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In an effort to promote its new CR-V 1.6 Diesel in Europe, Honda came up with this mind-boggling advertisement that uses various optical illusions.

Unfortunately, the Honda CR-V 1.6 Diesel won't be available in Canada.

Sebastien Loeb Racing, which runs a pair of McLaren MP4-12Cs in various GT endurance series, is angry with the famed British sports car manufacturer.

After it finished third in the final round of the FFSA GT French Championship last Sunday at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, the No. 19 McLaren MP4-12C ran by Sébastien Loeb Racing was disqualified at the technical inspection due to a problem with the turbo pressure.

It was not the first time this season that Loeb's team was disqualified following the technical inspection in the FIA GT Series and the French GT Championship.

McLaren MP4-12C of Sebastien Loeb Racing. (Photo: WRI2)

The French team published this press release following this last incident.

“At Nogaro, Zandvoort, Magny-Cours and this Sunday at Paul Ricard, one of our McLarens was disqualified following the technical inspection, either in qualifying or after the race.,” recalls Dominique Heintz, Sebastien Loeb Racing team manager.

“We have been patient but the situation is no longer tolerable. Today, I'm clearly very disappointed, and even furious. The entire team shares my sentiments. I'm upset because all the guys on the team give their all every day to get the best results, and because Sebastien and Christophe Lapierre had a great race and took risks...all for nothing!

“These disqualifications are not attributable to our technical team or something our mechanics have done. It's McLaren's fault and their engineers have stated it. This has cost us relatively important results depending on the case, including a podium finish this past Sunday. Not being at fault for these issues, we still suffer the consequences, and we are annoyed to suffer these.

“The McLaren MP4-12C is a car that we like in terms of pure performance, but these types of issues shouldn't keep happening and that's why we will contact McLaren management as soon as Monday. We've already alerted them to the situation and today it's time they take action. Solutions must be found.”

The 2015 Audi A3 Sedan will go on sale across Canada next April starting at $31,100, the company announced.

This entry-level model comes with numerous standard features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and MMI technology (a segment first). Audi active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system are also available.

The 2015 Audi A3 Sedan will be joined later in 2014 by the recently announced Audi A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel, the high-performance S3 Sedan, and in early 2015, the A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid. Pricing for those will be announced at a later date.

Equipped with a 6-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, the 2015 Audi A3 Sedan offers a choice of four engines including:
1.8 TFSI;
2.0 TFSI;
2.0 TDI clean diesel;
High-output 2.0 TFSI (S3).

Source: Audi Canada

Photo: Audi

On November 23rd at the Tokyo Auto Show, Honda will unveil the production version of its Urban SUV Concept, which made its debut in Detroit earlier this year.

Honda will also introduce the S660 Concept (a small cabriolet) and host the Japanese premiere of the Acura NSX Concept.

Production models on display will include the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid, as well as the new Fit with Earth Dreams technology.

As for motorcycles, Honda will present the Dunk, a small 50cc bike aimed at the Japanese market, along with the CB1300 Super BOL D'OR, CB400 Super BOL D'OR, CB400 Super Four, and CBR250R.

Visitors in Tokyo will also get to see the original Honda F1 car from 1964, plus a replica of Honda's first public debut, the 1962 Sports 360.

Source: Tokyo Motorshow

Honda Concept Urban. (Photo: Honda)

From GMM

Another secret of Red Bull Racing's dominance in the second half of the season is emerging.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said former Jordan, Stewart and Jaguar designer Gary Anderson, now a technical pundit for the BBC, floated the theory about the RB9.

The car, which in Sebastian Vettel's hands has won the last six grands prix on the trot, caught Anderson's attention recently when images of a rear-facing thermal camera were broadcast.

The 'tea tray' of the RB9. (Photo: WRI2)

The images show that the floor just underneath the drivers' feet, the so-called 'tea-tray', was running extremely hot at slow speeds.

Anderson believes Adrian Newey may have found a way to "lift the 'tea tray' away from the track as it gets hot", allowing a lower front ride height.

Auto Motor und Sport reported on Tuesday that Sahara Force India also believes the Anderson theory, and that such a solution would be illegal.

So, in India, the FIA's technical delegate Jo Bauer reportedly put Anderson's theory to the test, heating the 'tea tray' to a temperature of 300 degrees C.

"The result? It did not move," said Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt. "Consequently, the Red Bull RB9 is legal, at least in this area."

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel halted his title-winning party in India to help his mechanics pack up the Red Bull garage, it has emerged.

Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Tobias Gruner said he stopped by the team's garage in the hours after the race to congratulate his countryman.

"Unfortunately I can't shake your hand," Vettel reportedly told Gruner, "because mine are completely dirty!"

Bild newspaper said Vettel decided to help his colleagues so that they would have more time to join him at the celebratory party, held at the Radisson hotel.

A Red Bull mechanic told the Independent newspaper: "I really wish people could see this side of the guy."

Photo: WRi2

Undoubtedly, however, Vettel's struggle for popularity is not just about his personality. Some question whether he really does stack up against F1's legends like Schumacher, Fangio, Prost and Senna.

Asked if the 26-year-old has only won four titles because Adrian Newey outpaces the rest of the field, Bernie Ecclestone answered: "I don't think so.

"Actually, if anything it's the opposite. Although it's undeniable that the machine has a big role in formula one," he is quoted by Repubblica newspaper.

Sebastien Buemi, Red Bull's reserve driver, told Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo that Vettel works hard for his success.

"When he wins a race, the next day he's already at the factory, working on the simulator for the next race," said the Swiss. "It's not true that he wins just because he has a great car. If the image of the car was the one Mark (Webber) gave it, it definitely wouldn't be the same."

Vettel's former technical boss at Toro Rosso, Giorgio Ascanelli, said: "Sebastian reminds me of Ayrton (Senna)." In the 80s, the Italian was the great Senna's race engineer.

"He (Vettel) lives to be a driver. Like Senna, he also hates to lose. He was designed to win. Any other outcome means nothing," Ascanelli added.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told Der Spiegel: "In Formula BMW, Sebastian won 18 of the 20 races, but the only thing he thought about was why he didn't win those two races."

Photo: WRi2

Vettel's Indian grand prix victory on Sunday was his fifth on the trot, his tenth of the season, and the 36th in his F1 career.

Hans-Joachim Stuck, a German motor racing legend, thinks Vettel can beat Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91 wins.

"I think he can get 15 titles as well. Why not?" Stuck told Austrian Servus TV. "He is still incredibly young, so it's easily possible."

Meanwhile, Blick newspaper reports that although Vettel was scheduled to touch down in Zurich early on Monday, the only F1 driver on the flight from Delhi was in fact his friend Kimi Raikkonen.

Teenaged Justin Pritchard was hopelessly in love with the Dodge Viper GTS, its obnoxious stripes, its superhero reputation, and its hopelessly curvaceous body.

When I was 14, I had a paper route. While walking it, I'd pass the time contemplating paint and stripe colour combos I'd choose for my Viper, of endlessly slamming gears at full throttle, and (when nobody was nearby) frequently imitating the burble-y exhaust note I heard the Viper make on TV.

Not so long ago, I decided to live my childhood dream and buy a 2000 Viper GTS, in black and silver. The boss asked for a review of this rarely seen piece of rolling shock-and-awe American firepower. I couldn't say no.


What is a Dodge Viper GTS?
The Dodge Viper GTS is a heat-spewing 8.0L V10 engine to which are attached some seats, some body panels, an instrument cluster, and a windshield. Despite the futuristic concept-car looks, this vehicle was scarcely more technologically advanced than a fireplace. The engine used pushrods. There were no antilock brakes. Cruise control? Traction assist? Forget it.

Two seats, gobs of power, and no BS? Very yes.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

2000 Viper GTS Specs
The Viper announces itself at startup with a deep, bellowing snarl that settles into a throbbing, building, piercing warble. My parents know all about the massive 8.0L pushrod V10 responsible for that sound, the steamroller tires and the 450 Porsche-smashing horsepower largely because I never shut up about them. It's all backed by nearly 500 lb-ft of torque delivered to the 335-series rear tires via a Tremec manual transmission. It's a 6-speed, though 6th is too tall to use anywhere under about 115 km/h.

Tall gear ratios, and an even taller final drive, ensure immense pulling power through each gear. The engine redlines by 6,000 rpm while making a noise that makes Prius owners cry. There are no fuel-saving engineering implements, no driver-assist systems, and no features.

Acceleration is instant and brutal, with 0-100km/hr available in 4 seconds en route to a top speed approaching 200 mph.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Driving the 2000 Dodge Viper GTS
Entry and exit are tight and require some awkward bending thanks to the radical door shape. The exhaust is routed through the door sills, which means they can (and will) burn you if you're not careful. Parking is a chore; the hood is too long, you can't see out the back, the turning circle is confusingly large, and if anyone's honking at you to stop reversing, you won't hear them over the exhaust.

Seats only slide forward and back, but don't recline. The pedals are adjustable, though they sit a few inches too far to the left, requiring a strange angling of your legs and feet. Heat generated by the big V10 floods into the footwells on long drives too, in an attempt to melt your loafers.

The highway ride is quite comfortable in spite of this, and the GTS is nicely sprung. It cruises along, even over moderately rough surfaces, with a taut but comfortable demeanor. Steering is light at speed, and with battleship torque output, downshifting to pass is always optional.

Full throttle in any gear causes pure, adrenaline-laced euphoria, threatening to break the tires loose without notice. The noise? At full throttle, it's similar to the automatic gunfire in the climax of a war movie. Lift the throttle, and the GTS emits a deep, lusty burble that calls off-shore speedboats with through-hull exhaust to mind.

The brakes have a decent feel and do an admirable job of stopping the Viper in a jiff -- even after repeated laps of a road course. Steering is light and numb, but overall grip is tremendous. Driven hard on a track, you've got to think a step or two ahead of the Viper to balance its torque output with available traction, and the car gives you nothing in terms of support. But, get it right, and you'll be grinning like a 10-year-old riding on the back of Tyrannosaurus.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Inside and Out of the 2000 Dodge Viper GTS
In any measure related to performance car coolness, the Viper GTS is off the charts. Even 13 years later, its performance figures are massive. The look still gathers drooling crowds wherever it goes, and the recognition and exclusivity are virtually second to none. The thrilling acceleration, noise, grip, and presence of this machine are priceless.

In any measure of practicality or sensibility, the Viper is pretty awful. Storage on board and in the trunk is dismal. There's no rear seat. On lengthy highway trips, the drone from the engine and slight but constant wash of exhaust fumes into the cabin wear away at comfort. Plus, fuel mileage lands around 24L /100km in the city if you're having any fun with it.

The Gist?
When it comes to performance, noise, and cool factor, there's nothing quite this extreme on the affordable side of the used-car spectrum. The Viper isn't for everyone. It isn't even, really, for most. It's an exhausting car to drive in many ways, but that's a small price to pay for those after one of the most instantly recognizable and lusted-after examples of four-wheeled American badassness ever built.

Oil and Filter Replacement
Hybrid-vehicle powertrains are usually comprised of a combustion engine, and one or more electric motors. While electric motors require little or no maintenance, the same logic does not apply to the combustion engine. Hybrid or not, these engines require periodic replacement of both oil and filters.

Highway Use
If you spend a lot of time cruising down highways, especially in winter, the combustion engine is inevitably almost always in service, unless you're decelerating, driving downhill or stopping. As the combustion engine is doing most of the grunt work, you'll need to perform regularly scheduled maintenance, including engine oil and filter replacement. In the case of the Toyota Prius, the manufacturer recommends performing this service at 8,000km intervals.

City Driving
On the flipside, if most of your driving is of the city variety, chances are the electric motor carries the brunt of the load. City driving also implies a lot of braking, which through the regenerative braking system of your hybrid vehicle keeps you battery charged, which in turn allows you to use the electric motors even longer. In this scenario, the combustion engine is rarely solicited, will never overheat, and therefore extend service intervals, such as oil and filter changes, into the 15,000km or 12-month threshold.

Photo: Toyota

Founded in 1909, Hudson Motor Company stopped manufacturing automobiles on October 29th, 1954.

At one point (1929), Hudson was the third largest car maker in the U.S., after Ford and Chevrolet. It gained international fame in 1947 with the iconic Hornet, which dominated in NASCAR from 1951-1954.

A decline in sales, combined with the high costs of racing, forced Hudson to merge with Nash to form the American Motor Corporation, better known as AMC. Sold to Renault in 1979, then to Chrysler in 1987, AMC became the Jeep-Eagle division of the latter.

Source: Wikipedia

Hudson Hornet Club Coupe 1951.

From GMM

Dietrich Mateschitz has likened Fernando Alonso to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

The Red Bull magnate is referring to the fact that many regarded Ali as the master of trying to win with the help of 'psychological warfare'.

Ferrari driver Alonso's key psychological weapon in the Red Bull era might have been his constant suggestion that arch rival Sebastian Vettel wins because his car is superior.

"Like Muhammad Ali, Alonso's media statements are very deliberate," billionaire Mateschitz told Kronen Zeitung newspaper.

"He is the worst of all at the psychological warfare," he added.

Fernando Alonso detailing the Red Bull RB9. (Photo: WRi2)

Mateschitz's right hand man, Dr Helmut Marko, thinks Vettel's struggle for popularity this year - including numerous bouts of podium booing - is partly due to the psychological war.

"People like Fernando Alonso say Sebastian is not the best driver, he only has the best car," the Austrian told Der Spiegel.

"These are targeted political statements," Marko insisted.

However, he insists that there is no reason for Vettel to jump ship to another team, after four consecutive championship triumphs in a Red Bull.

"He will only change teams if we no longer build him a competitive car," said Helmut Marko.

"Why would he go to Ferrari or Mercedes now, especially since he would have Alonso or Hamilton as his teammate?

"I see no alternative for him at the moment other than us," added Marko.

"Ayrton Senna won all of his titles with McLaren, he never drove for Ferrari, but he didn't have an image problem because of it.

"Maybe it's cooler to win for Ferrari, but that's not easy at the moment," he insisted.

Meanwhile, Mateschitz - who watched Vettel secure his fourth title in India from the comfort of his Salzburg lounge room - admitted the moment was satisfying if not euphoric.

"Because we expected it, it was like celebrating Christmas over a week," he smiled. "It's not quite as exciting, but the joy is there every time."

From GMM

Lotus has apologised after an expletive-laden exchange on the radio with Kimi Raikkonen during the Indian grand prix.

When the Finn was struggling for pace but duelling with his much-faster teammate Romain Grosjean, chief engineer Alan Permane told Raikkonen in no uncertain terms: "Get out of the f***ing way!"

Kimi Raikkonen replied: "Don't f***ing shout at me."

It was said that Permane received death threats against himself and his family in the wake of the radio message, ostensibly from angry Raikkonen fans.

F1 Race Reviews wrote: "Upon further investigation there has so far not been found a single tweet containing death threats to Permane or his family. What was found was some nutcase that repeatedly tweeted “F*** your family” to Permane."

"With hindsight," team boss Eric Boullier said, "this radio message could have been sent in a less emotional way.

"I know that quite a few people were surprised and I can only apologise for that on behalf of the team. It won't happen again," he added.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus E21. (Photo: WRi2)

In all honesty, the worst thing this particular convertible has going for it is the fact that it carries the “Beetle” name. Why? Because of the stereotypes that go along with driving a Beetle then add “convertible” to the mix and, well, very few men are going to step up and purchase one.

Despite Volkswagen attempts at making the Beetle more masculine through exterior design cues, I'm not sure any amount of redesign will change the feminine qualities of the Beetle Convertible -- but I sure wasn't bothered by its girliness.


What is a Volkswagen Beetle Convertible?
Essentially, the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is a Beetle without a top. Pretty simple, really. This latest generation of Beetle was redesigned for 2011. A follow-up to the New Beetle (introduced in 1997), this Volkswagen Bug offers up more masculine cues and design language, as well as a bit more of a return to the original Beetle.

The Convertible variant of the new generation of Volkswagen Beetle wasn't released until 2013 alongside the coupe.

Essentially, the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is a Beetle without a top. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Price and Specs
The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is available in two trims, Comfortline and Highline. My particular tester (dressed to the nines) was the Highline trim that ensured the Tornado Red/Nutria Beige Roof colour combo and starts at $31,740. After adding a Technology package to the mix (which adds in the must-hear Fender audio system as well as navigation and a few other goodies) my tester's final tally came to $33,030.

Along with a topless ride, you get VW's 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine - which is already being replaced with the new 1.8L I recently tested. The engine is good for 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and is handled via a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic sport mode -- though no paddle shifters are available.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet's top drops in just 10 seconds, which is pretty fast. With the roof folded you lose no trunk space and rear visibility is still accessible (unlike another cabriolet I recently drove...)

Along with a topless ride, you get VW's 2.5L inline 5-cylinder engine - which is already being replaced with the new 1.8L I recently tested. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
This drop-top is a blast to drive. Thankfully, the sun decided to show for a few days while I was behind the wheel so I was able to fully enjoy the Beetle Convertible's fun-in-the-sun nature.

I'm happy to report that the new 1.8L engine in the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is just as enjoyable to drive as the 2.5L. Both are peppy and responsive, but let's focus on the 2.5L. The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is happy to rev high when pushed, holding out on shifts when needed. However, around town it is as calm and docile as you'd want it to be, with seamless gear changes.

I did wish for paddle shifters. I dislike shift-lever gear changes in automatic cars, so didn't use it at all. However, Volkswagen's 6-speed transmission was well-behaved enough that it was never confused about gear selection, no matter what the situation.

Handling in the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is also quite good. Compared to the hard-top variant of the Bug, the Convertible loses a bit of its overall stiffness, but not enough to cause concern or even be noticeable, really. The vehicle feels planted and good, even when pushed.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is happy to rev high when pushed, holding out on shifts when needed. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
There's no denying the Beetle went through a more macho press this time around. While still quite “bubbly” to look at, the more aggressive front face and angular rear suggest a more manly nature, and make the car look a bit speedier, too.

Maintaining the shape and silhouette of a vehicle is hard when you cut the top off, but Volkswagen managed quite well with the 2013 Beetle Convertible. Even topless, the curve of the roof is “visible” and the vehicle loses not an ounce of character.

The 17” alloy wheels, as well as various chrome accents and the sporty rear spoiler (standard on either trim level) add to the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible's personality and more modern appeal. I quite liked the red/beige colour combination, as well as the red inserts throughout the cabin (which some thought was a bit much).

Top up or down there's quite a bit of space in the cabin of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, even the backseat can be comfortable for an adult (and a baby seat fit without trouble). My only gripe is with the trunk, which isn't wide or deep enough to fit even an umbrella stroller.

I quite liked the red/beige colour combination, as well as the red inserts throughout the cabin (which some thought was a bit much). (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
The closest competition that immediately comes to mind is the MINI Cooper Convertible. However, the MINI drives much better than the Beetle. You could also cross-shop with a Mustang Convertible, which offers a different kind of character and style behind the wheel, and a bit more space in the back as well.

Chrysler Group amended its initial public offering registration statement on Monday, adding details and altering some characterizations.

Tesla Motors said a customer was unhurt in a crash and fire this month in Mexico in which a Model S struck a concrete barrier.

Federal regulators opened an investigation of the 79,252 Jeep Liberty SUVs from the 2012 model year on Oct. 21 following two reports of door fires.

Nissan has released pricing for the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid range for the 2014 model year.

Fiat Group, Chrysler Group's Italian parent company, has acquired the remaining half of VM Motori S.p.A. from General Motors for 34.1 million euros ($47.1 million).

Japanese brands continue to dominate the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability rankings, while some European brands gained and Ford Motor Co.

Audi revealed its 700-hp Sport Quattro concept at the

Japanese brands continue to dominate the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Reliability rankings, while some European brands gained and Ford continued to rank near the bottom of the industry.