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We auto journalists are privileged enough to test drive a new car every week, many of them fully equipped models. Of course, you know how I love sports cars, so I was very excited at the prospect of spending a week with the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP. On the other hand, now that I'm getting a bit older and have driven all these luxurious vehicles, I've come to appreciate the value of comfort.

There you have it, the classic conundrum: sporty handling vs. a smooth ride.


What is the Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP?
Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si.

Wait, there's more. With the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit, you also get 18” alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, an HFP suspension, a body kit, and specific badges.

Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP Price and Specs
The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The only configuration available is front-wheel drive with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission.

Officially, fuel consumption amounts to 10.0L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway. I recorded 8.3L/100km in mostly highway driving -- as much as the V6-powered Honda Accord Sedan I tested a while back.

The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP retails for $28,890. If you're looking for a more affordable version, the regular Civic Coupe starts at $18,645.

The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
There's no denying that the various performance parts make a difference in terms of driving dynamics. Heck, I even considered bringing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP to my local track!

You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. Unlike some 6-speed units whose final gear ratio aims to improve fuel economy on the highway, the manual in the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is responsive and dynamic in all six gears. At 60 km/h, with the box in third gear, the engine almost reaches 4,000 rpm -- great for power delivery, not so much for your gas bill.

While supportive, the seats are firm, and so is the suspension. What's more, the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. Of course, you don't buy a car like the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP for its quiet demeanour.

You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
The sporty, aerodynamic silhouette of the two-door 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is arguably designed to appeal to young driving enthusiasts -- even more so when you factor in the rear decklid spoiler, 18” wheels, and body kit: this is the sort of look you either love or hate.

Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard.

Closest to the driver is the multifunction steering wheel, and behind it is the tachometer where about another foot away sits the digital speedometer, not to mention the i-VTEC indicator that lights up when you hit the right rev range. The problem is that I had to break from my ideal driving position to see the second row of data.

There's an intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) to the right of the speedometer, and another display in the middle of the centre stack for navigation and infotainment purposes. The small audio buttons frustrated me and I wished for a more user-friendly interface. On a related note, Bluetooth disappointed me yet again: I had to repeat half the words I spoke on the phone, and the device could not understand any of my voice commands.

On the flip side, the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP proves surprisingly spacious for all occupants, although the car's sporty design hinders cargo capacity.

Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
If you want a more refined sports car with rear-wheel drive, consider the Scion FR-S. A curvier, more powerful alternative is the Ford Focus ST, while the Volkswagen GTI is more versatile and comfortable for everyday life, but also more expensive.

The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP has the edge when it comes to content, reputation, and reliability, so it's a great deal when you buy, and when and if you decide to sell.

From GMM

Neither of Caterham's current race drivers have been confirmed for the 2014 season.

Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic, both heavily sponsored, were new to the team this season, but Caterham has struggled at times and so the experienced Heikki Kovalainen is back on the radar for a possible 2014 return.

The 2013 Caterham's drivers, Giedo Van der Garde and Charles Pic. (Photo: WRi2)

Widely regarded as the most secure of the pair is Frenchman Pic, who has the solid backing of the Lagardere Group and, it is believed, a longer contract.

But Pic's manager Olivier Panis admitted to French television Canal Plus that: "You are never 100 per cent sure. In any case, stability is important for Charles, but we have been approached by other teams.

"I think that decisions will take longer than last year, so it will not be until the end of the season that we know about Charles in F1 next year," the former F1 driver added.

Caterham's other race driver this year is Dutchman van der Garde.

His manager Jan Paul ten Hoopen told De Telegraaf newspaper: "We have spoken with four teams who have serious interest in Giedo."

It is believed those teams are Caterham, Williams, Force India and Sauber, and ten Hoopen said "follow-up appointments" will "definitely" take place.

"I think everyone has seen his development," ten Hoopen said in Abu Dhabi, "but the musical chairs in F1 is like playing in a casino."

November 5th, 1893 marked the birth of French designer Raymond Loewy, who helped several companies across a variety of industries develop their brand image.

He's responsible for designing the Shell and BP logos, the Greyhound Scenicruiser bus, and even the Air Force One and Air France Concord liveries. As for cars, Loewy penned the nose of Studebaker models from 1950-1951.

He died on July 14th, 1986 at his home in Monaco.

Source: Wikipedia

From press release

Hyundai Motorsport confirms rising WRC star Thierry Neuville as its lead driver starting from the 2014 season.

25-year-old Neuville, who is playing a key role in this year's championship, has signed a multi-year agreement with Hyundai Motorsport that represents a serious commitment by both parties to build towards long-term success in the competitive WRC series.

“I am thrilled to announce Thierry Neuville as the lead driver to our new WRC team,” says Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal, Michel Nandan. “Thierry is having a fantastic 2013 season and is proving himself to be one of the most exciting young drivers in WRC. His raw speed, driving skill and dynamic approach to rallying make him the ideal lead driver for Hyundai.”

“By signing a driver of Thierry's talent, we can show that Hyundai's WRC engagement is serious and focussed on long-term success after signing with the talented young driver, Thierry. It is also great recognition for the work that the entire team has carried out in such a short time. We both share similar values and objectives to win the championship in the long-term so we are proud to have Thierry in the team and as an ambassador for the Hyundai Motorsport brand.”

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

Neuville, along with his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul, will join Hyundai Motorsport behind the wheel of the new i20 WRC rally car in all 13 WRC events in 2014, beginning with the team's debut at the Monte-Carlo Rally in January, signalling the start of the Belgian driver's third consecutive WRC season.

“I am pleased to be joining Hyundai Motorsport for the 2014 World Rally Championship,” comments Thierry Neuville. “I believe Hyundai Motorsport is the perfect fit for me because it is a young, emerging and ambitious manufacturer team with long-term objectives for championship success and I have long held aspirations of driving for a manufacturer team. I was impressed with the team's facility, their approach to the rally programme and their clear potential. I hope my two years of experience in WRC will be beneficial to the team as we build a harmonious working partnership. We know we have a steep learning curve ahead of us in our first season but I am convinced we will have a successful future together.”

In two competing seasons in the World Rally Championship, Neuville has contested a total of 32 rallies. He finished seventh in the 2012 championship, which acted as a prelude to a championship challenging 2013 season in which he has so far claimed four consecutive runner-up results (Italy, Finland, Germany and Australia), in addition to two third-place finishes (Mexico, Greece), leaving him second in the WRC standings with one rally left to run.

Chevrolet yesterday unveiled the Silverado Cheyenne Concept at the 2013 SEMA Show. Beyond its understated looks is a pickup truck with sports-car performance.

This 2014 Silverado Regular Cab combines a 90-kg lower curb weight with the grunt of a new 420-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine. Moreover, numerous upgrades were either sourced or inspired from the Camaro Z/28 including:

• Extractor vent on the hood;
• 19'' aluminum wheels;
• Brembo carbon ceramic brakes;
• Flat-bottom steering wheel (Camaro ZL1).

The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne Concept uses carbon fibre replacements for the bumpers, tailgate, and bedliner. Designers also removed the trailer hitch, spare tire, centre console, and some of the sound-deadening material.

Other highlights include standard Recaro sports seats and available safety features such as lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, and a rearview camera.

Photo: Chevrolet

Photo: Chevrolet

From GMM

F1 stragglers should consider moving over for the next generation of teams if they cannot afford formula one.

That is the message of Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, who owns two F1 teams including Red Bull Racing, the dominant clean-sweep world champions since 2010.

It is believed many teams on the grid are struggling financially at present, notably Lotus and Sauber.

But the Swiss newspaper Blick claims Force India could be about to lose the crucial backing of the Sahara Group, and if Pastor Maldonado leaves Williams, he could take EUR 40 million in annual backing with him.

Sauber, meanwhile, looked to have solved its crisis recently with a Russian rescue deal and Sergey Sirotkin, but that deal is rumoured to have collapsed.

Blick correspondent Roger Benoit said the survival of the Swiss team might now rest on rumours of backers from Dubai.

Photo: WRi2

Years ago, Minardi team owner Paul Stoddart complained loudly about the costs in F1, earning him a stinging rebuke from McLaren's Ron Dennis.

"This is a tough, competitive sport and, if you can't take the heat, get out the bloody kitchen, Formula one has a place for everybody, but we do not have a soup kitchen," Dennis said.

Red Bull's Mateschitz has now issued a similar smack against those pleading with the sport's authorities about their financial problems.

"If there are financial problems, they can be solved only through financial means," he told Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

The German report said Mateschitz was referring to private funding and sponsors, rather than cost cuts or restrictive regulations.

"If a team is unable to resolve the problem, they should question their commitment (to F1). There may be others who are interested in their licence," he added.

On Fridays during free practice sessions, the Formula 1 drivers have to complete what the teams call an "installation lap". It is normally performed on the very first lap around the race track. It serves to check if the car is running correctly.

In this video produced by Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team, we travel with Nico Rosberg during one installation lap in the W04.



His track engineer explains here what's done and when (with the time codes):

0:50 Nico Rosberg is giving the "start engine" signal, showing two fingers at the same time. One is for "ignition", two for "fire the engine"

01:12 Nico engages 1st gear then uses the clutch paddle at the back of the steering wheel on the right

01:18 Nico is doing a "Data Zero". This allows the engineers to record data before the car goes on track

01:31 Nico presses the "pit limiter" button twice to confirm that it is engaged

01:33 The number on the dashboard's right-hand side currently shows Nico his speed, 60km/h as limited in the pitlane

01:38 First radio check at the end of the pitlane

01:43 Pit limiter off

01:45 Nico is "syncing" the gearbox -- fresh out of the pits, the gearbox needs to "learn" the positions of each gear ratio. The engineer will then confirm "gears are learnt" over the radio when the process has been completed

01:56 Nico is starting to use his KERS allocation by pressing the Boost button, to make sure the battery is working well. It goes from 99% to 92% remaining charge in this instance.

02:23 Nico is doing "engine revs" -- allows the engineers to monitor how the engine reacts when going quickly from low to high revs

02:30 Nico presses the RFA (DRS) button to make sure the system is working. RFA stands for Rear Flap Actuator -- the team's internal code for what is generally called DRS (Drag Reduction System)

02:32 The dashboard is showing Nico his current brake bias position. The driver will change it through a lever in the cockpit left-hand side but it can be difficult to know (without looking down, obviously!) which position is currently engaged

02:43 Another RFA system check

02:52 Nico deploys the KERS/Boost button, going from 92% to 81% (as shown on the dashboard)

03:04 Another RFA system check

03:13 Nico presses the "pit confirm" button

03:16 Then quickly confirms it again by pressing the radio button without actually talking. This burst of engine noise serves as confirmation for the engineers that he is pitting

03:25 Nico engages the pit limiter

03:29 Nico presses the neutral button, putting the car in neutral gear

03:33 Nico presses the clutch then the BPF (Bite Point Find) button to do a bite point check -- this is the mechanism for checking and calibrating the position of the clutch when it engages

03:37 Nico then presses the neutral button again to return to neutral

03:38 Nico switches the RS mode on (RS stands for Race Start), then switches the engine off

Toyota is going futuristic at the Tokyo auto show. It will introduce a wave-inspired fuel cell sedan, a new Japan taxi and a podlike one-seater that steers with a tilt of the driver's body.

Toyota is going futuristic at this month's Tokyo Motor Show.

2014 Acura RDX

The RDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with an automatic transmission.

New For 2014

The 2014 Acura RDX is essentially unchanged for this year other than a new exterior paint color, Kona coffee, which replaces a shade known as amber brownstone.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Acura RDX

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Monday gave more clues about the methods underpinning its claims that auto dealers engaged in bias in setting interest rates for car loans.

Mark Reuss, GM's top executive for North America, deactivated his Facebook account on Monday after he responded to a Web site that wrote dismissively about the company's shrinking U.S. auto market share.

Mark Reuss, GM's top executive for North America, deactivated his Facebook account on Monday after he responded to a Web site that wrote dismissively about the company's shrinking U.S. auto market share.

2014 Kia Cadenza - Seriously Competitive

The appearance of our long-term Cadenza had everyone in the office buzzing, in a way that we really haven't with a new Kia before.

The appearance of our long-term Cadenza had everyone in the office buzzing, in a way that we really haven't with a new Kia before. A $41,950 Kia -- who wouldn't be eager to check that out? Even people outside of Automobile Magazine's walls wanted to get into the plush sedan.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Kia Cadenza - Four Seasons Update - October 2013 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Kia Cadenza - Four Seasons Update - October 2013 - Automobile Magazine

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Kjell Qvale, the auto retailing visionary who along with Max Hoffman was a pioneer of importing European auto brands to the United States in the post World War II era, died Saturday. He was 94.

Clifford Nass, one of the industry's leading researchers in human interaction with autonomous vehicles, died over the weekend of a heart attack. He was 55.

The automotive world lost a legend over the weekend, with Kjell "Mr. Q" Qvale's passing at the age of 94.

Ford is recalling 3,095 F-series ambulances because of a potential defect that might cause the vehicles to stall and not restart for at least an hour.

2013 Vauxhall Adam First Drive

Cute, competent city car.

It doesn't take much time driving in the U.K. to understand why small city cars are so popular here. Narrow roads lead to tiny parking spaces, gasoline costs the equivalent of $8 a gallon, and the amount of road tax you pay is directly linked to a car's carbon-dioxide emissions. No surprise, then, that subcompact hatchbacks are everywhere. Vauxhall, the General Motors brand that is paired with Opel, saw how much Europeans loved cute runarounds like the Fiat 500 and the Mini Cooper, and launched the Adam to grab a piece of the action.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Vauxhall Adam First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Vauxhall Adam First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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Lexus LF-NX Concept Updated for 2013 Tokyo Auto Show

LF-NX concept ditches its hybrid powertrain for a new turbocharged engine.

The Lexus LF-NX compact crossover concept was one of the most controversial debuts of this year’s 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show thanks to its angular, aggressive styling that took Lexus’ spindle grille to a new level. Despite the mixed feedback, though, Lexus is bringing the LF-NX concept back for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Show with a turbocharged engine replacing the previous LF-NX’s hybrid powertrain.

Photo Gallery: Lexus LF-NX Concept Updated for 2013 Tokyo Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Lexus LF-NX Concept Updated for 2013 Tokyo Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

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