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If November's seasonally adjusted annualized selling rate of 16.4 million -- the best in nearly seven years -- sounded good, this month should look even better.

The Mustang's formula for success for 50 years has been basically this: good looks coupled with low-tech powertrains and suspension systems and an attractive starting price.

Four years ago, General Motors' tumble into Chapter 11 bankruptcy was both a humiliating setback for an American icon and a fresh start that paved the way for a robust recovery.

The Ford Mustang is all about the visceral driving thrills of the open road, not the newest electronic gizmos.

Automotive News Europe needs your help to find the Rising Stars in the European automotive industry.

Audi has released design sketches for a subcompact crossover concept that it plans to unveil at the Detroit auto show, giving another hint of the automaker's ideas for the smaller end of its growing crossover lineup.

Robert Bosch and Japanese battery partner GS Yuasa aim to sell a lithium ion battery by 2020 that slashes production costs in half and delivers twice the energy density of today's batteries.

Ford is right to replace the Ka minicar in Europe with a regular subcompact instead of an upscale product to compete with the Fiat 500 or Opel Adam.

George Girjel's rags-to-riches story of a teenage refugee from Uzbekistan who arrived in America 17 years ago, unable to speak English, would be interesting all by itself.

Mercedes-Benz is likely to launch an all-wheel-drive version of its Sprinter van in the United States, a spokesman said at a press event here.

Goodbye retro, hello world. That, in a nutshell, sums up the difference between the 2015 Ford Mustang and the current model.

Audi chief designer Wolfgang Egger will move to the Italian design house Italdesign Giugiaro, sources told Automotive News. He will be replaced by senior Volkswagen designer Marc Lichte, according to the sources.

Jean-Philippe Dayraut (MINI) secured victory in the second race of the opening round of the 2013-2014 Andros Trophy's in Val Thorens.

Four-time Andry Trophy champion, Jean-Philippe Dayraut, who already won Saturday's race in Val Thorens, was again dominant Sunday, leading Franck Lagorce (Renault Clio III) and Olivier Panis who gave the Mazda3 its first podium in the championship.

Jean-Philippe Dayraut, Franck Lagorce and Olivier Panis. (Photo: Trophée Andros)

Dayraut leads ahead of Jean-Baptiste Dubourg (Renault Clio III), who took 2nd place on Saturday, and 4th on Sunday, Franck Lagorce and Olivier Panis on the points's table.

In the electric trophy, Louis Gervoson and Christophe Ferrier won the two races of the weekend in Val Thorens, with Ferrier taking the lead in championship.

Christophe Ferrier, Electric trophy. (Photo: Trophée Andros)

The world of rallying was convinced that former Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica was to become a member of the Citroen Racing team in 2014. It may not be the case after all.

The former winner of the Canadian F1 Grand Prix this season competed in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship with Citroen, claiming five wins as well as the title.

He made his (impressive) WRC debut at Wales Rally GB, but crashed following a pace note error.

Autosport learned that M-Sport's Malcolm Wilson is currently trying to sign Robert Kubica to lead his WRC team in the 2014 World Rally Championship.

Wilson lost its lead driver, Thierry Neuville to Hyundai and needs a replacement.

Wilson is yet to announce any drivers for next season.

Thierry Neuville aboard the M-Sport Ford this season. (Photo: WRC)

You know that family member who's always the loudest, always the centre of attention, , talking at the top of their lungs to get everyone to listen in? Yeah, that's the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio: just imagine that family member yammering on with a heavy Italian accent as they tell each sordid, long-winded tale.

Loud, in-your-face motoring is what this hot little cabrio hatch is all about, and it makes no apologies for its brash attitude on the road.


What is a FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio?
The Fiat has existed in Europe since the mid-‘50s, only a handful made their way to our shores. FIAT revived the car in 2007 but it wasn't until 2011 that the little Italian made debutin North American showroom. Based on the original compact car, the new FIAT 500 features a front-mounted engine (as opposed to the original rear-mounted one) as well as a much larger, heavier body.

The cabriolet version of the hot hatch offers a rag-top roof that retracts at the touch of a button.

What about that Abarth bit? Well, that's the fun part. FIAT and Abarth have been partners in crime since 1952, and they've been making fast, performance-enhanced Fiats since then. All FIAT Abarth models are built in Turin, Italy and undergo rigorous quality checks and testing there.

The Fiat has existed in Europe since the mid-‘50s, only a handful made their way to our shores. FIAT revived the car in 2007 but it wasn't until 2011 that the little Italian made debutin North American showroom. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio Price and Specs
Keeping in mind that the FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio is a “special edition” of the little corner-hugger, the starting price shouldn't be too shocking: $27,995. With just a few options (including a few cosmetic bits including 17”rims) the price jumps above the $30k mark. At that price the competition becomes a bit more enticing.

For all that coin, you get a 2+2 seating arrangement, a 1.4L 16V MultiAir turbocharged engine good for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque as well as an Abarth-tuned powertrain control module. The only transmission available is a 5-speed manual (bless you, FIAT).

The 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio is equiped with a 1.4L 16V MultiAir turbocharged engine good for 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Fiat)

Driving the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
I've never hid the fact that I'm an avid MINI fan. The moment I got behind the wheel of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio the comparisons began.

First off, make no mistake this hot hatch is loaded to the top of its cabrio roofline with fun. You will most definitely enjoy your time behind the wheel. That being said, I wasn't completely impressed with the ride.

With a ridiculously long clutch and equally long throws behind gears, it was hard to feel like sporty driving was possible. The large, cumbersome shift knob also plays into that “lazy” feel. I wished for more torque off the line as the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio did not feel as fast as it should have.

Of course, with a car designed like the FIAT 500 Abarth, with the wheels pushed to the four corners, cornering should be the most fun. Truthfully, it was quite impressive, but not as tight and controlled as I've known behind the wheel of a MINI. There was something sloppy about its technique, steering felt disconnected sometimes and it almost felt a bit top-heavy.

And that exhaust... Even at idle, it's as if they did it on purpose to make up for the FIAT's diminutive stature. Even if you try and shift at lower rpms, heads will still turn. Push the hot hatch a bit and get those revs up and you'll have a popping, back-firing good time that'll have the neighbours giving you dirty looks.

First off, make no mistake this hot hatch is loaded to the top of its cabrio roofline with fun. You will most definitely enjoy your time behind the wheel. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
There's not a whole lot to say about the interior of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio other than: Dear God, add some knobs! Everything is button that requires clicking. Horribly irritating. Otherwise it's business as usual in a diminutive space.

From the exterior, I'd hoped the Abarth version of the FIAT 500 would be a bit more aggressive. It's still very cutesy, but then again I suppose the MINI Cooper S is as well. More aggressive bumpers and side skirts ensure the Abarth version is distinguishable from the base 500 -- as do the scorpion Abarth logos.

While my son's baby seat fit in the back seat without too much trouble, I was not able to put anything larger than an umbrella stroller in the rear thanks to the cabriolet rooftop and the Beats Audio sub.

Of note: Once the electronically retractable roof is completely down, your rearview mirror is moot. It is rendered useless by the folded roof that sits squarely in the way of your rearward vision.

There's not a whole lot to say about the interior of the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio other than: Dear God, add some knobs! Everything is button that requires clicking. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 FIAT 500 Abarth Cabrio
The obvious immediate competitor for this hot drop-top hatch is the MINI Cooper S Convertible. While the Cooper's starting price is much higher than that of the FIAT, I'd be inclined to choose the MINI in terms of 20-more horsepower and a few more torques, build quality, and handling prowess.

From GMM

Pirelli will try to solve the problem of trackside 'marbles' ahead of the 2014 season.

That is the vow of the official supplier's F1 chief Paul Hembery, amid complaints the heavily degrading tyres of the past few seasons left too much slippery debris alongside the racing line.

"The drivers have of course spoken about it, we understand that and will try to do something about it," the Briton is quoted by Speed Week.

Photo: Pirelli

From GMM

The newly re-elected Jean Todt says he supports moves to reinstate permanent race numbers in formula one.

In an earlier era, F1 fans became accustomed to associating a number with their favourite driver -- like Gilles Villeneuve's fabled 27, or the 'red 5' of Nigel Mansell.

But in more recent years, race numbers have simply been assigned by the FIA on the basis of teams' finishing positions in the constructors' world championship.

It emerged recently, however, that a push is on to bring back permanent race numbers, with the obvious exception being the '1' of the reigning world champion.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

"I am very supportive of that," Frenchman Todt, the continuing FIA president, is quoted by France's L'Equipe.

"I think it would be nice if the drivers keep the same race number, with the exception of the world champion who always displays the number 1. When I watch a grand prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver," he complained.

"I know they need the space on the cars for the sponsors, but I think that there are solutions -- for example we could put a number on the helmet."

Meanwhile, Todt admitted he is "a little concerned" ahead of the FIA's new electronically-powered Formula E championship.

"I am surprised about the interest and this is promising," he said, "and I look forward to going to the races in the major cities. But I'm also a little concerned because when expectations are too high there may be disappointment. So I am cautious.

"I think the Formula E drivers are well known and very talented, but if a team wants to bring a F1 driver for one or two races, why not?" added Jean Todt.

From GMM

Mark Webber has admitted Red Bull's desire to please his former teammate Sebastian Vettel contributed to his decision to quit F1.

The pair shared a fractious relationship at the team, where they duelled for the 2010 title before German Vettel began his four-title winning streak.

This year, after the 'Multi-21' team orders affair, 37-year-old Australian Webber decided to leave F1 and join Porsche's new Le Mans foray for 2014, despite interest from other grand prix teams.

"Teams like Lotus and Ferrari - and even Red Bull to a degree, once they couldn't get Kimi (Raikkonen) - were on the radar so to speak," Webber told BT Sport.

But he admits that the Vettel factor ultimately coloured his decision to quit altogether.

"The future has been Sebastian, they want to keep him happy as much as they can, and things come onto the radar and you think 'this is probably not how I would like it', so it does go into the decision," said Webber.

Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel on the Malaysian podium, in 2013. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Fernando Alonso's frustration in 2013 triggered Ferrari's push for Kimi Raikkonen.

That is the view of the Italian team's former driver Mario Andretti.

"In my opinion, Alonso became frustrated this season, and what he said offended Ferrari," the 1978 world champion told the Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Andretti is referring to the arguably disparaging comments made by the Spanish driver, after which Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo revealed he "tweaked" Alonso's ear.

"Otherwise," Andretti added, "they never would have hired someone who could challenge him and even beat him."

After four years alongside the often underperforming Felipe Massa, Alonso's new teammate for 2014 is the former team champion Kimi Raikkonen.

"You have to know how to behave," Andretti, still referring to Alonso's attitude of 2013, continued. "He always had a proper behaviour, but that 1 per cent ... we saw what was Montezemolo's reaction. It will be interesting to see what happens next, because Kimi is not arriving to help; he is going to try to win. It will be a great battle that will be fun to watch."

Fernando Alonso and Mario Andretti on Austin's podium in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

The name Katzkin is bar none, one of the best-known brands when it comes to tailoring your car's cabin to your personal tastes.

Their story starts in 1983 when the founders, brother and sister Mitch and Lesley Katz, started a leather goods manufacturing company. By 1986, they broke new ground in the car business by retriming the interior of a Honda Accord. The rest of the story reads like a who's who of top-line customers, namely Chrysler, Rawlings, and Ford.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

Over the years, Katzkin purchased their own automated cutting machines and now hold production and design capabilities. In other words, they've grown into the reference as far as custom car interiors are concerned.

On the topic of design, Katzkin is taking it to a whole other level. Two and half years ago, they recruited David O'Connell as their Chief Designer. With 25 years as a Designer for Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America, he brings not only his experience but also passion for design to what could be viewed, in vulgar terms, as simply reupholstering some seats.

I sat down with Mr. O'Connell in his comfy seats at Katzkin's booth at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas for a little chat.