34 points over Harvick but he's not over confident.

"Everybody is so eager to predict the champion... but you have to play the game, you have to run the race. Anything can happen,” said Jimmie Johnson.

Nissan will unveil the BladeGlider Concept at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show. Designed by Ben Bowlby, who's also responsible for the DeltaWing race car, this street-legal electric vehicle provides a "gliding" feel that combines the feeling of gravity-defying freedom and near-360 degree view of a glider with the pulse-quickening exhilaration of a race car.

The interior of the BladeGlider can accommodate three people: The driver's seat automatically slides laterally when you open the door, enabling easy access to the passenger seats.

Its tightly streamlined deltoid body comprises a tough and structurally optimized chassis wrapped in ultra-lightweight, yet strong and stiff, carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) finished in a pearlescent white colour that evokes the pristine freedom of a glider. Front track is just one metre wide.

What's more, when the BladeGlider matures into a production car, it could be Nissan's first use of in-wheel motors.

Mark Ovenden, Ford's UK chief, tells Dave Leggett that he's happy with the gradual improvement to the UK economy, the state of the British car market and market leader Ford's position within it.

There were some positive signs for Europe last week as well as a development on Europe's economy suggesting that the recovery track remains fragile. On the plus side, Western Europe's car market was up 3.8% in October. That gain followed a year-on-year gain of 5.3% in September. Europe's car market is inching up from its twenty-year low.

BMW and Mercedes are stepping up their efforts to retain wealthy buyers for their flagship models by offering perks such as a private golf tournament and an evening at a silversmith.

Japan's automakers will go futuristic and local at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, combining the far-out concept cars the show has been famous for alongside the Japan-only 660cc minicars -- some of which are delightfully sporty -- that represent a...

It takes twice as long on average -- over 28 hours -- for Hyundai to make a car in South Korea than in the United States, even though its domestic plants have far more workers for each production line.

Now that Toyota, Honda, Nissan and other foreign-owned automakers are established auto manufacturers in the United States, the concept of the American car is open to interpretation.

From IMSA.com

Officials from Falken Tire and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) - which sanctions the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship - were on hand Wednesday at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas to announce a two-year deal making Falken Tire a proud partner of IMSA and the TUDOR Championship and an approved tire supplier for the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class.

Falken Tire also announced the continuation of its GTLM race team, which will field a brand-new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the 2014 TUDOR Championship. Co-drivers Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler will compete for Team Falken Tire on a full-time basis beginning with the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 16, 2014.

Photo: falkentire.com

“Team Falken Tire was a fan favorite for many years in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) we are thrilled to welcome the team and the tire manufacturer into the TUDOR Championship,” said IMSA President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Atherton.

"Falken Tire is proud to be the first category sponsor and GTLM team entrant of the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship,” added Falken Tire Corporation Director, Motorsports Marketing and Events, Nick Fousekis.

Falken Tire is an approved supplier for the GTLM class, which will offer open competition among tire manufacturers from all around the world. The Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), and GT Daytona (GTD) classes all will utilize Continental Tires.

The 2014 TUDOR Championship opens at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. with the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 25-26, 2014.

From Formula1.com

Did you know that McLaren driver Sergio Perez drinks "Pantera Rosa"?

1. His favourite actor in the world is... Denzel Washington
2. His favourite song of all time is... "Color Esperanza" from Diego Torres
3. His favourite thing about the off-season is... To spend time at home.
4. The last time he lost his temper was... "Pretty much after every weekend this year"
5. His first pet was... A dog by the name of Camilla.
6. His most treasured possession is ... his wallet.
7. The funniest person he know is... The main character from the Mexican TV series El Chavo del Ocho.
8. His favourite drink is... Pantera Rosa (a sort of Pina Colada, only with grenadine syrup)
9. You would never catch him wearing a... catsuit.
10. His favourite time of the day is...
 Night.

Fun fact No. 11: Sergio Perez writes his name "Sergio" (Photo: McLaren F1 Team)

Sébastien Loeb placed second in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race presented on Sunday morning ahead of the Macau Grand Prix. 23-year-old Earl Bamber beat him to the win.

Loeb, who is preparing for his debuts in the World Touring Car Championship with Citroen next season, made the choice to travel to Macau to learn the street circuit, which hosts every year the final rounds of the WTCC.

The nine-time rally world champion qualified second and finished the nine-lap race at the same rank.

Sébastien Loeb, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Photo: SébastienLoebRacing.com)

The winner was Earl Bamber, who led the entire race, from pole position. The new Zealander was also fastest in qualifying in the Porsche Supercup's final round in Abu Dhabi one week ago.

He was also recently confirmed as Porsche Factory Scholarship winner after a shootout in Oschersleben where he beat seven other selected drivers. He will be rewarded with € 200,000 towards his 2014 campaign.

From WRC.com

Thierry Neuville has reassured M-Sport that his decision to join Hyundai next year will not distract him from his goals on the upcoming Wales Rally GB.

November's season closing Rally GB will be the last outing in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS for Neuville, who has signed a multi-year deal to become Hyundai's lead driver from 2014. 

After confirming his departure, Neuville was quick to offer his thanks to M-Sport for a season during which he has scored six podium finishes, and to reaffirm his goal of securing runner-up spot in the drivers' championship.

Nicolas Gilsoul, Thierry Neuville (Photo: M-Sport)

"It has been a fantastic year in 2013 as we have achieved more than hoped for at the start of the year,” he said.

"I would like to thank all of the team who have done a great job - the car has been great with no problems for 12 rallies - but the story is not finished yet. We have a chance to finish second in the drivers' championship and we will put all our attention on this goal next week at Wales Rally GB."

Despite the disappointment of losing Neuville, M-Sport managing director, Malcolm Wilson displays confidence about the upcoming season.

“M-Sport has a strong history of developing drivers in the WRC and we look forward to announcing our 2014 programme in the near future," he said.

From GMM

Kimi Raikkonen will miss the rest of the 2013 season, Lotus announced on Sunday.

Some cynics were already expecting to hear that the Finn will not be in Austin or Brazil, following his pay dispute and deteriorating relationship with the Enstone based team.

But Lotus said the reason for Raikkonen's early exit is actually back surgery, after the 34-year-old suffered with pain throughout the recent Singapore grand prix.

His manager, Steve Robertson, told Turun Sanomat that Raikkonen will have the operation on Thursday in Salzburg.

"It is what the experts recommend," he said. Turun Sanomat said Raikkonen's problems flared up again in Abu Dhabi, where he could only sleep with the aid of painkillers.

"Kimi can not afford a further delay," Robertson, whose charge is switching to Ferrari over the winter, explained.

"It's incredibly important to get the problem under control now, so that in 2014 he can be healthy and fit to attack the season.

"It is obviously disappointing that the relationship with Lotus is ending this way after Kimi's return (to F1) over two successful seasons," he added.

It is expected that team reserve driver Davide Valsecchi will replace Raikkonen. Lotus said an announcement will be made "in due course".

Model: 2010 to 2013 Suzuki Kizashi

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: Kizashi owners appear to be a largely happy bunch who enjoy a car with above-average feature content and premium touches. A front-drive, manual-equipped model is likely your safest bet if common issues aren't present.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

Price: Look for an older, higher-mileage Kizashi from about $12,000, with newer, loaded, low-mileage units commanding upwards of $20,000. Shoppers will find plenty of selection in the mid to high teens.

What Owners Like: Common likes include the upscale looks both inside and out, good materials selection and overall appearance and character. The 6-speed manual transmission is a favourite among driving enthusiasts, and audiophiles love the standard USB audio port.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripes include trunk hinges that eat up trunk space, the lack of an available up-level engine, and a sporty and firm ride. Some owners wish for better fuel-economy on AWD-equipped models, too.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

History/Description: Upscale in appearance, packing available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and offering a sporty and upscale alternative to machines like the Corolla, Civic and Focus, the Suzuki Kizashi was on sale to Canadians for only a few years before the brand ceased automotive business operations in Canada.

Kizashi came with front-drive as standard and AWD as an option early on, before AWD was made standard. S, SX and Sport trim grades were applied to models from simple to basic.

Upscale feature content included automatic climate control, heated leather, one-touch windows, Bluetooth, memory seats, parking radar, a Rockford Fosgate stereo system, and more.

Look for a 2.4L 4-cylinder on all models, generating 180 or 185 horsepower depending on the year. Front-drive models could be had with a 6-speed manual, while all AWD models got a CVT transmission with manual mode.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers

Common Issues: Start your Kizashi test drive with a full walk-around, inspecting the paint and panels for signs of chipping, scratching, and dents. Some owners complain of poor durability from the Kizashi's paint-job, a common complaint of many new cars.

A check of the tires and wheels for signs of damage, condition, and finish wear is also advised.

On board, scrutinize the cabin for any damaged or missing trim pieces, especially around the lower portion of the seats. Confirm proper operation of all electronics, including the communication and multimedia systems.

When driving, “listen” to the suspension especially at the rear of the vehicle, for signs of squeaking and creaking, which could indicate a worn-out or defective shock absorber. A mechanic, or mechanically inclined person, should visually inspect the rear shocks for signs of fluid leakage, too.

Some owners have complained of faulty operation from the available CVT transmission, possibly resulting in replacement of the transmission under warranty. Information online is somewhat inconclusive, though shoppers are advised to stick to a front-drive, manual-equipped model for maximum confidence if possible -- or exhaustively scrutinize the operation of a CVT-equipped model, noting any signs of surging, lagging or any unwelcomed sensations. A full drivetrain computer systems scan is also advised.

Finally, some owners have reported issues with the serpentine belt tensioner, which may cause the used Kizashi to emit a grinding, whining sound as a precursor to belt damage and tensioner failure.

Photo: Michel Deslauriers