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It's hard to rival powerhouses such as a 580-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and a 662-hp Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. To keep up as best it can, the 2013 Dodge Challenger gets yet another round of small improvements here and there. This year, six trim levels are offered in the Challenger.


V6 engine
The base $26,995 SXT gets a 3.6L V6 with 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque, a 5-speed automatic transmission, 18” alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, an intelligent key system, a power driver's seat, cruise control and a telescopic steering column. The $29,370 SXT Plus adds Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sound system upgrade, and a new rear park sonar.

The Challenger Rallye Redline is new this year, adding some flair to a V6-powered model. It features wheel-mounted paddle shifters, 20” black chromed alloys, performance-tuned steering and brakes, a rear spoiler and a nose-to-tail centre stripe. It will cost $32,370.

V8 engines
The $37,320 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T and $39,315 R/T Classic are both powered by a 5.7L HEMI V8 that produces 372 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic is standard, while a 6-speed manual transmission is optional. A Super Track Pak which includes a sport suspension, performance steering and heavy-duty brakes is also available.

The $49,470 Challenger SRT is the head honcho of the group, with its snorty 6.4L HEMI V8 that unleashes 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Like the R/T trims, you get a choice of automatic or manual gearboxes.

A three-mode adaptive suspension and an anti-spin rear differential are also included, as are suede inserts on the leather seats and a heated steering wheel. This year, the Challenger gets a new 20” alloy wheel design, while Black Vapour SRT Design 20-inchers are optional.

Photo: Dodge

More available features
Other options spread across the lineup include the Uconnect 430 and 730 infotainment systems, an 18-speaker stereo, a remote starter, a power sunroof, as well as interior and exterior appearance packages. New Radar Red leather upholstery is available in all versions except the base SXT.

The 2013 Dodge Challenger is now on sale.

On Wednesday, Mexican Sergio Perez paid his first official visit to the McLaren Formula 1 team in preparation for the 2013 season.

Sergio Perez and Martin Whitmarsh. (Photo: @thefifthdriver)

Perez, born December 1990, spent his first two seasons racing in F1 for team Sauber. He moved to McLaren for this season where he will be Jenson Button's new teammate.

Today, Perez met selected members of the British press and had some official photos taken with team director Martin Whitmarsh at McLaren's Technology Centre located in Woking, Surrey, UK.

Photo: @thefifthdriver

Perez is fully aware that he's taking a huge step forward by joining McLaren.

Despite the fact that he finished three times on the podium last year, the young Mexican retired seven times during the season, and scored only three points in the last seven races.

Photo: @thefifthdriver

Perez's performances mysterisouly slumped a little following the announcement of his McLaren move for 2013. Was he too distracted?

Photo: @thefifthdriver

Las Vegas, NV — Officially called the “International CES,” the CES or Consumer Electronics Show is the world's largest show of its kind.

As its name indicates, it comprises all types of gadgets and products related in any way, shape or form to the electronics purchased by you and I. Think televisions, audio systems, computers, head phones, all the way down to phone cases.

Photo: Matt St-Pierre

We, at Auto123.com, are used to the SEMA show which is held in one of the venues where CES and its exhibitors display their goods. Yes, just one.

Here are a few stats.

SEMA features 2,200 exhibitors across 1 million net square feet with somewhere in the vicinity of 120,000 participants.

By contrast, CES boasts 3,250 exhibitors across 1.9 million net square feet and no less than 165,000 attendants. CES is on another scale.

Other interesting facts are that SEMA unveils about 2,000 new products, whereas CES, ten times as many. Approximately 2,500 members of the media cover SEMA; twice as many cross the doors at CES.

CES is owned and produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The CEA is a trade association that promotes a $200 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. The aftermarket industry is “worth” about $30 billion U.S. ...

Olivier and I have spent the last few days scouring the Mandalay Bay, Wynn and the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC is where SEMA is held) and will be exploring the Venetian in the next few days. Needless to say, our feet are covered in blisters (better shoes next time) and we've yet to complete our tour of duty.

So far, CES has proven to be a worthwhile trip. Between Olivier and I, we've gathered a number of stories that we will be publishing over the next while. I'm more into the direct car-related stuff while he's more into the actual technologies. One of the oddities I came across was a plasma powered engine... Not quite CES as far as I'm concerned, but it's fascinating to say the least.

The principal goal of covering CES is to meet people and be introduced to products for future tests and stories that will be published over the coming months in our Techno Section. So far, we're on the right track.

Wish us luck!

Audi has just become the first automaker to be granted a permit to operate autonomous vehicles on the public roads of Nevada.

Google and automotive supplier Continental also received a licence in the past few months.

You may remember that an autonomous Audi TTS made its mark on the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb course in Colorado back in 2010, completing all 156 turns and 20 kilometres in 27 minutes with no driver intervention whatsoever.

Similar to Google and Continental, Audi's car will likely wear a special red license plate with an infinity sign (∞).

The German automaker will detail its technology and future plans at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is currently taking place in Las Vegas until Friday.

Source: Autoblog

Watch:

Electric vehicles are all about silent, efficient cruising, but that poses a safety problem for unsuspecting pedestrians and motorists around them. Therefore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing minimum sound standards.

"Safety is our highest priority, and this proposal will help keep everyone using our nation's streets and roadways safe, whether they are motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians, and especially the blind and visually impaired," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Each automaker would be able to choose from a number of different sounds for its vehicles, the NHTSA says, but the characteristics of those sounds would need to meet certain minimum requirements. For instance, all vehicles of the same make and model would need to emit the same sound.

Under the old designation the “x” in xDrive would have been included with the “i” in 335i, however, BMW's new mandate is to designate BMW's all-wheel drive system with a separate “xDrive” badge on the front fenders. 335 would also mean that the motor was a 3.5L unit, but not now. Since the introduction of the 335i, the 335 refers to a 3.0L twin-turbocharged, inline 6 that puts out 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.


Competitors
These figures put the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive square in the middle of some tough competition. Audi with the S4 is right in there as is the Lexus IS 350 AWD. Another Audi of interest would be the Audi A5 Premium, as is the Mercedes-Benz C 350. Acura has a real contender with the Acura TL. And although it is a bit of a stretch, the Ford Taurus SHO is also strong competition for the 2013 BMW 335i Sport xDrive.

Front bucket seats
My 2013 BMW 335i tester came with sport seats that were fully adjustable, including the side bolsters and the seat cushion leg support. With this seat, Saskatoon to San Diego could be a two-day drive! BMW recognizes that passengers need to be as comfortable as drivers, so the passenger seat has the same adjustments as the driver's seat.

Rear bench seat
Those in the back of the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive get a semi-sculpted bench seat with a fold-down armrest (a ski passthrough is available). If there is a need for a third person in the back, then the centre armrest goes up and the middle becomes a reasonably comfortable seat with its own three-point seatbelt. The outboard seats have an armrest in the door, and a slightly contoured seat with three-point lap belts.

Those in the back of the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive get a semi-sculpted bench seat with a fold-down armrest. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Advantage sedan
With four doors that open wide, getting in and out is easy. In the tighter confines of mall or angled downtown parking, the shorter doors of the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive still open wide enough to let you in and out without having to ding the car beside you.

Instrument pod
BMW instrumentation has not changed much over the years. All the information you need for driving is right in front of you. Tach, speedometer, gear indicator, fuel level, engine temp, and trip information are all there. The delivery method has changed significantly, and to make the best use of the information, you need to know how to access it. This is where the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive's owner manual comes in handy.

iDrive
Normally, I just hook up my phone via Bluetooth, but BMW's iDrive system has changed so much over the years that I thought it would be worthwhile finding out how the first mouse-controlled data system installed in a car has evolved. Two owner's manuals (one for the vehicle and one for the Stereo/Sat Nav) later, I now know how much this system can do once it is set up!

Now that the world in general, and me in particular, are used to onboard computer controls, it's kind of nice to come up to the car, open the door and have your seat, the outside mirrors and the radio set to your favourite station without even taking the key out of your pocket.

BMW instrumentation has not changed much over the years. All the information you need for driving is right in front of you. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Automatic transmission
My 2013 BMW 335i xDrive was pretty well decked out, starting with the fact that it was a basic Sport model with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission complete with manual mode and shifter paddles mounted on the steering wheel. A luxury package brought in creature comforts, and the black sapphire metallic paint set the car off in stunning style. A black leather interior with red accent striping made it stand out all the more.

The engine systems can be set into sport mode for a bit more aggressive throttle and shifting response. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Driving impressions
Driving the 2013 BMW 335i was as good as I thought it might be: balance is the key. The engine systems can be set into sport mode for a bit more aggressive throttle and shifting response (there is an economy mode, but I never tried it). Both full and part throttle kick downs are quick with only the slightest of hesitations. If you go to full manual mode in the BMW 335i, the shifting advantage is twofold; you are closer to being in the gear you want and you are busy enough that you never notice any sort of apparent lag.

Handling is pretty much set, as the 2013 BMW 335i does not have an adjustable suspension. I still managed to be very comfortable on the highway, as well as in town on plebian chores that required a modicum of civilized driving. When by myself, and on an open stretch of road with a corner or two in sight, the 335i rose to the challenge and put a grin on my face. The sport seats did their job holding me in place and thus raised cornering speeds. The standard run-flat tires were grippy, but the summer grit in the corners caused the xDrive to shuffle power about to keep me on the straight and narrow.

I don't expect the grin from the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive to fade any time soon. So no matter how you do it, the 335i in its various forms should still be on the must-drive list of every family oriented enthusiast.

Ambient Auto Centre, a fake U.S. dealership that targets Canadian car buyers, has reportedly scammed five people so far and stolen $200,000 from them.

Vehicles for sale were listed at ridiculously low prices on various car classifieds websites such as AutoTrader, Wheels, eBay, Craigslist, and Kijiji. As it turns out, they were never delivered to the victims of this scam, and those people haven't been able to get their money back.

Soon after the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council published a fraud warning last month, Ambient Auto Centre's website vanished and the phone number went dead.

However, according to the Council's Terry O'Keefe, another dealership called Sprint Luxury Autos started advertising on the same websites just two weeks later and its homepage looked eerily similar to the former Ambient site.

That's not even the end of the story, though. The Council now believes that a company called Husen Original Autos may be related, with a nearly identical website and the same too-good-to-be-true car deals.

''No one is going to sell a $135,000 vehicle for $90,000,'' added O'Keefe, who urges anyone who thinks they may have fallen prey to such a scam to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Source: Global News

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

The Brabham name is now fully protected following David Brabham's successful and determined pursuit of legal action through the German Higher Courts.

Three-time World Champion Jack Brabham created the Brabham F1 Team back in 1962 under the Motor Racing Development banner. Bernie Ecclestone bought the team in 1973 and ran it until 1987. The team finally closed its doors in 1992.

Past Brabham owner Bernie Ecclestone with Nelson Piquet, former team mechanics and the BT 49. (Photo: WRI2)

David Brabham, one of Jack Brabham's three sons, brought proceedings against Mr. Michael Trick following his refusal to amicably cancel certain registrations within the European Union involving the Brabham trademark in Germany.

Mr. Trick had been marketing road cars under the Brabham Racing banner, something that deeply annoyed the Brabham family.

The action was entirely successful in the Higher Court of Koblenz. Accordingly, the Brabham trademark registration is now reverted to the family's rightful ownership.

A press release indicates that a worldwide monitoring service will in future flag up any individual or organisation seeking to register the Brabham name without the family's consent. The iconic Brabham logos, synonymous with the family's 60 year motor racing heritage, are also protected.

Nissan's innovative display at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit will offer visitors a multisensory experience, the Japanese automaker announced.

The multilevel stand will showcase vehicles in a unique way, including a concept that will make its global debut on Tuesday, Jan. 15 during the press preview and an all-new subcompact hatchback. An amphitheatre-style platform will occupy centre stage, while an interactive "Innovation Wall" powered by Xbox Kinect technology will communicate Nissan's brand story.

Similar to luxury hotels and retailers, Nissan's display area will also appeal to the senses of sound, touch and smell. Special scents and music will be carefully choreographed to create a subtly different vibe and energy for morning, mid-day and evening.

The new Nissan exhibit will be featured at 10 other global auto shows throughout 2013.

Henri Pescarolo's endurance team was liquidated by a French court after a six-month period during which it was protected under law from its creditors.

In 2010, Pesacrolo Sport - then owned by French businessman Jean Ply - was liquidated, but Henri Pescaralo was able to purchase the cars and equipment with the held of private investors.

He then created Pescarolo Team, which raced a Pescarolo and a Dome in last year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, the race turned out to be a complete disaster as both cars broke their Judd engines.

Pescarolo LMP1, 24 Hours of Le Mans 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

Henri Pescarolo had also struck a deal with the Luxury Racing Ferrari team to built a brand new car. But the deal eventually broke down, leaving Pescarolo with huge debts.

Pescarolo has not ruled out continuing as a team owner.

"This means that Pescarolo Team doesn't exist any more as a company, but if I want to, I can continue. I still own the workshops and all the mechanics (who were paid by the government during the protection period) are available”, Pescarolo said.

Toyota Motor Corporation and its Lexus luxury division unveiled an advanced active safety research vehicle at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Instead of driving itself, this modified Lexus LS aims to enhance the skills of the driver.

Called the ''Integrated Safety Management Concept,'' it relies on various sensors and technologies, such as a 360-degree LIDAR laser on the roof to detect surrounding objects up to about 70 metres, as well as three high-definition colour cameras that detect objects about 150 metres away, including traffic lights (front camera) and approaching vehicles (side cameras).

The concept is said to be ''a testing platform aimed at the development of systems capable of enhancing the driver's perception of their environment, assisting in the decision-making process and improving overall driving skills.''

Ultimately, Toyota hopes to develop an Intelligent Transportation System integrating the car with the driving environment by way of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside infrastructure communications. Benefits will include collision avoidance at blind intersections and with a vehicle stopped ahead.

Parts one and two of the Tom DeLoach interview took us through his involvement in Formula One and partnership with Roger Penske.

In this third and final part, Mr. DeLoach said that the Truck Series is NASCAR's “hidden gem.”

The 2012 season was a high-water mark for Red Horse Racing.

“We had really good year,” said Mr. DeLoach. “Five wins and four poles including the biggest truck series race at Daytona (with John King). And we won Daytona and Talladega in the same truck different drivers. Without an unlimited budget Red Horse Racing is up against teams which are basically junior teams to their big name Sprint Cup parents such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Penske himself who helped with Champion, Brad Keselowski's truck team."

John King and Tom DeLoach after a great victory. (Photo: Red Horse Racing)

“It's frustrating to us, that's why we got our engines from Joe Gibbs Racing. We could have gotten our engines from another supplier, but the real issue we made a fundamental decision to snuggle up to a successful Cup team,” DeLoach told Auto123.com.

“We don't get open book but we get some help. I'm trying hard every day to think and not beat ourselves.

“If I can get everybody's brain focused in the same direction I think we have a better chance of pulling that off instead of other folk. It always comes back to how well you handle the human assets and we work hard to work well together and back up each other and support each other.”

Tom DeLoach said his mentors, Penske and Dennis, believe in people even ahead of money.

One of Roger Penske great strengths is human things. Ron Dennis had a lot of finance capacity but he'd find the right people. If you get some of the very best but they all work well together you have something very special.”

Speaking of money here's how DeLoach sizes up the cost of racing in the US.

"A winning truck team is going to cost 2.5 to 3 million dollars a year, a winning Nationwide team will cost you in the 7.5 to 9 million range and a Cup team is certainly 20 million plus."

But why did DeLoach pick the third-tier series when he had the experience at the highest level in Formula One?

"I think it's probably the purest form of racing that exists in NASCAR. I think it's far superior to the Cup or Nationwide Series.

Bernie Ecclestone the guy is brilliant. He figured out that if you are going to race television money is what drives the mechanics behind it. You need to make it work on television. He set up a formula. The race has x-number of laps or two hours whichever comes from first. Because you want to hold your audience.

Our races are 1 and ½ to two hours long we will hold our audience. It's very intense racing, you have to perform, and you don't have multiple pit stops. You have to be pretty precise. It's difficult to offset an early oops (mistake) because the race is so short. My contention is that Red Horse has never lost a race we just ran out of time.

The Cup series has a lot of the same attributes that Bernie forced into the F1 circuit by all accounts (regarding television revenues). But we're the third child so we don't get the attention we're probably the most untapped gem in the NASCAR process we have that same intensity, we have the same short attention span, we have really good racing, not fraught with the (Sprint Cup fuel race) drama you see in the rest of it,” he said with a touch of irony.

Photo: Red Horse Racing

Would he like to move up to the premier series in NASCAR?

"My idea is adding another truck team and if we get bigger we'd get another team. I look there's (only) 36 (in the field) so there's plenty of room to expand. I like the (Truck Series) schedule it's is kinder to my guys because it's 22 races, I'd like it to be 25 as opposed to 36 or 38 (races) when you consider the non-points races.

"We probably have the kindest (ambience) when you consider the families' standpoint but we have the most intense racing. There is no time to wait around or see what's happening with other folks. The short race we're the most environmentally friendly the amount of time to get there the length of the races. I'm very happy with the Truck Series is the best series going. I may be in a small minority if you don't feel excited about where you are you might not be in the right place."

And Tom DeLoach who has seen the motorsports world from the very peak is very happy to remain in the valley.

Volvo CPO Program is the Premium CPO Program Award Winner

Volvo CPO Program is the Premium CPO Program Award Winner

Announcing the winners of IntelliChoice’s 14th annual ranking of 2013 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs. For the sixth straight year, Volvo took the top ranking among Premium manufacturers, while Hyundai won for the best Popular program for the second year in a row. The winners were announced at the 2012 Certified Pre-Owned Forum and National Remarketing Conference in Scottsdale. IntelliChoice issues the industry’s only report card for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and many manufacturers have developed their programs using the IntelliChoice.com inspection and ranking criteria as benchmarks.

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MINI NEXT CPO Program is the Popular CPO Warranty Award Winner

MINI NEXT CPO Program is the Popular CPO Warranty Award Winner

Announcing the winners of IntelliChoice’s 14th annual ranking of 2013 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs. For the sixth straight year, Volvo took the top ranking among Premium manufacturers, while Hyundai won for the best Popular program for the second year in a row. The winners were announced at the 2012 Certified Pre-Owned Forum and National Remarketing Conference in Scottsdale. IntelliChoice issues the industry’s only report card for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and many manufacturers have developed their programs using the IntelliChoice.com inspection and ranking criteria as benchmarks.

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Hyundai CPO Program is the Popular CPO Program Award Winner

Hyundai CPO Program is the Popular CPO Program Award Winner

Announcing the winners of IntelliChoice’s 14th annual ranking of 2013 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) manufacturer-sponsored programs. For the sixth straight year, Volvo took the top ranking among Premium manufacturers, while Hyundai won for the best Popular program for the second year in a row. The winners were announced at the 2012 Certified Pre-Owned Forum and National Remarketing Conference in Scottsdale. IntelliChoice issues the industry’s only report card for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and many manufacturers have developed their programs using the IntelliChoice.com inspection and ranking criteria as benchmarks.

Photo Gallery: Hyundai CPO Program is the Popular CPO Program Award Winner

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According to Ricky Hudi, the head of electronics development at Audi, "90% of automotive innovations today are due to electronics." He should know.

When American Honda Motor Co. put its media and creative accounts up for grabs in December, it ensured that it would be one the biggest pitches of 2013.

Chrysler Group, which has stood out among advertisers in the past two Super Bowls with attention-grabbing commercials that highlighted economic revival in America and Detroit, will return to the game in 2013, according to people familiar with the...

The new president of the National Automobile Dealers Association will be Peter Welch, 59, who as head of California's dealer group led a legal fight against Chrysler Group's factory-owned dealership in Los Angeles.

At last year's Autoweek Design Forum, father of the iPod and