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Lincoln is launching an advertising campaign today, themed "Luxury Uncovered," in which its 2014 MKZ takes some jabs at rival Lexus.

While it has yet to make its official debut, the upcoming Tesla Model X crossover has created such a buzz that more than 6,000 units have already been pre-ordered.

The Model X is scheduled to hit the market in late 2014 only, yet thousands of buyers have made the required $5,000 deposit. Those who opt for the limited-edition Model X Signature have to put down $40,000 to book one.

Tesla Model X. (Photo: Tesla Motors)

Prices have not even been announced yet, although Tesla's website suggests that the Model X will be in the same ballpark as a comparably equipped Model S sedan.

Source: Caradisiac

Ford is currently testing a technology called Fully Assisted Parking Aid on a track in Belgium. And it works even with the driver out of the car!

The vehicle uses ultrasonic sensors to scan the area for either diagonal or perpendicular parking spaces at speeds of up to 28 km/h. Then, the driver puts the car in neutral and pushes a button to give the vehicle full control of the steering, acceleration, braking, and guidance systems.

"Imagine you're in a parking garage and the only spot available is too small to open your door," Ford spokesman Scott Fosgard said in an interview to Automotive News. "This would let you get out, and it would park for you. Then when you want to leave, it pulls out and lets you in."

Ford also unveiled a new obstacle avoidance system that automatically brakes and steers to prevent the vehicle from colliding with another or a stationary object. Using three radars, ultrasonic sensors, and a camera to scan the road, the system will detect impending collisions up to 200 metres ahead. It has been tested at about 65 km/h.

Without naming specific models, Ford said it plans to integrate the technology in the future.

From GMM

Fernando Alonso thinks it is "a miracle" he is still even mathematically in the hunt for the 2013 title.

Red Bull's dominant Sebastian Vettel will win the title this weekend in Japan, if Alonso - 77 points behind in his Ferrari with five races to go - finishes lower than eighth at Suzuka.

Christian Horner thinks championship celebrations in Japan are unlikely.

"When was the last time Fernando Alonso finished ninth?" the Red Bull team boss is quoted by Spain's EFE news agency.

Whether Vettel closes Alonso's mathematical possibility in Japan, or India two weeks later, is regarded by most F1 insiders as a moot point.

Mercedes' Niki Lauda: "Don't worry, Seb will get the fourth title soon enough," he is quoted by Speed Week.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138. (Photo: WRi2)

The rhetoric from Ferrari, whilst not conceding the title definitively, is also increasingly pessimistic.

"If someone started watching formula one today or yesterday and you said the guy with the blue helmet in the red car is fighting for the championship, they would says it's not true," Alonso is quoted by Brazil's Agencia Estado.

"A miracle," he added.

Alonso's comment could be interpreted as the latest slight against Ferrari's development progress this year.

"We did a miracle for 14 races and we will try to keep this miracle alive for the remaining five," the Spaniard added.

But even Alonso's boss Stefano Domenicali is admitting the fight against Sebastian Vettel is "almost impossible" to win now.

"So congratulations to him (Vettel) and to what they (Red Bull) are doing, because at the end of the day if they have that (the title) they deserve it," he is quoted by the Independent.

Indeed, after all the recent booing, the time is now right to focus on the German driver's looming achievement -- a four-time world champion by the unprecedentedly young age of 26.

Horner thinks he's one of the all-time greats, and Lewis Hamilton has obviously become aware this week that his recent comments about Vettel indicated a lack of respect.

When asked to weigh up Vettel's greatness, the Mirror quotes him as saying: "I couldn't care less."

Lewis Hamilton subsequently wrote on Twitter: "Regardless of what you and I may think about his car, at the end of the day he's doing the perfect job."

His Mercedes boss Lauda, however, doesn't even like the implication that Red Bull's superior spending explains Vettel's dominance.

"It's not a question of money but a question of brains," he is quoted by Speed Week.

"Red Bull has a better programme to constantly develop the car -- they do a better job than the other teams," added Lauda.

As expected, following the huge crash he was involved in last week-end in Houston, Ganassi's Dario Franchitti will miss the IndyCar season finale at Fontana.

No official announcement has been made yet but, sources close to the team, have confirmed that the Scot will be unable to participate in the last round of the 2013 season.

Franchitti suffered a concussion, two fractured vertebra, and a fracture to his right ankle when he hit the rear of Takuma Sato's car in the second race of the Houston double-header.

He underwent surgery to stabilise his ankle on Sunday night and he is expected to undergo further surgery when he is transferred to a facility in Indianapolis in the coming days.

Caption: IZOD IndyCar

For the first time in the Impala's illustrious 50-year history, Chevrolet has made the 2014 model more upscale. They've even added a 4-cylinder engine.All this might sound counterproductive, however, after some quality time in a Crystal Red 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT with the Ecotec 2.5L 4-pot I'm here to report that the formula works brilliantly.

It works mostly because no engine could detract from the essential goodness that has been baked into each and every one of these new-generation Impalas. The 2014 Chevy Impalas are super smooth, super quiet, and super commodious and comfortable, and all that in a stylish package.

The formula also works because the “four” in question is great. Chevrolet upgraded the direct-injection Ecotec for 2014 with intake-valve lift control for better fuel efficiency, and more noise-cancelling engineering for even greater refinement.

I think most drivers will be pleasantly surprised by how well this “smaller” engine drives and works in this “bigger” Impala. Drivers will obviously appreciate the fuel efficiency (9.9L/100km city; 6.3L highway). It is definitely something you should experience and consider before automatically going with the V6 in your next mid-to-full-sizesedan purchase.


What is the Chevrolet Impala?
Impala is Chevrolet's largest and most expensive sedan ($28,445 to $39,645), now built on the extended-length version of the front-drive Epsilon II platform, just like the new Cadillac XTS. The new length and up-market positioning give th Impala better market separation from the midsize Malibu in Chevrolet's portfolio

Impala is Chevrolet's largest and most expensive sedan. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

2014 Chevrolet Impala Price and Specs
My Impala LT tester is positioned dead-centre in the LS-LT-LZ Impala model hierarchy, with a base price of $31,445. Major highlights of the LT level include aluminum wheels, dual exhaust, dual zone HVAC, and the infotainment system packing an 8” touchscreen, MyLink (the new-generation version), USB ports, and Bluetooth.

There are also loads of options on this baby pushing the as-tested (pre-tax, pre-PDI) price to $37,910.

The most compelling features on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT option list are 19” aluminum wheels, surround sound, navigation, rear camera, remote start, and an advanced safety package with lots of “alerts” (blind spot, rear cross-traffic, forward collision, etc.).

My Impala LT tester is positioned dead-centre in the LS-LT-LZ Impala model hierarchy. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
The first, and most overwhelming, impression you get when driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala is how quiet it is, overall. The Ecotec engine (good for 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque) coupled with GM's popular and well-loved 6-speed automatic transmission is wonderfully smooth. The 2014 Chevy Impala is also soundproofed like a recording studio; nothing above a whisper is needed when conversing in the cabin on road trips.

While having a less sophisticated suspension system than its Cadillac and Buick platform mates, the Impala is nonetheless able to provide the right amount of steering zip, body control, and ride comfort. The electric power steering is designed to constantly deliver the right amount of resistance in your hands over a myriad of conditions, and while it works as advertised feedback is minimal.

The Ecotec engine has no problem motivating the 2014 Impala to family-sedan standards. The only time I found it wanting was for super-brisk highway passing maneuvers.

The first, and most overwhelming, impression you get when driving the 2014 Chevrolet Impala is how quiet it is, overall. (Photo: Chevrolet)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala LT
While the styling is a bit “Chevrolet generic,” the extra length of the Impala enables it to have elegant and aerodynamic lines, and a great stance. I like how it looks, and so did everyone on my street who strolled by to have a look-see.

Inside, the 2014 model is unlike any recent Impala with an attractive design and great materials. The new between-the-gauges info display is particularly crisp and dynamic.

The extra curves on top of the dash panel seem a bit overdone for my taste, and are just an excuse to show off more faux stitching, which seems to have replaced faux woodgrain as the go-to look to instantly imbue a cabin with a luxury feel.

The dash in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala has just enough old-school dials to keep you from always searching for stuff on the touchscreen. The up-level seat material -- called “sueded microfiber” -- is particularly fetching and inviting.

The primary beneficiary of the Impala's newfound length is the rear seating area, which features above-average legroom. The rear seats also fold 60/40 for great utility and cargo-carrying capacity. The trunk capacity is already a stellar 532 litres.

Overall, it is a very comfortable and serene cabin that gives you a great sense of well-being each time you slide into the driver's seat of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

Inside, the 2014 model is unlike any recent Impala with an attractive design and great materials. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Comparing the 2014 Chevrolet Impala
From out of nowhere, the Impala has vaulted to the front of the category for large, front-drive sedans, which includes the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and the new Kia Cadenza. To a lesser extent, the Impala also competes with the rear-drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

Among them, only the Ford has a 4-cylinder offering -- a 2.0L EcoBoost that's more about power and performance. This makes the 4-pot Impala unique, and a great option for large-car buyers who don't need (or even want) something with more than 200 horsepower.

AT&T is responsible for the first-ever phone call between a moving car and a plane, which occurred on October 9th, 1947, over Wilmington, Delaware.

If you think today's cell phone charges are tough to swallow, consider that this first mobile service cost $170 a month, plus up to $4 for each call, and you needed an 80 lb piece of phone equipment.

Sources: The Guardian, Gadget Shake

When it comes to falling in love with a vehicle, there are a few key features that immediately catch my eye or cause me to roll them: curb appeal, exhaust note, and the steering wheel.

That last one might seem odd, but trust me: After nearly a decade of driving a different car every week, you realize the importance of the item that not only helps you keep on the right course, but is also the thing you interact with most while you do so.

What makes a good steering wheel? Well, let's put things into perspective here: My all-time favourite steering wheel (and it has been for a few model years now) is the M3's. It's chunky, I adore the stitching (not uncomfortable or obtrusive), it's on the small side, and it's not overly loaded with buttons and what have you. It drives the dynamic vehicle it's attached to and that's the most important thing. I would say the same of the steering wheel in the VW Scirocco R and/or VW GTI.

On the flip side, any steering wheel from Acura has me wishing for reigns instead. And I absolutely loathe the angle of the wheel in the Chevy Camaro.

Car makers are so obsessed with loading their current vehicles with as much technological gadgetry as possible, and all that hi-tech stuff ends up trickling onto the steering wheel, which really gets to me. I appreciate a button for volume and maybe another one to answer and hang up a call, but that's it! I'm there to drive, not text my mother.

Another steering wheel worth mentioning is the Porsche 911 Turbo's: plain, simple, and absolutely fantastic, I relished every moment with it. Free of buttons and toggles, it only featured backlit words that let you know when you were in Launch Control mode (which really is all that matters).

Sometimes it shocks me when I get into a car and see and feel a poorly designed steering wheel. How can something so integral to the overall experience of a vehicle be so polarizing? At the same time, I also feel like the steering wheel can be a pretty personal affair: What I find appealing you may find annoying, and vice versa.

Where will my next favourite steering wheel emerge? Who knows, but I can't wait to buckle in and take hold to find out.

BMW M3 Coupe cabine (Photo: BMW)

From GMM

He may have a longer contract, but Williams' Pastor Maldonado is on the move.

That is the claim on Wednesday of Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, reporting that the Venezuelan has made an approach to Lotus about replacing the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen.

The patience of the 28-year-old, who brings millions to Williams in the form of his state-connected PDVSA sponsorship, has reportedly run out.

Maldonado is apparently desperate for a better car, but German correspondent Michael Schmidt said Williams can actually "rest easy".

Pastor Maldonado, Williams FW35. (Photo: WRi2)

"The contract with Maldonado's South American sponsors is watertight," he revealed, claiming Williams got the deal re-checked recently by a top lawyer in London.

Schmidt added that the PDVSA contract, worth about EUR 35 million to Williams every year, runs until 2015.

Nonetheless, Maldonado is quoted as saying: "This year I'm here. Next year I don't know where I'll be."

Since there are currently no performance standards or test protocols in the U.S. for pet travel products, Subaru has partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to test the effectiveness of various pet harness systems.

Similar to regular crash test dummies, Subaru uses life-like dog models to provide a realistic representation for testing purposes, including a 25 lb terrier mix, a 45 lb border collie, and a 75 lb golden retriever.

So far, the tests have identified Sleepypod's Clickit Utility Harness as the clear top performing harness brand, as it was the only harness tested to consistently keep a dog from launching off of the seat and the only restraint deemed to offer substantial protection to all passengers.

“Safety for all passengers, including our pets, is very important to Subaru and to our drivers. Selecting the wrong harness could be just as detrimental as not using one at all,” said Michael McHale, director of communications at Subaru of America, Inc. 

“Most pet owners don't know the dangers of not properly harnessing their pet while in the car. With nearly half of Subaru drivers also being dog owners, we want them to be as informed as possible.”

Source: Subaru

From GMM

Sahara Force India has not ruled out signing Kevin Magnussen for 2014.

The young Dane, whose father Jan contested a race for McLaren in 1995, is being backed by the great British team as he closes on the Formula Renault 3.5 title.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport recently made the link between Magnussen and Force India, revealing that a debt owed by the Silverstone based team to McLaren could be forgiven if the 21-year-old is given his grand prix debut.

The rumour would tie in with speculation Sahara Force India is considering a new teammate for Adrian Sutil next year, because Paul di Resta is under-performing.

"We have a competitive pairing at the moment," insists team boss Vijay Mallya, "but it's unlikely we will make any decisions (about 2014) before the Indian grand prix."

Sahara Force India VJM06. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked specifically about Magnussen by Reuters, deputy boss Bob Fernley answered: "Vijay has always taken the best drivers that he could afford. And I don't think he'll change that philosophy.

"So when it comes to actually determining the drivers, we can put our recommendations in. And if Kevin is in that mix then so be it," he added.

But Bob Fernley also said: "I think McLaren have to look at it themselves really. If Magnussen is a wonderful driver, why not take the chance?"

I was recently asked to partake in a vehicular cross-Canada tour. Nothing unusual, as several manufacturers have crossed the country in various attempts to promote their wares. However, this trip was going to be different as we would be solely using Volkswagen's famous diesel products, and it's no secret that I adore diesel vehicles!

Organised in stages, and involving five groups of journalists, the tour would start from Halifax, Nova Scotia and finish in Vancouver, BC. Naturally, with large distances to cover on each leg, the journalists were asked if we'd care to bring a driving partner. So, I went along with Er Indoors (my pet name for well, Her Indoors!).

Now some might think me crazy for doing this, but my better half and I genuinely do enjoy taking road trips together. In fact, we seldom turn on the radio, preferring to chatter about everything from “what cute garden gnomes those are” to “why would anyone keep a rusting Ford Pinto on their front lawn?” Yes, you see the most amazing sights on a road trip, if you pay attention!

Photo: Kevin Corrigan

1st Leg - 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI
As we set off from Halifax, NS in our comfy Passat 2.0L 4-cyl TDI, I couldn't help but recall my own (UK-based) Passat from almost three decades back. The vehicle was a highway cruiser of the first order, and to this day I miss her. However, time moves on and things change -- or do they? Because the Passat TDI is not only as long-legged as my much-loved previous model, but has now become an up-market product worthy of comparison with certain other German brands. Add to this fuel-economy figures around 5 - 6L/100km (hwy) and what you have is the intelligent buyer's vehicle of frugal luxury.

2nd Leg - 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
The new 2014 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI is a fantastic product, and I was grinning from ear-to-ear as I jumped behind its wheel for the second leg.

I was also thrilled to have my wife's opinion on the vehicle, which was absolutely zilch! You see, my wife drives an older Range Rover which she simply idolizes, so whenever I show her another SUV, she immediately starts pulling it to pieces -- not with the Touareg, however. So, as I drove along delighting in the awesome power of its turbo diesel powerplant (240 hp; 406 lb-ft of torque), she sat there as quiet as a church mouse. That is probably the best testament to an SUV you will ever read by anyone, anywhere!

2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

3rd Leg - 2014 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
En route to our overnight stop in Edmundson, NB, we switched into the 2014 Beetle TDI. Now, I've always liked the Bug. It's been a winner for Volkswagen since forever, and I was one of the cheerleaders when it returned to us in its retro guise. However, I was as pleased to see the new shape arrive as I was to see the over-the-top cutesy flower holder disappear from the previous generation's dashboard. It now appears more grown up, with a sporty stance and performance & handling to match (yes, I'm speaking of a diesel here!). With real world fuel-economy figures around 5L/100km (hwy) this has truly become “the people's car” it set out to be.

4th Leg 2014 Volkswagen Golf TDI Wagon
The Golf has always been the much-loved mainstay of Volkswagen, and who am I to argue? After all, a Golf can fit into almost anyone's lifestyle. It's comfy, easy to park, good on fuel, offers great handling and choose any version you like and you still won't upset your bank manager. However, as a diesel wagon, this may well be the first time he/she actually phones to congratulate you on your purchase. It truly is a practical vehicle and well-suited to us Canadians. It's agile in the twists & turns and a real smooth-y on the highway. In fact, of all the vehicles I experienced on the tour, the Golf TDI Wagon supplied the best fuel economy, and would be my first choice for a long-distance driving getaway.

5th Leg: Montreal and our finish line, well almost!
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI was our transportation for the final run into Montreal, and the hotel which was to signal the end of the first leg of Volkswagen's Great Canadian TDI Clean Diesel Tour. It was here we would pass the torch to my fellow journalists, who would then continue the fuel-sipping adventure. Unfortunately, this was not to be, as although the Jetta TDI was pleasurable to drive, its GPS system proved itself as useful as a cardboard snow-shovel, and we never actually made it to the hotel.

Yes, while most Montreal residents are familiar with the location of all four Rue Sherbrooke(s) (the location of our hotel), our GPS companion insisted that there was just one, which proved to be the wrong one!

We then attempted to program the street adjoining Rue Sherbrooke (which was Rue Stanley), only to be tricked again by a GPS which listed only one when, in fact, there are three Rue Stanley(s) in Montreal.

In all fairness, I enjoyed my experience behind the wheel of the Jetta TDI, but if you purchase one, you may want to add the price of a decent TomTom unit because without it you'll have better luck asking the village idiot for directions! (Note: The GPS worked very well in the other VW models I drove.)

2014 Volkswagen Jetta (Photo: Kevin Corrigan)

While I typically enjoy the sights of Montreal, spending 3 ½ hours lost in its rush-hour traffic before racing to the airport, is not my fondest memory of the city. However, the tour did reinforce one or two things in my mind: First, when it comes to diesel transportation, Volkswagen is way out in front with an amazing range of diesel offerings, and second, how can you not love a woman who loves going on road trips?

From GMM

Ross Brawn on Wednesday added his own denial to reports he has decided to leave Mercedes at the end of the season.

Chairman Niki Lauda has already played down the reports, saying he is in negotiations with 58-year-old team boss Brawn, who he would like to keep at Brackley.

But the big rumour is that Brawn has decided to leave because his obvious successor at Mercedes is Paddy Lowe.

Brawn is being linked with a move to 2015 McLaren engine supplier Honda, but the Japanese carmaker's motor racing boss Yasuhisa Arai on Wednesday denied that.

"I've never heard of that and it is a surprise," he told British broadcaster Sky.

"I don't think it will happen," said Yasuhisa Arai.

Ross Brawn added his own denial on Wednesday. "The situation is the same as it has been for the last few weeks. I am still talking to Niki about my role in the team," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

He was even more strident when asked about McLaren and Honda.

"I have not spoken a word with Honda or McLaren. My decision can wait until the winter," said Ross Brawn.

"I'm not someone who makes a decision overnight. Should I look elsewhere, I would think about it very hard and consider the options carefully. It takes time," he insisted.

Auto Motor und Sport said Brawn, a keen salmon and trout fisherman, has not even ruled out taking a sabbatical.

"It would not be the first time," he smiled.

Mitsubishi will unveil three utility concept vehicles in world premiere at the 43rd Tokyo Auto Show, which opens on November 22nd, 2013.

The GC-PHEV is a full-size SUV that uses the same plug-in hybrid technology as the new Outlander. It's a “connected car” that also offers next-generation preventive safety technology and driver support technology through wireless connectivity.

The XR-PHEV is a compact, lightweight SUV which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain, too. The body is shaped like a coupe's.

Finally, the AR concept is a next-generation compact crossover that features a downsized, turbocharged engine with direct injection for outstanding fuel economy.

Mitsubishi provided a couple of teasers, but we'll likely have to wait until the Tokyo show to get the full picture.

From GMM

Another theory about Sebastian Vettel's late-season dominance has emerged.

Rumours in Korea last weekend spoke of a clever but legal engine mapping system aboard his Red Bull that mimics the benefits of banned traction control.

Now, Spain's El Confidencial has reported burgeoning rumours that the Adrian Newey-penned RB9, which in Vettel's hands has won the last four grands prix on the trot, is in fact somehow deploying its KERS system to enhance cornering traction.

First rumour about a Red Bull traction control emerged in Canada with Mark Webber. (Caption: FOM)

The rumours, which date back to Singapore last month, say Red Bull could have linked KERS to suspension sensors, with the engine being subsequently 'dragged' through the process of energy harvesting.

The report made a potential link between the system and the fact that Red Bull tends to have frequent reliability problems with its KERS units.

Mark Webber said immediately after retiring in Korea that "there was a KERS fire", but Red Bull later said it was caused by oil leaking onto the exhaust after the crash with Adrian Sutil.

Adrian Newey, meanwhile, played down the link between Red Bull's KERS system and its superior traction.

"I doubt the gain is from KERS," he is quoted by Racecar Engineering.

"We, like everyone, do work on how to best deploy it, but I think everyone is similar in how they use it," added Newey.

From GMM

Jacques Villeneuve has urged Sauber to think again after the Swiss team ruled out signing Rubens Barrichello for 2014.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn in Korea quashed rumours Brazilian veteran Barrichello count mount his return to F1 next year with Sauber, with the help of an eight-figure sponsorship purse.

1997 world champion Villeneuve, however, said Sauber should not dismiss the former Ferrari and Williams driver so hastily.

"Rubens would be worth considering," he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"Why would a team boss ignore the experience factor so easily? 2014 will be a complex year," said the French Canadian.

"Barrichello would always be better than (Esteban) Gutierrez. What has he given to Sauber until now? Nothing. Look at him compared to Hulkenberg," Jacques Villeneuve insisted.

Rubens Barrichello and Monisha Kaltenborn, earlier this season in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Outspoken Villeneuve, now a F1 television pundit, also recently chided the talents of Caterham's Charles Pic.

On French television, it was put to Villeneuve - a staunch critic of 'pay-drivers' - that Frenchman Pic had denied he is in fact a pay-driver.

Villeneuve hit back: "Then he should explain why he and not Kovalainen is in that car."

Finn Heikki Kovalainen, in the running to return to the race seat in 2014, will in fact be driving Pic's car in Friday morning practice at Suzuka.

Nissan is vowing to press ahead selling taxis in New York this month despite a court ruling today that voids its lucrative exclusive contract with the city.

The National Automobile Dealers Association said Tuesday it has chosen New York dealer Bill Fox as its next vice chairman, putting him in line to become chairman after Forrest McConnell III of Alabama, who -- as expected -- was named NADA's 2014...

Remember the turbulent launch of the

The auto industry is well represented on a new list of the world's most influential chief marketing officers.