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Foreign brands have seen their share of South Korea's market for premium vehicles surge to 41 percent from 28 percent in the past two years, according to Korean industry groups, as lower tariffs make their cars cheaper and local buyers abandon a...

J.R. Fitzpatrick earned his first 2013 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series pole position by setting the fastest time at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the upcoming Vortex Brake Pads 200.

By the same token, Fitzpatrick established a new track record with a lap of the 2.459-mile road course in 83.286 seconds, for an average speed of 106.289 mph. It is the 12th career pole for the defending race winner.

He now holds the all-time series mark for career poles by breaking a three-way tie with Andrew Ranger and Don Thomson Jr.

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who was fastest in practice earlier in the day, earned a start on the outside pole position with a qualifying time of 83.503 seconds (106.013 mph).

The third-fastest time was posted by two-time series champion Scott Steckly at 83.828 seconds (105.602 mph).

Kerry Micks (105.098 mph) and defending series champion D.J. Kennington (104.848 mph) qualified fourth and fifth, respectively.

Alex Guennette, Robin Buck, Peter Klutt, Howie Scannell Jr. and Jeff Lapcevich rounded out the top-10 qualifiers.

The Pinty's presents the Vortex Brake Pads 200 is scheduled to take the green flag at 1:30 pm Sunday afternoon.

Vehicle Type: Pickup truck

The Verdict: Having the Tundra put on a hoist and looked at by a mechanic is key for confidence in getting a healthy used model. Issues with this truck seem to be easily identified and common, so a mechanic will be familiar with them. Careful and patient road testing with an open ear to “hear” any signs of trouble is also important.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Price: Prices span as widely as the Toyota Tundra's available configurations. Expect to pay about $13,000 to $16,000 for a higher-mileage, earlier unit, and up to $50,000 for a slightly used 2013 model. There's healthy selection in the $25,000 to $35,000 range for this model.

What Owners Like: The first word most owners put on their list of likes for this generation of Tundra? Power. Towing capacity, a quiet highway ride, overall comfort and smoothness, and looks round out the package. Some owners report good fuel mileage, which isn't typical in a pickup review.

What Owners Dislike: Numerous Toyota Tundra owners reported a low budget, plastic-y interior, bouncy ride on rougher surfaces, and cheap factory tires. Some also found issues during parking exercises given the Tundra's size and large turning circle.

History/Description: An updated Toyota Tundra pickup hits the market for the 2014 model year, meaning the second-generation 2007 to 2013 model has transitioned fully into used-truck territory.

This is the Tundra's second generation, and it was available with numerous body and bed configurations, two- or four-wheel drive and standard V8 power, namely from a 4.7L or 5.7L unit.

Look for available leather seating, a premium stereo system, automatic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror, and more.

Common Issues: In earlier Toyota Tundra models, some owners reported a loud “slamming” noise from the rear of the truck, which could be caused by a faulty driveshaft spline. Some of these owners point at a Technical Service Bulletin issued by Toyota to address the problem (TSB-0115-08). A “growling” or “clunking” noise from the front differential area also indicates a problem.

So, be sure to listen to the Tundra you're considering closely in a variety of driving conditions, and in particular at lower speeds while loading and unloading the driveline with throttle. Ensure no unwelcome sounds occur. If you're suspicious, have a mechanic take a closer look. Note that these issues seemed to affect mostly earlier Tundra models.

While parked, wiggle the steering wheel of the Tundra you're considering back and forth a half-turn or so. You're listening for any popping or clunking sounds, which could indicate a problem with the power-steering rack. Other unwanted sounds could indicate a problem with CV joints or axles.

Water pumps tend to start leaking as a precursor to failure as the Tundra collects some miles, so be sure to ask the seller if the water pump is original. A leaking water pump will typically show itself with a small pink puddle after the vehicle has been parked, or a “dribble” down the body of the water-pump itself.

Other standard pickup truck checks apply, too. Ensure the Toyota Tundra you're considering shifts from two- to four-wheel drive as outlined in the owner's manual, check the condition of the tires and brakes, and have a look at the underside for signs of excessive rust or damage, possibly caused by careless off-roading.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Members of the Mercedes AMG F1 team are looking forward to the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, round 6 of the 2013 F1 world championship.

"Monaco is one of my favourite races of the year," says driver Lewis Hamilton. "As a driver, you know that you have to perform on every single lap and it's a challenge that I really enjoy," he is quoted adding by his team.

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff agreed.

"Monaco is the most famous race in our sport and a special moment of every F1 season," he stated.

The hype surrounding the famous grand prix is that much sweeter to Mercedes because of the success it has enjoyed at the track.

Mercedes' performances in 2013 have been blurry so far (Photo: WRi2)

In 2012, Michael Schumacher performed his best qualifying effort at the wheel of a silver arrow, clocking the fastest time of Q3. In the race, teammate Nico Rosberg finished second. Taking into account the pace the W04 has showed in qualifying recently, and the fact it is hard to overtake in Monte Carlo, it makes up for great prospects.

"At the moment, we have a good car for qualifying which helps in Monaco [as] track position is so important," said Nico Rosberg, although the pole-sitter from last race refuses to take anything for granted.

"That might be helpful for us but there are so many unknowns, especially with the tires, so we will just have to wait and see."

Audi's Mike Rockenfeller has taken his first win in two years and four days after a commanding victory at Brands Hatch.

"Rocky'' inherited pole after BMW's Martin Tomczyk was excluded from qualifying and looked unrivalled around the short 1.9 kilometer circuit.

Bruno Spengler finished 7.6 seconds behind in second after benefitting from teammate Augusto Farfus' misfortune, which saw the Brazilian's M3 ground to a halt on the Brabham Straight whilst on course for another podium.

Another Canadian, Mercedes' Robert Wickens, finished third. Never before in the history of the sport has there been two Canadians on a DTM podium.

Three manufacturers, two Canadians, one winner on the Brands Hatch podium (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

However, Wickens inherited the position after stablemate Gary Paffett was penalised for now slowing under yellow flags; a decision which dropped the British driver to sixth. Until that point, Paffett had driven an outstanding race which saw him and the HWA team execute a standard-option-standard tyre strategy to perfection.

Joey Hand was another North American to have a good race and despite suffering a poor start which dropped him from third to sixth, the Californian managed to recover to fifth by the end of the race and score his best DTM career result.

Mattias Ekstrom finished seventh from 12th on the grid, ahead of Mercedes' Christian Vietoris, Audi stablemate Timo Scheider and DTM rookie Pascal Wehrlein.

The race was not without controversy however, with Timo Glock calling for Mercedes' Roberto Merhi to take a five-place grid penalty for the next race in Spielberg, after the young Spaniard forced the BMW driver onto the grass at the bottom of Graham Hill hill in the opening stages of the race.

Glock was not the only BMW driver who made contact with Merhi, as Martin Tomczyk was spun by the Mercedes driver in exactly the same place later on in the 98 lap race.

Mike Rockenfeller, Audi RS 5 DTM (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Race results - Brands Hatch (DTM)
1 - Mike Rockenfeller (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 98 laps in 1.11'28"719
2 - Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 7"641
3 - Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 24"368
4 - Marco Wittmann (BMW M3) - MTEK - 24"964
5 - Joey Hand (BMW M3) - RBM - 26"076
6 - Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 27"071
7 - Mattias Ekstrom (Audi RS5) - Abt - 36"523
8 - Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 38"940
9 - Timo Scheider (Audi RS5) - Abt - 39"519
10 - Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mucke - 40"290
11 - Miguel Molina (Audi RS5) - Phoenix - 40"853
12 - Dirk Werner (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 1 lap
13 - Timo Glock (BMW M3) - MTEK - 1 lap
14 - Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 1 lap
15 - Jamie Green (Audi RS5) - Abt - 1 lap
16 - Roberto Merhi (Mercedes C-Coupé) - HWA - 1 lap
17 - Filipe Albuquerque (Audi RS5) - Rosberg - 1 lap
18 - Adrien Tambay (Audi RS5) - Abt - 1 lap
19 - Andy Priaulx (BMW M3) - RMG - 2 laps
20 - Daniel Juncadella (Mercedes C-Coupé) - Mucke - 2 laps

Retirements
Lap 87 - Edoardo Mortara
Lap 68 - Augusto Farfus

Championship standings
1.Rockenfeller 29 points; 2.Spengler 28; 3.Farfus 25; 4.Paffett 20; 5.Vietris 19; 6.Werner 18; 7.Hand 16; 8.Wickens 15; 9.Wittmann 14; 10.Scheider 10.

Schmidt-Peterson Motorsport confirmed Katherine Legge as the driver of its third car for the Indianapolis 500, only a few hours before qualifying started.

The last minute deal put her team in a tough spot to prepare the No. 81 car in time, but boss Sam Schmidt sounded confident everything would be ready time.

The 32-year-old Brit, who was dropped by Dragon Racing during the off-season, still has to qualify for fabled race: the entry list now features 34 drivers and there is only 33 grid slots. But at least she has a shot.

So far in the team, only Simon Pagenaud is qualified for the race. Legge and her other teammate Tristan Vautier still have Sunday, or Bump Day, to make the cut.

The former DTM driver was grateful for the opportunity to race at Indianapolis, one of the biggest motorsport event in the world.

"I owe a huge thank you to Honda, Firestone, the IZOD IndyCar Series and especially Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports for pulling this together in the last minute to get the car on track," she is quoted saying by Crash.net.

Alex Lynn claimed his maiden Formula 3 European Championship after leading the first race of the Brands Hatch weekend from pole.

Prema teammate Rafaelle Marciello challenged the Brit into the first corner, but the local driver managed to withstand the pressure to take the first win of the weekend at Brands Hatch and the first win of his Euro F3 career.

Lucas Auer made it a Prema a 1-2-3 after passing Sven Muller's stricken Ma-Con Dallara- Volkswagen at the Druids hairpin in the closing stages of the race.

Swede Felix Rosenqvist finished fourth in his Mucke Dallara-Mercedes ahead of Harry Tincknell and Tom Blomqvist.

Jordan King, Josh Hill and Will Buller rounded out the top-nine drivers, with Antonio Giovinazzi claiming the final point. Red Bull's Russian protégé Daniil Kvyat finished in the final points position, but was not eligible to score.

Race two saw Ferrari junior driver, Rafaelle Marciello, take honours in the second race, beating Alex Lynn to victory.

Marciello once again won the third race held on Sunday morning, but was later excluded from the result after using an excessively short first-gear ratio, which gifted a maiden Euro F3 win to teammate Lucas Auer.

As a result, Harry Tincknell was promoted to second and Felix Rosenqvist took the third and final step on the podium.

The Prema Powerteam's team manager, Rene Rosin, said after the race: “We made a mistake, putting in a ratio we use in testing [from the older-generation car] for today's race. There is nothing more to add.

"From our side, I'm happy that there is technical and sporting fairness in the championship. On the other hand I'm pissed off because we made a mistake."

Jimmie Johnson took the lead when it counted the most and went on to win NASCAR's All-Star race in Charlotte for a record fourth time.

That broke a tie with the late Dale Earnhardt and teammate, Jeff Gordon, who greeted Johnson in Victory Lane with "congratulations Five-time, four-time" referring to Johnson's nickname and new status.

"To beat Jeff and Earnhardt, two guys that I have looked up to my whole life, two massive icons of our sport, this means the world to me," Johnson, who also won the event in 2012, said.

The non-points race consisted of four 20-lap segments followed by a mandatory pit stop for four tires and ten race dash to a one million dollar payout by series sponsor Sprint.

Johnson who had a problem in qualifying took the lead in that last segment shootout and was never closely challenged after that. Joey Logano finished second followed by Kyle Busch who won two of the four preceding segments.

The finale had an unusual set up; unlike typical points races where cautions are unpredictable and drivers pit in no specific order. On Saturday night, at the 1.5 mile Charlotte Motor Speedway, the last pit stop order was performed by average finish in the first four segments.

Even though Johnson failed to capture one of the preceding segments his average finish put him and his crew in position to take the lead spot exiting the pits.

"We were able to keep clicking away at good finishes through the second, third and fourth segment," said Johnson.

"That got us to fourth and then pit road came around and our guys had awesome pit stop. And we were almost off pit road first, but we were on the front row and the front row is what we needed for 10 laps."

Kahne who finished fourth agreed about the need to get out front quickly.

"I was a little tight the run before," he said. "We didn't have time to fix it because we wanted to get out first and knew if we could get clean air we thought we would be alright with our Chevy. Jimmie just stayed right there and I couldn't get rid of him and then he beat me off the corner and into three and kind of on exit and it was over after that."

The final pit stop was the key to a near miss by Kyle Busch and polesitter Kurt Busch (who finished fifth).

Jamie McMurray and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. were added to the field by virtue of a one-two finish in the Sprint Showdown. A 40-lap race with two 20-lap segments which preceded the main event.

Danica Patrick, who earned an entry via a fan vote for most popular, finished 20th in a 22-car field.

Ed Carpenter has created quite a surprise by earning pole position for next weekend's Indianapolis 500 ahead of three Andretti Autosport's drivers who took second, third and fourth spot.

Carpenter was able to get to speed and clocked a sequence of four laps at 229.347mph, 228.976mph, 228.774mph and 227.955mph to finish up with an average of 228.762mph.

Andretti Autosport rookie Carlos Munoz took second with an average speed of 228.342mph. His team-mate Marco Andretti completes the front row.

Another member of the Andretti squad, EJ Viso was fourth in front of both Team Penske drivers AJ Allmendinger and Will Power.

Current IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay qualified seventh followed by Helio Castroneves (Penske) and James Hinchcliffe, the last driver to compete in the Fast Nine shootout.


Qualifying results - Indy 500 (IndyCar)
1.Ed Carpenter (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Carpenter - 228.762 mph (368.156 kmh)
2.Carlos Munoz (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 228.342
3.Marco Andretti (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 228.261
4.Ernesto Viso (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 228.150
5.AJ Allmendinger (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 228.099
6.Will Power (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 228.087
7.Ryan Hunter-Reay (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 227.904
8.Helio Castroneves (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Penske - 227.762
9.James Hinchcliffe (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Andretti - 227.070
10.JR Hildebrand (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther - 227.441
11.Alex Tagliani (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Herta - 227.386
12.Tony Kanaan (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 226.949
13.Oriol Servia (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther DRR - 226.814
14.Justin Wilson (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Coyne - 226.370
15.Sebastien Bourdais (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Dragon - 226.196
16.Scott Dixon (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 226.158
17.Dario Franchitti (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 226.069
18.Takuma Sato (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Foyt - 225.892
19.Charlie Kimball (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Ganassi - 225.880
20.James Jakes (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Rahal - 225.809
21.Simon Pagenaud (Dallara DW12-Honda) - Schmidt - 225.674
22.Townsend Bell (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - Panther - 225.643
23.Ryan Briscoe (Dallara DW12-Honda) - 225.265
24.Simona de Silvestro (Dallara DW12-Chevy) - KV - 225226

Protesting over poor service from his dealer, a Maserati Quattroporte owner in China hired a gang of sledgehammer-wielding men to destroy the car... right in front of the building where the Qingdao Auto Show was taking place.

This customer got furious upon learning that his insurance company wouldn't cover a repair because the dealer had installed a used replacement part instead of a genuine Maserati part. What's more, the same dealer failed to fix a door problem and reportedly damaged the body.

The video really speaks for itself:

Source: www.turbo.fr

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: The Beetle is one of those cars that I would never buy, but I'm glad Volkswagen is making it.

Audi has overtaken BMW as India's top seller of luxury vehicles, and Audi executives say the success is due to the automaker's rapid expansion outside large urban centers, as well as the Q3 SUV introduced last year.

Elon Musk was fresh off the sale of PayPal and starting another business, commercial rocket service Space Exploration Technologies, when he met kindred spirit JB Straubel.

Give it wings and it will fly
What more can be said about Cadillac and its glorious past that hasn't already been said? Not much in fact, but the new 2013 ATS opens up a completely new chapter in the company founded by Henry Leland back in 1902.

The 2013 ATS will do for Cadillac what the Catera failed to do in the late ‘90s. The follow-up CTS attempted to pick up the pieces left behind by the rebadged Opel Omega, but never fully rekindled the Cadillac flame.

It is true; the Cadillac ATS is a fab car. From the ground up, head to tail, this compact luxury car is crackalakin' and I really like it. The styling is eye catching, the proportions are dynamic and the drive is engaging.

My drive revealed a mature package that can tangle with the best Germany has to offer with one small issue: the engine.


What is a Cadillac ATS?
The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's luxury brand entry-level offering. From the onset, the ATS promised a fresh new approach to driving a Cadillac with no shortage of curb appeal. By my account, this is the most electrifying production Caddy ever to be built.

The ATS is the gateway to Cadillac, much like the 3 Series is to BMW (the 1 Series is outsold 10-1 by the 3). Available with a smallish engine and little equipment, joining the Cadillac family has never been more attractive.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS is GM's luxury brand entry-level offering. From the onset, the ATS promised a fresh new approach to driving a Cadillac with no shortage of curb appeal. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Technicalities
The 2013 Cadillac ATS can be had with one of three engines: Starting with a 202 hp 2.5L 4-pot and ending with a 321 hp 3.6L V6. Between the two lies my tester and the one I trust to be a huge part of the take rate: a turbocharged 272 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder.

All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The purchaser of a 2.0T may optionally select a Tremec 6-speed manual ‘box. A mechanical limited-slip differential is available with the FE3 Performance suspension, which includes Magnetic Ride Control -- AWD is also optional.

The 2.5L ATS' pricing starts at $35,195. The highest-priced version is the 3.6L Premium and it retails, with options, for nearly $57,000. As tested, my 2.0T Premium with Driver Assist package and a few other options goes for $54,200.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS can be had with one of three engines: Starting with a 202 hp 2.5L 4-pot and ending with a 321 hp 3.6L V6. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Driving the Cadillac ATS
This is where the 2013 Cadillac ATS shines. I can confirm that there is only a mild exaggeration between the television ads and real life. The ATS feels agile, and goes wherever the driver points the car thanks to its precise electric steering.

The lithe Cadillac rides on a sport-biased independent suspension that sacrifices little where comfort is concerned. Road holding is impressive and the level of grip and control surpass a number of this car's main competitors.

Before I took delivery of the 2013 Cadillac ATS, I had one fear and, unfortunately, it came to pass. I've often been underwhelmed by GM's turbocharged engines and the 2.0T feels congested or chocked. The power band is short and constricted. Its 260 lb-ft are barely noticeable. By comparison, Audi's 211 hp/258 torques 2.0T TFSI gives the impression that it is far more powerful.

As well, I'm no fan of the steering wheel and its paddle shifters. The wheel reminds me of the Camaro; the grip and design are awful.

Road holding is impressive and the level of grip and control surpass a number of this car's main competitors. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Inside and out of the Cadillac ATS
I've said it already and will stand by the fact that the 2013 Cadillac ATS is the sharpest of its clan. From a physical standpoint, and from the number of double-takes experienced all week, I can safely say that GM has winner on its hands.

Although the outer shell is all win, the cabin is hit and miss. I've touched on the wheel, but the other problem lies with Cadillac's CUE. In most respects, it is not intuitive and the controls require too much concentration and by default is a distraction.

The rear quarters are tight, however, I see the 2013 Cadillac ATS as more of an executive personal mode of transportation instead of a family vehicle. Two adults can be seated comfortably in the rear, if only for a quick trip for lunch.

The remainder exudes class, with appreciable levels of good quality materials that are all well put together. The front seats are smartly bolstered and provide support and comfort.

The remainder exudes class, with appreciable levels of good quality materials that are all well put together. (Photo: Olivier Delorme)

Comparing the Cadillac ATS
The 2013 Cadillac ATS has one other thorn in its side and that is that it is a Cadillac. The current trend dictates that if you carry a German badge (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class) or, perhaps, a Japanese brand logo (Infiniti Q50 or Lexus IS), you'll be considered.

That poses quite the uphill battle especially when there's an all-out pricing and incentive war going on between some of the Deutsch-bred companies.

What the ATS needs is time and a chance to shine. With the right open-minded approach, this car will fly.

MTEK BMW's Marco Wittmann has claimed the fastest time in practice for tomorrow's DTM race at Brands Hatch.

The BMW driver saw off stablemate Dirk Werner's quickest time early in the session, and usurped Martin Tomczyk's, who was the fastest BMW driver at around the half way point of the 90 minute session.

As the track temperatures increased, the Audis of Mike Rockenfeller and Timo Scheider set the fastest times, but were once again beaten by Wittmann's time of 41.378 seconds in the session's closing stages.

Mercedes endured a difficult time, with local driver Gary Paffett finishing the best of the Stuttgart cars. Audi's Jamie Green also had a tough session and ended the morning in 12th.

Canadians Bruno Spengler and Robert Wickens finished fourth and 18th.

A Massachusetts-based company called Terrafugia has developed the TF-X flying car, a four-passenger plug-in hybrid with retractable wings. In flight mode, it will have a non-stop range of more than 805 kilometres.

According to the video, all you have to do is to enter a destination; the TF-X will automatically take off and fly at up to 322 km/h before landing on its own exactly where you wanted.

“We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.” announced Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich.

Of course, the production and manufacture of flying cars face significant obstacles, but the company says preliminary discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. have been positive. In fact, the FAA is reportedly ready to consider regulatory changes needed to enable buyers to make use of such vehicles.

Bottom line: Flying cars are not that far-fetched. After all, didn't we see Marty McFly pilot Doc Brown's DeLorean in the year 2015?

Andretti Autosport's EJ Viso was faster than everybody else during the Indy 500's Fast Friday, before qualifying was shortened by the rain at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Viso was the lone driver to clock more than 229 miles per hour. He culminated at 229.537 mph.

His teammates Marco Andretti and Carlos Munoz are second and third at 228.754 mph and 228.520 mph respectively. Andretti Autosport drivers have been on top form all week long.

Will Power (Team Penske) was fourth at 228.401 mph. Panther Racing's JR Hilderbrand completes the top 5.

Heavy thunderstorms forced the officials to stop the session with just over two hours of scheduled running time still on the clock.

Meanwhile, 1996 Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier completed his refresher course just before the track opened up for official practice.

The veteran went on to complete 18 laps in his family-run car, finishing with the 31st fastest time.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Eye-catching style, standard all-wheel drive, sporty handling and luxury cabin all get thumbs up for the 2013 Infiniti FX.

Cons
We can reproach the FX for its limited luggage space, poor fuel economy, lack of high-end comfort and for overpriced 21-inch wheels on the more expensive versions.


Price
The 2013 base model FX37 starts at $53,350. With a V6 engine, AWD and automatic transmission, it also includes keyless ignition/entry and superior-quality sound proofing. As an option you can get the Navigation and Deluxe Touring Package for an extra $5,650 while the Technology Package is $3,500 more.

The FX37 Limited Edition automatically comes with both Navigation and Deluxe Touring Package goodies, the 21-inch wheels and roof rails. It's priced at $61,500. Note: additional option packages aren't available for the FX37.

The FX50 is available from $65,100 and distinguishes itself with a V8 engine, advanced climate control and navigation systems, voice recognition and Moving Object Detection (MOD) thanks to front and rear sonar.

Fuel Economy
The V6 rates about 13.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.3 L/100 km on the highway.

With the more powerful V8, you're looking at 14.6 L/100 km in the city and 10.1 L/100 km on the highway.

New in 2013
The V6's previous 3.5-litre engine gets replaced with the bigger 3.7-litre.

Exterior Styling
With its unique lines, the FX crossover doesn't lack character. The rounded hood, the menacing grille, double curve headlights with and sleek rear end make it seems ready to roar at any time...

Drivetrain
The base model 3.7-litre V6 corrals 325 horses powering 267 lb-ft of torque. The FX50 5.0-litre V8 version is also available, providing 390 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, respectively.

The 7-speed automatic transmission delivers AWD on all models.

Cargo Capacity
You can access 702 litres of storage space in the trunk. When seats are lowered this volume increases to 1,756 litres of load capacity.

Safety
Six airbags are installed on the 2013 FX. You can also rely on traction and stability control systems.

Comparable Models
Acura ZDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover LR4, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz Classe M, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90.

Photo: Infiniti

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.312
Quesnel Stéphane, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.307
www.infiniti.ca

Carl Edwards had a virtual passenger, the late Dick Trickle, with him as he won the pole for the Sprint All-Star non-points race in Charlotte on Friday night.

The exhibition race, which has a non-traditional format, could pay a whopping two million dollar purse from sponsor Sprint, and track owner, Bruton Smith.

Edwards, who hails from Missouri, not Trickle's home state of Wisconsin, was nonetheless a fan of driver who came from the short tracks in the US's Midwest.

So the name, "Dick Trickle" appeared above the driver's door instead of the actual pole winner.

"I didn't know if I deserved to have that name above my door," said Edwards, who added he once thought Trickle was "the toughest human being alive."

Edwards mastered the unique qualifying procedures, which required drivers to make a four-tire pit stop in the midst of their three time trial laps- and there were no limits on pit road as in typical NASCAR races.

Carl Edwards (Photo: Brian Czobat/autostock USA)

His time was 1 minute, 51.297 seconds to complete the run.

That rules exception mad qualifying "petrifying", according to Edwards.

"First of all, I don't know if you guys noticed in practice, but it was insane," he said. "I mean, it felt like a war out there or something.  It was crazy.  Everybody was trying to practice and there was really no oversight or management of all of us, so that was pretty crazy."

The resurgent Kurt Busch, who won the All-Star race in 2010 and the Darlington pole last week, was second fastest at 1min52.447s. "To unload today and to have a good practice session and then to execute coming on top pit road at 157 mph, it's pretty wild," Busch said.

"It's like a step back in time when you get a chance to throw caution to the wind and let it rip coming on pit road. It was fun.”

Greg Biffle, Edwards' teammate was third, followed by Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, respectively. Nineteen drivers qualified in this way.

The Sprint Showdown, a race for non winners, will supply two extra drivers based on their one-two finish in a race run just prior to the All-Star event on Saturday evening.

Martin Truex, Jr. won the pole in conventional qualifying at 193.424 mph around the 1.5 mile Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The final starter will come from a fan vote. Pundits tab Danica Patrick as the favourite to win the fan vote.

Robert Kubica was forced to retire following a technical issue on his Citroën DS3 RRC while leading Rally Corsica, a round of the European Rally Championship.

The Pole inherited the lead in ESS4 when Craig Breen, who dominated the first stages aboard his Peugeot 207 S2000, hit a bank and suffered a puncture.

The former F1 driver led every other event he entered as well, despite not finishing any.

Czech Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia S2000), who has benefited a lot from Kubica's bad luck, is the new leader.