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Set to go on sale in Canada this summer, the all-new 2014 Lexus IS will start at $37,300 and offer no fewer than 22 trim levels, including 10 with an F SPORT package.

The 2014 Lexus IS 250 boasts a 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 engine, while the IS 350 gets a 3.5L V6 that produces 306 horsepower.

F SPORT models will be available with G-AI control, actively matching gear changes to G-forces generated during cornering. An 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission derived from the acclaimed IS F can also be had.

Pricing goes as follows:

The Lexus IS 250 RWD (starting MSRP $37,300) is available in five packages, including two F SPORT packages (starting MSRP $40,300);

The Lexus IS 250 AWD (starting MSRP $39,900) is available in six packages, including three F SPORT packages (starting MSRP $42,900);

The Lexus IS 350 RWD (starting MSRP $44,500) is available in four packages, including two F SPORT packages (starting MSRP $45,650);

The Lexus IS 350 AWD (starting MSRP $44,000) is available in seven packages, including three F SPORT packages (starting MSRP $47,500).

Photo: Alexandra Straub

Highlights*
The 2013 Subaru Outback boasts good towing capacity and more ground clearance than most of its competitors. Engine selection, renowned all-wheel drive technology, and pleasant driving dynamics make this Japanese wagon/crossover a great package that's equal parts comfort and utility.

Lowlights*
The manual transmission lacks precision. Also, the quality of plastics in the 3.6R models fails to match the higher price.

Pricing
The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i starts at $28,495. The PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) option requires an extra $2,000. Prepare to shell out $31,095 for the Touring Package (dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, etc.), and $36,295 for the Limited Package (leather seats, multimedia interface, etc.).

Meanwhile, the Outback 3.6R retails for a base MSRP of $34,495. Adding the Limited Package brings the price to $38,495 -- or $39,995 with the available EyeSight system, which features four different types of assistance to aid drivers in traffic.

Photo: Subaru

Fuel consumption
Here, the numbers range from 8.6L/100km city and 6.5L/100km highway with the 4-cylinder and CVT combination to 11.8L/100km city and 8.2L/100km highway with the 6-cylinder engine.

New for 2013
The front grille and bumper, headlights and fog lights have all been restyled for 2013. The Subaru Outback also benefits from chassis and steering upgrades that improve handling, a more luxuriously equipped cabin, as well as a slightly more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient, 4-cylinder engine.

Styling
Subaru has found the right mix of sportiness, sophistication, and utility when it comes to exterior styling. The latest revisions give this ultra-capable wagon a sportier, more rugged, and more powerful look, the company insists.

Powertrain
Under the hood of the 2013 Subaru Outback is a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER engine that now produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic CVT.

Looking for more juice? Then consider the larger, 3.6L 6-cylinder BOXER engine, which cranks out 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque with the help of a 5-speed autobox available with the 3.6R model.

In all cases, Subaru's symmetrical full-time AWD system comes standard to enhance grip.

Photo: Subaru

Cargo capacity
The 2013 Subaru Outback has a 972-litre trunk. Fold the rear seats, and you can load up to 2,019 litres of cargo.

Safety
Six airbags, whiplash-reducing front seats, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and ABS brakes all helped the 2013 Subaru Outback earn a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let's not forget the aforementioned EyeSight system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, plus Lane Departure and Sway Warning.

Competitors
Audi A4 Allroad, Honda Crosstour, Toyota Venza, Volvo XC70


*Based on expert reviews.
Guay Jean-François, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.516
Charette Benoit, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.550
www.subaru.ca

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Luxurious interior, numerous standard features, ideal 50/50 front to rear weight distribution, precise steering and smooth ride are all good arguments in the 2013 Chrysler 300's favour.

Cons
Its excess weight, unsupportive seats and primitive all-wheel drive system disappoint.


Price
The base Touring model starts at $34,245.

The rear-wheel drive S starts at $38,245 and comes with optional all-wheel drive, which raises the price to $40,445.

For $39,245 buyers can get a V8-equipped 300C, which is also available with all-wheel drive at $41,445.

The 300C Luxury starts at $41,245, while the all-wheel drive version has a MSRP of $43,445.

Fuel Economy
The V6 rear-wheel drive/ 8-speed automatic transmission combination consumes 10.9 L/100 km city and 6.4 L/100 km highway. The addition of all-wheel drive brings the fuel consumption ratings into the 11.4 L/100 km city/7.3 L/100 km range.

V8 fuel consumption ratings are a reported 13.5 L/100 km city and 8 L/100 km highway, while the addition of all-wheel drive raise them to14.4 L/100 km and 8.5 L/100 km respectively.

Exterior Styling
This elegantly hunkered-down sedan, with its chrome grille, high beltline, and lowered roof is a definite head turner.

Drivetrain
The Pentastar V6 delivers 292 hp and 260 lb-ft torque, and the S model squeezes 8 more horses for a total of 300 hp from this same engine. The Pentastar V6 can be matched to either 5 or 8-speed automatic transmission. It comes in both two and all-wheel drive.

The available 363 hp 394 lb-ft torque V8 is mated to a 5-speed automatic which propels either the two rear wheels or all four.

Cargo Capacity
The 2013 Chrysler 300 offers 462 litres of trunk space.

Safety
This model is equipped with seven airbags and over 70 additional standard safety features.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon

Photo: Chrysler

Let's review Honda' first Formula 1 engine produced in 1964, almost 50 years ago.

By the early '60s, Honda had established itself as a very successful motorcycle manufacturer and wanted to try their luck on four wheels. Similarly, Honda was making successful racing motorcycles, and had the idea to graduate to F1.

Honda V12 Formula 1 engine (Photo: WRI2)

The first Honda engine that contested an F1 Grand Prix was pretty innovative, using the technology developed in motorcycle racing.

It was a radical little normally aspired V12 at 60 degrees of just 1495cc (just 92 cu. In.), with needle roller crankshaft bearings. It was located behind the driver's shoulder and mounted transversally, which was really unusual.



Each piston had a bore of 58.1mm and a stroke of 47.0mm. The engine head had four valves per cylinder activated by double overhead cams. The V12 could produce 220 horsepower at 11,500 rpm. Literature suggests that the little Honda engine was even safe to 14,000 rpm.

It used 12 Keihin carburetors, one for each cylinder, later to be replaced by low pressure fuel injection a little later.

American sports car racing-specialist Ronnie Bucknum drove the RA 271 car in 1964, contesting three Grands Prix and having to retire in all of them.

Ronnie Bucknum, Honda RA271 (Photo: WRI2)

Pros and Cons*

Pros
Crisp, comfortable ride, stylish instrument panel, and numerous standard features are just a few of the many attributes of the 2013 Ford Focus.

Cons
Limited trunk space in the sedan version, complex controls, lack of a 6th speed for the manual transmission and an option list that makes the final invoice disappointingly high. Its excess weight has a negative effect on the fuel consumption.

Photo: Ford

Price
The 2013 Ford Focus sedan starts at $17,649. The SE version of this sedan sells for $19,599 and the Titanium version starts at $25,799.

The 5-door SE hatchback is available for a MSRP of $20,499. The Titanium 5-door starts at $26,699.

Fuel Economy
Fuel economy ratings of 7.5 L/100 km city and 5.2 L/ 100km highway are reported.

Exterior Styling
The fluid lines of the Focus give it a friendly demeanor. Both sedan and hatchback versions are easily identifiable with their unique bumpers, triangular air intake inlets and slim/tapered headlights.

Drivetrain
A 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine pumps out 160 hp and 146 lb-ft torque and is matched to either a manual 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission (optional in S and SE versions, standard equipment in the Platinum) that power the front wheels.

Cargo Capacity
The sedan can hold up to 374 litres in its trunk while the hatchback offers 674 litres (trunk), and up to 1,269 litres (with seats lowered).

Safety
Six airbags and a number of active safety features assure peace of mind for the 2013 Ford Focus occupants.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf/Jetta

Photo: Ford

*References
Joubert Antoine, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.250
Duval Jacques, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.250
Fillion Nadine, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.280
ford.ca

From GMM

McLaren on Thursday opened the door for Jenson Button to lead the charge for the new works Honda partnership beginning in 2015.

Button's existing contract does not extend that far, and so when the 33-year-old was mentioned and quoted in Thursday's official statement, it did not say if the Briton would still be in the cockpit.

But McLaren's managing director Jonathan Neale said on Thursday: "I was just laughing with Jenson about it.

"Jenson will drive here as long as he wants to. He fits our values and our culture really well. He's here with the workforce this morning and it's more a question of hoping he will still be here in 2015," he added.

2013 McLaren drivers, Jenson Button and Sergio Perez. (Photo: WRi2)

Jonathan Neale said the Honda deal is essentially a "works" one, but clarified that there is no exclusivity -- meaning the Japanese manufacturer could sign customer teams.

"All manufacturers and engine suppliers coming into formula one know that they do so with an expectation that, should they be required, they are prepared to supply more than one team," he said.

Neale said McLaren is currently "the only team working with Honda", but rumours suggest Sauber and Lotus have made enquiries to the Japanese marque about price.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Its long list of standard features and alluring design are very impressive. Available options are way beyond what one would expect from a vehicle in this category. The dynamic ride and generous trunk opening are among the multitude of features and advantages that are standard in the 2013 Kia Rio sedan.

Cons
The engine is easily overburdened (especially in ECO mode) and the interior sound level is high. An options list that can quickly get out of hand and inflate the final price as well as the limited cabin space are definite liabilities.


Price
The base model LX starts at $15,350 and comes with a centre console as standard with stow-away armrest, steering-mounted audio controls, AUX and USB ports as well as 15-inch wheels and body-coloured outer door handles.

The LX+, with an MSRP of $16,850 is equipped with standard steering wheel mounted speed control, Bluetooth, foglights and heated front seats.
ECO-ACTIVE automatic transmission raises the total to $18,150 while the combination of idle stop/start and 15-inch alloy wheels brings the price up to $18,950.

At $18,850, the EX version comes equipped with standard backup camera, mirror-integrated LED signal lights, UVO infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlight control, leather steering and shifter knob as well as a power sunroof. An extra $1,300 is required for the ECO-ACTIVE transmission.

The SX UVO is the most generously-equipped model with a refrigerated glove box, ECO-ACTIVE automatic transmission, chrome exhaust tips, LED signal and tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, leather seats, sport suspension, and heated steering. Optional navigation system brings the total to $ 23,350.

Fuel Economy
The fuel economy ratings of the 1.6 4-cylinder engine are an estimated 6.9 L/100 km city and 5.3 L/100 km highway.

In ECO mode these numbers fall to 6.8 L/100 km city and 5.4 L/100 km highway.

Exterior Styling
The Kia Rio Sedan was completely redesigned in 2012. The four door Kia Rio sports an upfront signature grille with some neat yellow highlights added to accentuate the oversized headlights.

Drivetrain
The only available engine is a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder that produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft torque. It can be matched to either a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission.

Cargo Capacity
There is an available 387 litres of trunk space, which is 25 more than the Ford Fiesta.

Safety
Protection for the Rio Sedan occupants is provided by six airbags, ABS brakes and reinforced chassis.

Comparable Models
">Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa.

Photo: Kia

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.342
Lefrançois Éric L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.336
Morin Alain, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.362
http://www.kia.ca

According to what we have learned, Buddy Rice won't be attempting to qualify for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 in a third entry for Sam Schmidt Motorsports; the veteran having decided that the conditions weren't optimal for him.

Rice had agreed to drive the 34th entry on the 97th edition of the Indianapolis 500 roster.

Howver, the veteran driver changed his mind when he learned that, instead of being able to practice all week along with all the other drivers, he would only run the short program; Bump Day, Carb Day and Race Day.

“I appreciated Sam's effort and Honda was willing to take the risk if they needed 33 cars but I don't want to do a Bump Day program just to fill the field,” Said Rice. “I'd love to run Indy but only in the right way.” 


Katherine Legge or Jay Howard could be in the frame for that third car. 


Pros and Cons*
Pros
The interior of the 2013 Infiniti M features high-grade materials and well-integrated, ergonomic technology. Agile on the road, the Infiniti M also offers a good selection of powertrains, including AWD.

Cons
However, the car suffers from reduced rear visibility, costly option packages and a slightly diminished look - it is not yet in the same league as its German competition.


Price
The M37, equipped with a 6-cylinder engine, starts at $52,500, which shoots to at least $55,000 for AWD (M37x). This model includes a push-button smart key and a power sunroof.

Equipped with sport suspension, a navigation system, sport seating and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheel rims, the M37 Sport AWD is available for $63,500.

The M56, which features a V8 powertrain, is offered at $66,300 while the AWD M56x is available for $68,800. Both these prices include a navigation system and Bose audio system.

Starting at $73,500, the M56 Sport has all the equipment of a M37 Sport, but it's equipped with a V8 engine.

A hybrid version is available for $67,400.

Fuel Economy
The M37 is rated at 7.6 L/100 km in the city and 11.4 L/100 km on the highway. In four-wheel drive, its ratings climb to 8.3 L/100 km - city and 12 L/100 km - highway.

The M56's fuel consumption is rated at 8 L/100 km for the city and 12.9 L/100 km on the highway. With AWD, it's an additional 0.5 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
Thanks to its pronounced curves, its distinctive, horizontal-lamelle grille and pronounced hood, this sedan is easily identifiable as a member of the Infiniti series. With tapered headlights and a domed rear, the Infiniti M has a classic presence.

Drivetrain
The basic powertrain includes a 3.7-litre, V6 engine which delivers 330 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

The sedan is also available with a 5.6-litre, V8 engine. Yielding 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, the engine is coupled with a 7-speed transmission with manual mode for either the two rear wheels or on all four wheels.

The hybrid model is equipped with a 3.5-litre, V6 engine along with its electric engine.

Cargo Capacity
The trunk provides 422 litres of storage space, a little more than the Acura TL or the Audi A6.

Safety
Along with six airbags, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control and a traction control system are a few of the 2013 Infiniti M's safety features sure to give drivers some peace of mind.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac XTS, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S80

Photo: Infiniti

*References
Crépault Michel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.322
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.342
www.infiniti.ca

Adapted from GMM

As Honda officially announced its return to Formula 1 from 2015, Tokyo-born former Honda driver Takuma Sato has ruled out a return to F1 in the near future, insisting he is committed to the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Takuma Sato, BAR-Honda in 2005. (Photo: WRi2)

"Formula one isn't the only racing," the 36-year-old told NBC. "My first focus is to win races here, win the (Indy) 500 and win the championship."

German-language Speed Week, however, said it could be a totally different story for the newly-departed and formerly Toyota-backed Japanese Kamui Kobayashi.

It will be interesting to see if Honda's contract with McLaren will require the team to run a Japanese driver.

Takuma Sato cruising to victory in Long Beach, last month. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

The new Mercedes-Benz S class is 100kg lighter than the model it will replace and its greenest variant will emit less CO2 than a Smart ForTwo.

Tesla Motors plans to issue 2.7 million new shares and debt to repay its U.S. Energy Department loan faster than a five-year plan.

From our friends at Hooniverse, it's a bargain-basement 1952 Packard Clipper sedan.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed David Friedman, previously a transportation analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, as its new deputy administrator.

With the U.S. Department of Energy's help, a research group managed by the Detroit 3 is launching a drive to speed development of next-generation battery technologies for hybrids and electric vehicles, the department said today.

General Electric began an experiment to develop a practical electric car in 1979 with the four-passenger Centennial Electric.

Rising cybersecurity risks to drivers as their cars become increasingly powered by and connected to computers have prompted federal auto safety regulators to start a new office focusing on the threat.

Renault has signed on to become a technical partner for the inaugural season of the Formula E series and#8211; a series for electric race cars and#8211; that is scheduled to debut in 2014.

Off in the distance the Porsche 918 Spyder rounds a bend and spears toward us, its chilling high-pitched advanced petrol-electric driveline screaming at full song.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Driven

Like a Mercedes taxicab, but for deliveries and RVs.

DUSSELDORF, Germany -- As we wait for Mercedes to launch its $30,000 CLA250 this fall, there's a commodity Benz that has been on sale in North America for five years. The Sprinter came to the States first as a 2003 Dodge, then shortly after as a Freightliner, and finally as a 2009 Mercedes (the Dodge version is gone, of course).

Photo Gallery: 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Driven - Automobile Magazine

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