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Pros and Cons*
Pros
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG overwhelms with its awesome power and the superb fit and finish of the add-on performance and esthetic enhancements. The perfect balance between performance and comfort has been superbly achieved. Its all-wheel drive system provides a surprisingly satisfactory driving experience. Drivers can select either Eco, Sport, or Manual driving mode.

Cons
Fuel consumption is atrocious, despite the improved fuel economy. The hefty base price is quickly augmented by a long list of expensive options. Ergonomically, certain very obvious flaws should be corrected as soon as possible.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Price
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG starts at $101,900. The generous list of standard equipment includes; 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a 7-inch navigation screen, a Harmon-Kardon entertainment system, Bluetooth, USB port, power sunroof, stop/start technology, heated and ventilated seats and parking assist.

A multitude of option packages are available, including; AMG sport package, at $5,500, which includes a performance package that boosts horsepower and torque, red brake calipers, AMG sport steering-wheel, as well as electronic speed-limiter deletion.

Multicontour front seats with massage are available for $1,200, along with a driving-assist package with blind-spot detection and lane departure warning system which adds $2,700, as well as a convenience package including heated rear seats and power-assisted tailgate at $4,400. A variety of exterior, interior, and entertainment and security packages can also be added.

Fuel consumption
While there has been a 30 % improvement in comparison to the previous model, the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG still consumes 15.5 L/100 km city and 11.5 L/100 km highway.

AMG package includes:
- AMG sport exhaust with double chrome tips
- Auto-levelling pneumatic suspension
- Adaptative dampening system
- Sway bar anti-roll system
- Ventilated and cross-drilled heavy-duty disc-brakes
- 4-spoke sport steering-wheel with aluminum paddle-shifter and stainless-steel pedals
- AMG body-skirt package

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Exterior design
Performance and luxury meet here. Among the different styling changes for 2012, headlights were re-sized, 21-inch wheels were added, along with the addition of bulging fender skirts and lower body panels which add girth and widen its stance, accentuating its sportiness. This SUV is the longest of the M-Class models, by 13 millimeters (for an overall length of 4,817 mm) and weighs in at 2,345 kilograms.

Drivetrain
The powerful V8 produces 518 hp and 516 ft-lb. of torque. The Performance package brings these totals to an impressive 550 and 560 hp respectively.

Power is transmitted to the four wheels through a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission.

Luggage capacity
Luggage capacity ranges from 690 to 2,010 litres, depending on seat configuration.

Security
In addition to the six airbags, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG is equipped with a new PRE-SAFE collision avoidance system. A number of additional active security features are standard, and various optional systems can also be added.

Comparable models
BMW X5M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Range Rover Sport


*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.434
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.416
www.leftlanenews.com
www.trucktrend.com
www.mercedes-benz.ca

Pros and Cons*
Pros
This SUV has ideal weight distribution, efficient brakes, impeccable soundproofing and the best road handling characteristics of its category along with standard all-wheel drive.

Cons
Steer away from this SUV if you dislike firm suspensions or if you desire a manual transmission or diesel-engine option. Furthermore, storage space is at a premium and the instrument panel is quite bland.


Price
The BMW X3 xDrive28i starts at $42 600. The V6 powered xDrive35i has a MSRP of $47 550.

* These prices apply to 2014 models.

Fuel Economy
The 4-cylinder engine consumes an average 8.5 L/100 km, or 9.7 L/100 km city and 7 L/100 km highway.

6-cylinder fuel economy ratings are estimated at 11.1 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway for an average 10 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
The 2013 BMW X3 crossover combines luxury and performance with its LED-framed bi-xenon headlights which add character and style.

Drivetrain
The base model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine that develops 241 hp and 258 lb-ft torque.

The optional turbocharged 3.0 litre engine produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft torque.

Both engines power all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity can be expanded from from 550 to 1,600 litres.

Safety
Passenger safety in the 2013 BMW X3 is provided by six airbags and a variety of passive and active standard and optional safety features.

Comparable Models
Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Infiniti EX, Land Rover LR2, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60

Photo: BMW

*References
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.140
Fillion Nadine, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.176
www.bmw.ca

Only days before the open test session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, GreenGT announced that it was withdrawing its H2 prototype race car - the first Le Mans racer to be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

The Green GT H2 was this year's Garage 56 entry reserved for 'new technology' project for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Photo: Green GT

The power to the electric motors was to be provided by a full cell.

Unfortunately, the development of the project fell behind target, and the managers of Green GT had no other choice than to withdraw the entry.

The FIA and Le Mans organisers, ACO will continue to back the project and hopefully the H2 may compete in future events of the World Endurance Championship later this year, as a non-championship car.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
A spacious trunk, comfort and more precise handling that the previous generation...just a few of the 2013 Dodge Charger's strong points. Plus, the cylinder deactivation and the availability of all-wheel drive are also appreciated.

Cons
This sedan's weaker points include the unavailability of the 8-speed transmission on certain models, the fuel-hungry V8 engine, reduced rear visibility and cumbersome size.


Price
MRSP for the SE starts at $29,995.

The SXT, in RWD, starts at $33,445, with an extra $2,000 for the SXT Plus RWD.

The SXT AWD is available for $37,040 while the SXT Plus AWD costs $39,040.

The R/T RWD starts at $38,595.

The R/T Road/Track's base price is $40,595 while the R/T AWD is offered at $41,990.

Fuel Economy
The V6, coupled with the RWD 5-speed automatic transmission is rated at 11.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.3 L/100 km on the highway.

With the 8-speed transmission, fuel ratings are estimated around 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway.

In AWD, the sedan consumes 11.4 L/100 km in the city and 7.3 L/100 km on the highway.

The V8 consumes around 13 L/100 km in the city and 8 L/100 km on the highway.

In AWD, engine consumption climbs to 14.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway.

Exterior Styling
With the hood sloping prominently towards a more imposing cross-style grille, this full-size sedan's silhouette is characterized by bold headlights, LED-lined taillights and front door cut-outs.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, you'll find a 3.6-litre V6 engine that delivers 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with a 5 or 8-speed transmission, depending on the version.

The more powerful 5.7-litre V8 engine, with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, is coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity
462 litres are available for storage.

Safety
Equipped with seven airbags, the Dodge Charger has been awarded the 2013 IIHS's Top Safety Pick.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima

Photo: Dodge

*References
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.210
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.242
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.209
www.dodge.ca

Red Bull Racing's technical director, Adrian Newey made a huge mistake for his outing in a Lamborghini Super Trofeo race at Silverstone when he hit the wall during the formation lap.

Newey, who occasionally competes in GT races, crashed his Gallardo into the wall during the formation lap of race 1, while warming up his tires heading to the starting grid.

Pros and Cons*
Cons
User-friendly controls, comfort and a price that can't be beat - all stand-out features of the 2013 Dodge Avenger.

Cons
The Avenger can be faulted for having an overly-complicated navigation system (offered as an option), a reduced cargo capacity, imprecise steering and a poor resale value.


Price
The Dodge Avenger SE Value Package has a base price of $19,995, with an extra $695 for a 6-speed automatic transmission (the 4-speed transmission comes standard).

The SXT is sold for $24,295. It's an additional $2,000 for the V6 engine.

The SXT Plus is available from $28,395 and includes a 6-cylinder powertrain and a 6-speed transmission.

The R/T, also equipped with a V6 Pentastar engine, is available for $29,295.

Fuel Economy
The 4-cylinder is rated at around 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission.

With the 6-speed, automatic transmission, the 4-cylinder engine's ratings are around 10 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway.

When equipped with a V6 engine, the 2013 Dodge Avenger consumes 11 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 L/100 km on the highway.

Exterior Styling
With a cross-style grille evoking other models of the brand, the impressive frame of this mid-size sedan enhances its aggressive look.

Drivetrain
Coupled with either a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic engine, with manual mode available as an option, the basic 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine delivers 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque.

A 3.6-litre V6 engine that packs 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque is also an option. This engine is coupled with a 6-speed transmission with a manual mode.

Cargo Capacity
This sedan has 384 litres of trunk space.

Safety
Earning the 2012 IIHS Top Safety pick, the 2013 Dodge Avenger is outfitted with six airbags.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry

Photo: Dodge

*References
René Charles, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.204
Morin Alain, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.238
www.dodge.ca

From WRC.com

Robert Kubica captured his first win in the World Rally Championship by finishing first in the WRC 2 class at the Acropolis Rally - the roughest round of the season.

The former Formula 1ace brought his Citroen DS3 RRC cleanly through Sunday's final four stages to win by 1m29.8 from Yuriy Protasov in a Ford Fiesta RRC. 

Kubica dominated the WRC 2 competition in Greece. He took the lead on Friday's opening stage and went fastest on the first nine tests to pull more than two minutes clear of the chasing pack. 

He later switched to a more cautious approach, avoiding trouble on the rocky gravel stages to secure a maximum 25 championship points. 

Photo: Citroën Racing

“Finally, after a disappointing period with my mistakes and car failure, today is a great day,” said the Pole.

“I think the best thing is that I learned a lot here. These are completely opposite conditions to what I've been used to for the last 20 years.  

“Coming here and driving in a good way, managing to keep the car on the road without damage is already an achievement. Winning is even more. 

“But there is a long way to go. I know I have to learn a lot and for sure the next rallies will improve me even more. There is still long way to go before I get to the level I want to reach.”

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Smooth ride, top-quality fit and finish and great versatility ...just a few of the highlights that make this convertible stand out.

Cons
Among the sore points we need to mention: the trunk, which is awkward to use and has limited storage space, handling, which is anything but sporty and the fact that there are only two available rear seats.


Price
The Chrysler 200 Convertible has a MSRP of $30,395 and you have to add $695 for a 6-speed automatic instead of the standard 4-speed transmission. This model is delivered with a standard 4-cylinder engine.

The Touring version, at $37,195 is delivered with standard V6.

Limited and S versions start at $39,195 and $40,195 respectively.

Fuel Economy
The 4-cylinder/4-speed combination consumes an estimated 10.3 L/100 km city and 6.9 L/100 km highway.

The 6-speed transmission option lowers this rating to 11.8 L/100 km city and 7.3 L/100 km highway

V6 fuel consumption is rated at 11 L/100 km city and 6.8 L/100 km highway.

Exterior Styling
This elegant convertible has fluid and dynamic lines. The LED tail lights add to the overall refined styling.

Drivetrain
The base 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft torque. It is available with either standard 4-speed or optional 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The available 3.6-litre V6 delivers 283 hp and 260 lb-ft torque and is matched to the 6-speed automatic transmission

Cargo Capacity
The trunk volume of the 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible is 370 litres, or 190 litres with lowered roof.

Safety
A number of active safety features and a total of six airbags protect the occupants of the 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible.

Comparable Models
BMW 1 Series Cabriolet, Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Mazda MX-5, MINI Cooper Cabriolet, Volkswagen Eos

Photo: Chrysler

*References
René Charles, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.200
Fillion Nadine, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.234
www.chrysler.ca

From GMM

Lotus owner Gerard Lopez has backed Romain Grosjean, amid speculation the Enstone based team could replace the beleaguered French driver.

Having seemingly overcome his 'first lap nutcase' troubles of 2012, 27-year-old Grosjean is now back in the wars with a ten-place grid penalty for Montreal for his Monaco crash with Daniel Ricciardo.

Caption: FOM

In the wake of the Monaco controversy, team boss Eric Boullier answered "not yet" when asked if Lotus might consider replacing Grosjean with GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi.

He and team owner Lopez, however, have also defended Grosjean.

"The first (Monaco) accident in practice was our fault," Lopez told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"The tire pressures were wrong and we did not tell him. The second crash was comparable to Massa's -- we believe both were distracted by a car coming out of the pits. From that, he was under pressure for the rest of the weekend. The speed was there," said Lopez, adding that hurried repairs meant Grosjean's car was "not really perfect" for the race.

And Lopez said the crash with Ricciardo was caused by frustration.

"Romain is not a guy who can drive behind for so long, especially when he knows he could be so much further forward," he said.

He said Lotus continues to believe in Grosjean, but smiled as he likened him to a talented football player "who is constantly getting stupid injuries".

"He's super fast in anything with four wheels -- he would be quick with a shopping cart. He is a natural talent and there are not too many others like him; Hulkenberg, Bianchi but I can't think of many others," said Lopez.

Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean said he believes his ten-place penalty for the Ricciardo crash is "quite harsh".

As for his mixed 2013 season so far, he said: "On paper it's not as good as we would have wanted it to be, but I'm happy with all my performances so far except for Monaco."

ASSOCIATE EDITOR ANGIE FISHER: Just as I was complaining about how I really dislike being hoisted behind the wheel of a full-size-ish SUV, I find myself pleased with how this

Ford has developed a smaller, Fiesta-based crossover called the EcoSport in Brazil for global markets. Now executives are hinting that it may bring the EcoSport to the United States.

Model: 2009 to 2013 Mazda6

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: The last-generation MAZDA6 was loved for its style, design, and performance -- and it looks like a solid used-car buy, too.

Price: Second generation MAZDA6 prices span widely, though shoppers after a more basic, 4-cylinder model with some miles can expect pricing to start around $9,500 and climb as high as $30,000 for a 2013 “demo” model with minimal miles on a fully loaded unit. The market offers plenty of selection from about $11,500 to $17,000, depending on the model and options required.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

What Owners Like: Styling, both inside and out, were big draws to the second-generation MAZDA6 -- as was its refinement and availability with a manual transmission. Visibility, feature content, overall roominess and even instrument cluster lighting were all highly rated, too. Performance from the V6 engine is rated highly, while manual-equipped 4-cylinder models are said to be peppy and fun to drive.

What Owners Dislike: Some owners wish for better fuel economy, richer interior material selection and the availability of a manual transmission with the up-level V6 engine.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

History/Description: This second-generation of Mazda's zoom-zoom sedan was much like the first in that it offered five-passenger seating, 4- or 6-cylinder power, automatic or manual transmissions, and came only in front-wheel drive. Softer, bigger, and heavier than the original MAZDA6, this second-generation car was bigger on comfort and refinement, though somewhat at the expense of all-out performance.

Look for feature content including push-button start, navigation, premium audio, automatic lights wipers, and climate controls, heated leather seats, and a full range of safety gear.

Look for a 2.5L 4-cylinder with manual or automatic gearboxes, and an available 3.7L V6 that came exclusively with an automatic transmission.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Common Issues: Numerous owners reported premature wear from the factory brakes and tires. Though this will largely be a function of driving habits and locale, be sure to inspect the condition and remaining life of both components ahead of your purchase.

Check the rear taillamps for signs of internal melting, possibly caused by assembly materials that can't withstand the heat of the bulbs. Though the exterior lenses aren't known to melt, the interior components might, which could be a visibility-impeding safety issue.

Check for proper operation of the air conditioner, and be sure both xenon lights, if equipped, are working properly -- as they can be pricey to replace when burned out.

First-year models from this generation may be affected by erratic engine behavior in the form of stumbling and hesitation, possibly alongside other electrical issues that may be caused by a faulty wiring harness. These issues seemed to affect first-year (2009) models only.

Systematic or serious issues relating to the second-generation MAZDA6 are virtually nil in all checks of online owner forums. Keep in mind that proper maintenance is key to any vehicle's long-term durability and reliability and that a fresh tune-up and full fluid change in your new-to-you MAZDA6 can go a long way to adding confidence to the purchase.

Bruno Spengler (BMW) will start from pole position in Spielberg, Austria, for the third round of the DTM championship.

Spengler, who sits second in provisional championship classification, thanks to a 5th place in Hockenheim, and a 2nd position in Brands Hatch, was fastest in Q4 with a lap in 1'24''836. He will start alongside another BMW driver, rookie driver Marco Wittmann, who could have scored his first career pole.

Edoardo Mortara was third quickest, being the first Audi driver at the end of the session, ahead of Augusto Farfus' BMW, who won the opening round in Hockenheim, and retired in Brands Hatch.

The fastest Mercedes was only 7th, as Robert Wickens put his C-Coupé in the inside of row 4. Mercedes n°1 driver Gary Paffett will only start from 10th position after he could not set a lap time in Q3 following an engine issue. Championship leader Mike Rockenfeller will start from 8th position, driving his Audi RS 5.

Bruno Spengler (Photo: DTM.com)

Spielberg - Qualifying:

1. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 1'24"836 - Q4

2. Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK - 1'24"947 - Q4

3. Edoardo Mortara (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 1'25"036 - Q4

4. Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM - 1'25"183 - Q4

5. Timo Scheider (Audi RS5) - Abt - 1'24"887 - Q3
6. Filipe Albuquerque (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 1'24"922 - Q3

7. Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 1'24"973 - Q3
8. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 1'24''986 - Q3
9. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 1'25"245 - Q3

10 . Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - no time - Q3
etc.

Jari-Matti Latvala took his first win of the season, and his first success with Volkswagen, with a huge lead over of Dani Sordo (Citroën) and Thierry Neuville (Ford), at the Acropolis Rally.

Latvala moved up to the leader board when his teammate and championship leader Sébastien Ogier, but also Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën) and Mads Ostberg (Ford) ran into some trouble in the first special stage on Friday.

Evgeny Novikov was the new leader driving his Ford Fiesta, but the Russian driver suffered a puncture on Saturday, and dropped down in classification, which put Latvala in the lead.

On Sunday, the Finn increased the gap, and concluded the event 1min50a ahead of Sordo, as Thierry Neuville completed the podium aboard his Ford Fiesta, 2min14a behind Latvala.

After their troubles in day one, Mads Ostberg concluded the event in 6th position ahead of Mikko Hirvonen as Sébastien Ogier took 10th position. The Frenchman, who took three extra points by winning the Power Stage in Greece on Saturday, remains first in provisional classification by a healthy margin.

Robert Kubica won in the WRC2 class, driving his Citroën DS3 RRC. Greece marks the Pole's first win in world rallying.

Miikka Anttila and Jari-Matti Latvala on the podium (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Final classification :
1. Latvala-Anttila (VW Polo Wrc) in 3.31'01”2

2. Sordo-Del Barrio (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'50”0

3. Neuville-Gilsoul (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 2'14”1
4. Mikkelsen-Markkula (VW Polo Wrc) + 3'55”1

5. Al Attiyah-Bernacchini (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 4'12”6
6. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'48”7

7. Prokop-Ernst (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 7'22”4

8. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 7'56”2

9. Novikov-Minor (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 8'11”8

10. Ogier-Ingrassia (VW Polo Wrc) + 10'10”3
11. Kubica-Baran (Citroën DS3 RRC) + 15'19''1
Etc.

Championship :
1. Ogier 126 points, 2. Latvala 74, 3. Loeb 68, 4. Hirvonen 63, 5. Neuville 50, etc.

Robert Kubica caught a break this weekend on the World Rally stage.

The Pole, who led his class in all the events he entered despite crashes and mechanical problems, finally won, at the Acropolis Rally, aboard his Citroën DS3 RRC.

His co-driver Maciej Baran and him finished the rally over a minute before second-place team of Yurii Protasov and Kuldar Sikk. WRC-2 championship leaders Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari and Killian Duffy completed the podium.

Robert Kubica, Citroën DS3 RRC (Photo: Robert Kubica)

"This is a great day after a disappointing time with my mistakes and car failures when we didn't manage to bring anything home," Kubica said after the finish line.

"Now it is time to move on the the next challenge. I know I have to learn a lot and for sure over the next rallies I will improve even more.

"There is still a long way to go to reach the level I would like to be."

Finn Jari-Matti Latvala won outright aboard his VW Polo R WRC.

A win in this weekend's contest in the streets of Detroit has moved Max Angelelli and Jordan Taylor into the lead of the Daytona Prototype category standings.

The Velocity Motorsports duo beat Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi to the finish line, in a Corvette 1-2.

Former championship leaders Memo Rojas and Scott Pruett dropped to fourth in the standings when the Rojas crashed out of the race.

John Edwards and Robin Liddell gave Chevrolet its second home win of the weekend by winning the GT category aboard their No. 57 Camaro.

Scuderia Corsa Ferrari duo Jeff Westphal and Alessandro Balzan finished second ahead of Max Papis and Jeff Segal in the Aim Autosport Ferrari.

Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez are the GX class winners.

Photo: Grand-Am.com

Race results - Detroit (Grand-Am)
1 - Angelelli-Taylor (Corvette DP/Dallara) - Taylor - 61 laps
2 - Barbosa-Fittipaldi (Corvette DP/Coyote) - ActionEx -0"486
3 - Dalziel-Popow (Riley-Ford) - Starworks -0"825
4 - Cameron-Nonnamaker (Riley-BMW) - Sahlen - 1"469
5 - Taylor-Westbrook (Corvette DP/Coyote) - SpiritOfDaytona - 8"811
6 - Fogarty-Gurney (Corvette DP/Riley) - Stallings - 8"997
7 - Pizzonia-Yacaman (Riley-Ford) - Shank - 17"707
8 - Hartley-Mayer (Porsche 997) - Starworks - 1 lap
9 - Nonnamaker-Nonnamaker-Sahlen (Riley-BMW) - Sahlen - 1 lap
10 - Edwards-Liddell (Chevy Camaro) - Stevenson - 1 lap
11 - Balzan-Westphal (Ferrari 458) - Corsa - 1 lap
12 - Papis-Segal (Ferrari 458) - AIM - 1 lap
13 - Lally-Potter (Porsche 997) - Magnus - 1 lap
14 - Curran-Said (Corvette Z06) - Marsh - 1 lap
15 - Lindsey-Long (Porsche 997) - Park Place - 1 lap
16 - Assentato-Lazzaro (Ferrari 458) - AIM - 1 lap
17 - Johnson-Marsal-Schaldach (BMW M3) - Turner - 2 laps
18 - Drissi-Von Moltke (Porsche 997) - Muehlner - 3 laps
19 - Miller-Nunez (Mazda 6) - Speedsource - 5 laps
20 - Norman-Pumpelly (Porsche Cayman) - BGB - 5 laps

Retirements
Lap 48 - Long-Tremblay
Lap 47 - Lamy-Sarrazin
Lap 44 - Frisselle-Frisselle
Lap 33 - Johnson-Auberlen
Lap 1 - Pruett-Rojas
Lap 1 - Pew-Valiante

Dale Coyne Racing's Mike Conway surely made his employer happy by winning, in his first outing with the squad, the opening race of this weekend's IndyCar double-header in Detroit.

To say that Conway dominated the race is an understatement since the Briton crossed the line more than 12 seconds ahead of current IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport).

Conway and Hunter-Reay had battled since the beginning of the race but Hunter-Reay lost his momentum and any chance of overtaking Conway when he switched to the red tires for the middle stint and immediately began to struggle.

It was a great afternoon for Dale Coyne since the team's other driver Justin Wilson finished third barely edging Ganassi's Scott Dixon.

Team Penske's Helio Castroneves completed the top 5.

Mike Conway (Photo: 2mb Sports Management)

Race results - Detroit (IndyCar)
1 - Mike Conway (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 70 laps
2 - Ryan Hunter-Reay (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 70
3 - Justin Wilson (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 70
4 - Scott Dixon (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 70
5 - Helio Castroneves (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 70
6 - Dario Franchitti (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 70
7 - Josef Newgarden (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Fisher - 70
8 - Will Power (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 70
9 - Graham Rahal (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 70
10 - James Jakes (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 70
11 - Tristan Vautier (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 70
12 - Simon Pagenaud (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 70
13 - Tony Kanaan (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 70
14 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 70
15 - James Hinchcliffe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 70
16 - Simona de Silvestro (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 70
17 - Ernesto Viso (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 70
18 - Ed Carpenter (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Carpenter - 69
19 - Takuma Sato (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 68
20 - Marco Andretti (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 67

Retirements
Lap 67 - Ryan Briscoe
Lap 33 - Sebastian Saavedra
Lap 29 - Alex Tagliani
Lap 20 - Sebastien Bourdais
Lap 1 - AJ Allmendinger

Bruno Spengler raced to his first win of the season in Spielberg, Austria, with BMW teammates Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock, completing the podium. The Canadian now leads the championship.

Bruno Spengler celebrates in traditional fashion (Photo: DTM.com)

Spengler, who started from pole position, was dominant from start to finish at the third round of the DTM championship.

Behind him, Wittmann and Glock claimed their respective first podium finish in DTM, in their first season. Wittmann, who started alongside Spengler, won a tough battle with Edoardo Mortara's Audi. From 12th on the grid, Timo Glock too had a good race.

Timo Glock, BMW M3 DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

The best-placed Audi driver was Mike Rockenfeller, 4th at the end of the race. Mercedes had to make due with 7th, courtesy of Christian Vietoris.

Bruno Spengler moves into the championship lead, 12 points ahead of Mike Rockenfeller.

(Photo: DTM.com)

Race classification
1. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 47 laps in 1h08h35'249
2. Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK + 1''550
3. Timo Glock (BMW M3) - MTEK + 6''504
4. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix + 9''183
5. Mattias Ekström (Audi RS5) - Abt + 10''260
6. Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM + 14''299
7. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupé) + 14''884
8. Dirk Werner (BMW M3) - Schnitzer + 15''548
9. Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mercedes + 16''207
10. Pascal Wherlein (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mercedes + 17''462
Etc.

Championship
1. Spengler 53 points, 2. Rockenfeller 41, 3. Farfus 33, 4. Wittmann 32, 5. Vietoris 25, etc.

Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen) holds a huge lead after day 2 in Acropolis Rally in Greece after his teammate Sébastien Ogier, and rivals Mikko Hirvonen (Citroën) and Mads Ostberg (Ford) ran into some trouble in the very first special stage.

Championship leader Sébastien Ogier lost several minutes when he suffered a puncture, but also a fuel pressure issue aboard his Volkswagen Polo. Before, Mikko Hirvonen also lost time with a steering problem on his DS3. In the meantime, Mads Ostberg lost his hopes of a good result after he damaged a wheel on his Ford Fiesta.

At the end of this chaotic special stage, it was Evgeny Novikov who moved up to the lead driving his Ford Fiesta ahead of Dani Sordo's Citroën and Jari-Matti-Latvala's Volkswagen. But the Russian driver also hit trouble in day 2 as he suffered a puncture, which put Latvala in the lead ahead of Sordo.

On Saturday evening, the Finn led the Spaniard, who was told by his team to maintain his position, by over a minute. Thierry Neuville (Ford) completed the top 3 before Sunday's stages.

Robert Kubica (Citroën DS3) was holding the WRC2 category lead before the last day of Acropolis Rally.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC (Phoo: VW Motorsport)

Acropolis Rally - Day 2 classification:
1. Latvala-Anttila (VW Polo Wrc) in 2h32'42”8
2. Sordo-Del Barrio (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 1'04”1

3. Neuville-Gilsoul (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 1'43”1
4. Al Attiyah-Bernacchini (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 3'46”1
5. Mikkelsen-Markkula (VW Polo Wrc) + 4'11”8

6. Ostberg-Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'26”3

7. Prokop-Ernst (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 5'50”3

8. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 7'52”2
Etc.

Reports indicate South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook is no longer considering a foray into F1.

Uncertainty surrounding Pirelli's future in the sport fuelled recent rumours. Rumours heightened by the complaints of some teams about the Italian rubber, and an alleged "secret test" Pirelli conducted with Mercedes.

Michael Eckert, Hankook's DTM competition engineer, put an end to the rumour though.

2013 marks Hankook's third season with the DTM (Photo: DTM.com)

"For 2014, it's completely impossible," he is quoted saying by British magazine Autosport.

"Even if Hankook wants to take three, four, five years to jump into Formula 1 as a supplier, the lack of testing opportunities would make it impossible."

Hankook's current involvement in motorsports consists mainly in the German DTM series.