Auto News 5

Mitsubishi is apparently looking to bolster its model lineup with a brand new compact sedan for 2015.

At the brand's regional dealer meetings held during the first two weeks of April, dealers were shown a rendering of the car that could be based on the G4 Concept unveiled in Bangkok in March.

“Mitsubishi is looking into introducing a small, entry-level sedan to the United States market, and while we continue to study the market trend and demand for this smaller-segment sedan, we have not come to a concrete decision on when this model may make the U.S. showroom,” a company spokesman said in a statement.

According to Scott Grove, who owns two Mitsubishi dealerships near Chicago, this teaser is the latest sign of a recovery for Mitsubishi, which will launch the redesigned Outlander crossover this summer, followed by the new Mirage small car later in 2013 and a plug-in hybrid Outlander next year.

Photo: Mitsubishi

Based in Velizy-Villacoublay in the suburbs of Paris, Peugeot Sport has finished the final livery of the stunning Peugeot 208 T16 that will contest the Pikes Peak hill climb in the United States June 30.

The driver, Sebastien Loeb - the nine-time FIA World Rally Champion -- believes he has the ultimate machine to help him win the famous Race to the Clouds.

The 208 T16 is fitted with monstrous aerodynamic devices and is powered by a turbocharged engine that can produce some 875 horsepower.

Photo: Peugeot Sport

Stefano Coletti took his second win of the GP2 season, and a huge lead in the provisional championship standings at the same time.

The championship race on Saturday was won by Robin Frijns, the reigning Formula Renault 3.5 champion who gave Hilmer Motorsport its first GP2 win.

Frijns inherited the lead following an optimal strategy (which saw him come in on lap 6 for a set of Option tires), and his rivals' misfortunes (including a contact between pole sitter Marcus Ericssonn and Sam Bird), to take his maiden GP2 win ahead of Felipe Nasr and Jon Lancaster.

Championship leader Stefano Coletti took 4th position ahead of Tom Dillmann, who had a great comeback from 14th position on the grid.

On Sunday, Johnny Cecotto started from pole, having finished race 1 in 8th position. The Venezuelan driver was quickly overtaken by eventual winner Stefano Coletti, who in turn managed to keep Robin Frijns at bay. Felipe Nasr, who now stands second in the championship, completed the podium.

Race 1:
1 - Robin Frijns - Hilmer - 37 laps in 1h00'38"896
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 3"316

3 - Jon Lancaster - Hilmer - 12"609

4 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 13"329

5 - Tom Dillmann - Russian Time - 14"325
Etc.

Race 2:
1 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 26 laps in 41'49"895

2 - Robin Frijns - Hilmer - 0'691

3 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 7'212

4 - Jolyon Palmer - Carlin - 12'129

5 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 35'593
Etc.

Championship:
1.Coletti 93 points; 2.Nasr 76; 3.Leimer 54; 4.Frijns 37; 5.Bird 33, etc.

From GMM

McLaren's cars could go orange in the near future, team boss Martin Whitmarsh has admitted.

Although the Woking based team's cars have been silver since 1997, orange is actually McLaren's traditional race colour, dating back to the Can-Am days of the 60s.

Bruce McLaren, McLaren, Monaco 1968. (Photo: WRi2)

After 2014, however, it looks likely McLaren's long relationship with 'Silver Arrows' carmaker Mercedes will end.

Martin Whitmarsh said in Barcelona on Sunday that he could not comment on reports McLaren will definitely be Honda-powered in 2015, saying the matter was "confidential" between the team and existing partner Mercedes.

Asked, however, if the change of title sponsor for next year in the wake of Vodafone's scheduled departure might be a chance for McLaren to return to orange, Whitmarsh answered: "I really like the idea.

"Orange is a great colour, especially for McLaren," he told the Russian website f1news.ru.

"We use it for our racing GT and it looks great, and we'll continue to move in this direction. F1 is a bit different: the modern business model is one of the main tasks of the team -- to promote the brands of our partners. But if we're lucky enough to find a sponsor who likes orange, you could see that colour again in formula one," added Whitmarsh.

Photo: McLaren

From GMM

Mercedes has been tipped as a likely favourite to win the fabled Monaco grand prix later this month.

Having dominated qualifying in Spain, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton fell spectacularly backwards through the field in the race as the W04 chew mercilessly through Pirelli's tyres.

Toto Wolff, the team's co-owner and director, said the extreme reversal of Saturday's fortunes caused himself and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche "almost physical pain".

But it could all be different in Monaco.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona. (Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

"I think Mercedes has a good chance to win in Monte Carlo," said Swiss commentator and former driver Marc Surer.

"Whoever starts at the front in the principality also has a good chance for victory," he is quoted by Speed Week. "And the degradation of the rear tyres will not be such a big issue there."

Asked if predictions like Surer's are right, Barcelona winner Fernando Alonso said: "Yes, definitely. They've been on pole position for the last three races, they were on pole last year with Michael (Schumacher), so it would be a surprise if they weren't on pole position in Monaco. And it's more difficult to overtake in Monaco, so maybe they can keep good positions for longer."

Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen also agreed: "I think Mercedes will unfortunately be pretty quick there and after that it's difficult to overtake. So you can really expect, from what they did last year and what they did here, that they should be pretty fast there."

Mercedes' Rosberg told DPA news agency: "In qualifying we are very good, so it's very likely that we'll be close to the front (in Monaco) and hopefully I can keep the train behind me."

From GMM

F1 team Lotus has reportedly sold a $1.5 million stake to a British property investor.

Writing in the Telegraph, F1 business journalist Christian Sylt said the buyer is Andrew Ruhan, who bought a 2 per cent stake from team owner Genii Capital.

Genii's Gerard Lopez confirmed that Ruhan is "a friend and a business partner in some substantial real estate developments, loves cars, racing and has purchased, if I am not mistaken, 2pc of the equity to be on the board and feel involved - for sure, not a substantial deal for either party."

Sylt also revealed in the Telegraph that, having initially refused to let Mercedes onto F1's board as per other top teams, Bernie Ecclestone has now appointed a Daimler executive.

"Correct," Sylt told us. "Pre and post (the sport's floatation), they're on it."

Photo: WRi2

ASSOCIATE WEST COAST EDITOR BLAKE Z. RONG: So. You find yourself in midsize suburbia hell at around the same time that you buy into

Meager U.S. growth was Carlos Ghosn's biggest disappointment last year, and Nissan's CEO has responded by giving his team a big order: Double the brand's sales by 2017.

Adapted from GMM

Ferrari's technical director Pat Fry was missing from the pitwall this weekend in Barcelona.

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo reported that the Briton was taken to a hospital in the city on Saturday after suffering from pain.

Ferrari hopes the 49-year-old, initially diagnosed with kidney stones, makes a "rapid recovery".

Fry was actually diagnosed with appendicitis, and team boss Stefano Domenicali said he underwent an appendectomy late on Saturday.

Pat Fry (Photo: WRi2)

"We wish him all the best for a rapid recovery," said the Italian.

The Sapa-AFP news agency said Fry will not return to work in Barcelona, but the Finnish broadcaster MTV3 said he is expected to return in time for Monaco in two weeks.

"It's important that he is back on his feet soon," Domenicali is quoted by Speed Week.

"We had to change our structure a little bit, but that is secondary," he insisted.

From GMM

Still unsure it will be retained as F1's official supplier, Pirelli has begun to sign supply contracts with teams for the 2014 season.

That is the claim of the specialist German website motorsport-total.com, reporting that Ferrari, and Red Bull's two teams, have already signed deals with the Italian supplier.

Mercedes is also believed to have signed, but for the moment insiders at the German squad are quiet.

"We have had initial talks with a few teams," Pirelli's motor sport director Paul Hembery said.

The report said Pirelli wants to charge each team EUR 1.2 million per season for the tire deal, but some teams are arguing that a discount is in order due to the huge sponsorship exposure enjoyed by the Italian marque in F1.

Lucas Luhr and Klaus Graf (Muscle Milk) just managed to beat Rebellion's Neel Jani and Nick Heidfeld in the third round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season, presented at the famous Laguna Seca race track.

Luhr and Graf reigned supreme in the P1 category before Rebellion Racing dropped in the series uninvited. Since Sebring, the two teams have been fighting hard. So far this season, they are neck and neck in the championship at 40 points all.

In Laguna Seca though, Muscle Milk edged in front. Thanks to a late pass, Luhr became the all-time leader for wins in the series -- with his 43rd first --, and the pair became the first repeat winners at the track since 2007.

Slowed down by a puncture, Jani and Heidfeld finished some six seconds adrift.

Third were Andy Meyrick and Katherine Legge in the high-profile DeltaWing. Legge became the first woman to stand on an ALMS podium.

Katherine Legge (Photo: ALMS)

In GT, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia (Corvette) led a five-car train at the finish. Bryan Sellers and Wolf Henzler (Team Falken Porsche), followed by Dirk Müller and John Edwards (BMW Z4) completed the podium.

Marino Franchitti and Scott Tucker (Level 5) won in P2 from their sister car.

The other winners of the day are Luis Diaz and Mike Guasch (PR1/Mathiasen) in PC, and Nick Tandy and Henrique Cisneros (NGT Porsche) in GTC.


Race results - ALMS (Laguna Seca)
1 - Graf/Luhr (HPD ARX-03c) - Pickett - 150 laps
2 - Heidfeld/Jani (Lola B12/60 Toyota) - Rebellion - 150
3 - Tucker/Franchitti (HPD ARX-03b) - Level 5 - 146
4 - Tucker/Briscoe (HPD ARX-03b) - Level 5 - 146
5 - Guasch/Diaz (Oreca FLM09) - PR1 - 145
6 - Bennett/Braun (Oreca FLM09) - CORE - 145
7 - Nunez/Shears (Oreca FLM09) - Preformance Tech - 144
8 - Marcelli/Cumming (Oreca FLM09) - BAR1 - 144
9 - Magnussen/Garcia (Corvette ZR1) - Corvette - 142
10 - Henzler/Sellers (Porsche 997) - Falken - 142
11 - Mueller/Hand (BMW Z4) - Rahal - 142
12 - Sweedler/Bell (Ferrari 458) - Alex Job - 142
13 - Goossens/Farnbacher (SRT Viper) - SRT - 142
14 - Schultis-Van der Zande (Oreca FLM09 Chevy) - DragonSpeed - 142
15 - Miller/Holzer (Porsche 997) - Miller - 142
16 - Sharp/Cosmo (HPD ARX-03b) - ExtremeSpeed - 142
17 - Drissi/Mitchell (Oreca FLM09) - BAR1 - 141
18 - Long/Kimber-Smith (Porsche 997) - 140
19 - Beretta/Malucelli (Ferrari 458) - Risi - 139
20 - Cisneros-Edwards (Porsche 997 Cup) - NGT - 137
21 - Dempsey/Lally/Foster (Porsche 997 Cup) - Demsey/DelPiero - 137
22 - MacNeil/Bleekemolen (Porsche 997 Cup) - Alex Job - 137
23 - Keating/Faulkner (Porsche 997 Cup) - TRG - 137
24 - Hedlund/Heylen (Porsche 997 Cup) - JDX - 137
25 - Avenatti/Davis/Faieta (Porsche 997 Cup) - Demsey/DelPiero - 137
26 - Gavin/Milner (Corvette ZR1) - Corvette - 136
27 - Stanton/Novich (Porsche 997 Cup) - TRG - 135
28 - Canache/Neiman/Pumpelly (Porsche 997 Cup) - FlyingLizard - 134
29 - Junqueira/Ende (Oreca FLM09) - Rocketsports - 132
30 - Ehret/Von Moltke (Porsche 997 Cup) - Flying Liz. - 129
31 - Wagner/Ballou (Porsche 997 Cup) Competition - 122
32 - Meyrick-Legge (DeltaWing LM12-Elan) - DeltaWing - 104
33 - Auberlen/Martin (BMW Z4) - Rahal - 85
34 - Brown/Van Overbeek (HPD ARX-03b) - ExtremeSpeed - 64
35 - Dyson/Smith (Lola B12/60 Mazda) - Dyson - 21
36 - Bomarito/Wittmer (SRT Viper) - SRT - 12

From GMM

F1 has invested financially in the project to put the sport amid the fabled New York skyline.

Amid suggestions the already delayed New Jersey street race might now falter altogether, the project announced this week that Long Beach grand prix founder Chris Pook has joined up.

"Chris has a history of great success in formula one, which I'm confident he'll bring to the grand prix of America race," Ecclestone said earlier this week.

Now, in the Barcelona paddock, the F1 chief executive revealed that he has committed some of the sport's money to the New Jersey project.

"There's no reason why it shouldn't happen," Ecclestone told Reuters on Saturday.

"We've put money behind it to pay a lot of the things off, a lot of their debts," he said, explaining that he will look to recoup the money later.

"We're going to try and make it happen next year."

Ecclestone also hinted he might be lining up a race on the streets of Long Beach as a potential alternative to New Jersey.

"If we do this (in New Jersey), it (Long Beach) won't (happen)," said the 82-year-old.

Highlights*
World-class performance and handling, great sound effects, and upgraded components make the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI some of the best driver's cars under $50,000.

Lowlights*
These machines disappoint when it comes to interior fit and finish. Also, more supportive seats would be appreciated in the WRX STI. And given the car's weight and turbocharged power, fuel economy isn't exactly good.

Pricing
In 4-door configuration, the 2013 Subaru WRX ranges from $32,495 in base trim to $41,695 when equipped with the STI Sport-tech Package. Meanwhile, the 5-door variant starts at $33,395 and goes all the way up to $42,595. Similar to the regular Impreza, the hatchback always requires an extra $900 over a comparable sedan.

Photo: Subaru

Fuel consumption
The 2013 Subaru WRX posts ratings of 11.1L/100km city and 8.0L/100km highway. Expect 12.6L and 8.8L, respectively, with the WRX STI. In both cases, premium gasoline (minimum octane rating of 91) is necessary.

Styling
The current generation is now nearing its end, and no cosmetic changes were made for 2013. In fact, Subaru introduced the new WRX Concept at the New York Auto Show in late March 2013. Compared to the run-of-the-mill Impreza, the extroverted WRX and WRX STI models boast widened fenders and aerodynamic add-ons including a giant rear wing on the 4-door sedan that works to increase high-speed stability.

WRX vs. WRX STI
− High-pressure turbocharger and high-capacity intercooler boost output from 265 to 305 horsepower, and torque from 244 to 290 lb-ft;
− 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, down from 5.4 seconds;
− Larger, high-performance brakes courtesy of Brembo, with Super Sport ABS and double the number of caliper pistons;
− 6-speed manual transmission instead of 5-speed;
− SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) engine management system;
− Multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD);
− TORSEN limited-slip rear differential instead of shot-peen open-type differential;
− STI performance-tuned suspension.

Photo: Subaru

Cargo capacity
The sedan boasts a 320-litre trunk, while the hatchback's cargo area expands from 538 to 1,257 litres when you fold the rear seats.

Safety
In addition to the automaker's symmetrical full-time AWD system, the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI provide confidence and protection thanks to Vehicle Dynamics Control (with lateral-g and yaw-rate sensors), traction control, collapsible pedals and steering column, along with six airbags.

Competitors
Honda Civic Si, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart/Evolution, Mazdaspeed3, Volkswagen Jetta GLI/GTI/Golf R.


*Based on expert reviews
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.518
Aubé Vincent, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.546
www.subaru.ca

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Ergonomic controls, firm seating, the variety of available models, optional 4-wheel drive, comfort and great handling...all make this sedan a good contender.

Cons
However, you can fault the sedan for its overly-complicated multimedia system and lack of a manual transmission. Plus the C250's engine runs out of steam, fast, and you have to pump it with premium gas.


Price
The starting model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, the C 250, is offered at $37,300. This price includes 16-inch wheels, a multifunction steering wheel and heated rearview mirrors.

Just falling short $40,000, a psychological barrier to some, the AWD C 300 4MATIC is sold for $39,900 and features 17-inch wheels.

The C 350 is available from $44,750, including 18-inch wheels, the heated Mirror Package and the Sport Package (3-spoke steering wheel, upgraded calipers and aluminum pedals). In AWD, the C 350 4MATIC is sold from $47,700.

The powerful 4-door Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG starts at $65,300 and includes 18-inch wheels, AMG Sport steering, a 3-step Electronic Stability Program, Sport suspension, an AMG braking system, chromed dual-exhaust sport system and AMG Sports seats.

For an extra $6,000, the AMG Performance Package gives you red brake calipers, limited-slip rear differential, carbon fibre trim, an AMG spoiler and an additional 30 hp.

Fuel Economy
The most fuel efficient of all the models, the C 250 consumes 9.L/100 in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway.

The C 300 4MATIC, C 350 and C 350 4MATIC all have similar fuel ratings, around 10.5 L/100 km - city and 7.3 L/100 km - highway.

For the C 63 AMG, its 15.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.1 L/100 km on the highway.

New and Improved for 2013

• Style modifications on the 2012 model
• The C 250 4MATIC has been dropped
• Some standard equipment now optional
• ECO start/stop function on V6 versions

Exterior Styling
With pure, simple contours, this conservative sedan presents a refined style. Modern and sporty, the C-Class also features a double-lamella radiator grille branded with a star, the Merc logo as well as headlights underscored by LED lighting, integrated indicators on the side mirrors and a sophisticated stern.

Drivetrain
The C250's 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine yields 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque to the back wheels.

The AWD, C 300 4MATIC is propelled by a 3.5-litre, V6 engine that delivers 248 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Both the C 350 (two-wheel) and the C 350 4MATIC (all-wheel) are equipped with the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. All engines are coupled with a 7-speed, 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

The C 63 AMG is equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 engine that packs 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. With the Performance Package, the hp is revved up to 481.

This model is also fitted with a 7-speed, SPEEDSHIFT MGT AMG transmission.

Cargo Capacity
There's 475 of trunk space in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan.

Safety
This model is equipped with seven airbags as well as many active safety systems, including crash-responsive pedals, brake warning wear display and NECK-PRO headrests.

Comparable Models
Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.418
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.444
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca

Model: 2006 to 2010 Kia Magentis

Vehicle Type: Sedan

The Verdict: Strong reliability, a well-loved driving experience and lower-than-average resale values compared to Japanese competitors make the Kia Magentis a strong contender for your used-car dollars.

Price: Earlier models in this generation with higher mileage can be had for under $6,000; while a newer, low-mileage unit can be had in the $13,000 to $17,000 price range, depending on options and condition.

What Owners Like: Kia Magentis owners in online forums really love their rides. Styling, luxury touches, ride comfort, gas mileage, fit and finish, and even fun-to-drive factor are all highly rated. The attractive price and aggressive warranty helped seal the deal in many cases.

What Owners Dislike: Complaints were minimal. Some owners wished their seats didn't attract lint so easily, while others wished for a more durable, chip-resistant paint job. Handling seems to be set more for comfort than driving, which some enthusiasts may take issue with.

Photo: Luc Gagné

History/Description: Kia's Magentis enjoyed several generations on sale before being replaced with the currently available Optima sedan. Magentis' last iteration was on sale from 2006 to 2010 (inclusively) and packed 4- or 6-cylinder power, numerous options packages, and room for four or five adults.

LX models were more basic, while EX models were more loaded.

Available feature content included heated and motorized leather seats, leather-wrapped accents, wood trim, sunroof, remote access automatic lights, and automatic climate control.

Four-cylinder models got a 2.4L engine good for between 161 and 175 horsepower, depending on the year. The available 2.7L V6 generated between 185 and 195 horsepower

Photo: Luc Gagné

Common Issues: Some owners reported “sticky” rear brake calipers that can become stuck in the partially engaged position, causing accelerated wear and reduced fuel economy. Have the brake system inspected on any Kia Magentis you're considering for peace of mind, and “feel” for any dragging sensation while you coast during your test drive.

Be sure there are no unexplained “check engine” lights illuminated, and check the engine for smooth idle and acceleration. Driveability issues, if present, are likely to be caused by faulty sensors, most notably the O2 and throttle position sensors: if one of these is acting up, there may be a “check engine” light illuminated.

You'll want to ensure all interior accessories work as expected -- including all windows, locks, sunroof, seat-heaters, and air conditioning. Note the condition of the upholstery and leather, too. Ensure both sun visors up front stay folded up on their own, as many owners report that they lose this ability over time.

Check that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) isn't showing any warnings, which could indicate a low tire or a bad sensor. Also, turn off the radio and “listen” for any unwelcomed noises from the suspension, especially at the rear of the vehicle. Some suspension noise seems to be normal in the Kia Magentis as it ages, though shoppers are advised to have a mechanic inspect the suspension ahead of their purchase, just in case.

Systematic and problematic issues relating to the engine or driveline were not apparent in searches of my usual online resources.

Photo: Luc Gagné

Adapted from GMM

"I've had enough of the 'T'-word," Sky commentator and former driver Martin Brundle said after the Spanish Grand Prix, referring to the heavily degrading Pirelli tire.

As ever in 2013, and arguably even more so this weekend in Barcelona, the race was all about managing the rubber.

As predicted by many in the paddock, qualifying dominators Mercedes reversed down the grid in the race as they burned through their tires.

Pole sitter Nico Rosberg finished sixth, and Lewis Hamilton scored no points at all.

Four pitstops per driver, and nursing the disintegrating rubber in between, was the order of the day on Sunday, which added up to well over 80 pitstops for the entire race.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said: "When you are telling drivers not to push because we are saving tires, it isn't great for the sport or for the fans.

"We need to push the drivers harder and allow them to drive properly."

Indeed, immediately after the chequered flag on Sunday, Pirelli's Paul Hembery acknowledged the problem and hinted changes are on the way.

"Today was too many stops, we got it wrong, too aggressive," he wrote on Twitter.

"We will make changes, probably from Silverstone."

Pros and Cons*
Pros
One of the rare luxury SUVs on the market today, some of the 2013 Lexus GX's perks include its considerable amount of standard equipment, the quality of the materials used for interior furnishings, its high-grade finish, towing capabilities, soundproofing and powerful AWD, allowing it to travel on rugged ground.

Cons
However, the SUV's height makes it hard to climb aboard and its V8, for lack of a V6, is premium fuel hungry. Reduced visibility, numb steering and tight third-row seating are a few more of its disappointments.


Price
The Lexus GX 460 Executive starts at $62,500 and is delivered with steering wheel audio controls, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a 9-speaker audio system, leather seating, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels as well as a backup and parking sonar.

Two option packages are available for this model: the Premium Package for $6,650 or the SportDesign Package for $8,650.

Sold at $78,100, the GX 460 Ultra Premium is all-equipped, with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, a state-of-the-art pre-collision system and multi terrain select. There are no extra options offered with this model.

Fuel Economy
In the city, the Lexus GX is rated at 14.1 L/100 km and on the highway, the SUV consumes around 9.8 L/100 km, giving it a combined rating of 12.1 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
With silver roof rails, chrome-finished door handles, horizontal grille lamelles merging with the front headlights, this very luxurious SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers. Designed on the same platform as Toyota's 4Runner, the GX is a hefty vehicle.

Drivetrain
Under the 2013 Lexus GX's hood you'll find a 4.6-litre V8 engine that yields 301 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an automatic, 6-speed transmission permanently in four-wheel drive.

Cargo Capacity
With the seats flat, the GX has 1,833 litres of accessible space in the back.

Safety
You'll find ten airbags on the 2013 Lexus GX as well as many standard active safety systems.

Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, ">BMW X5, Land Rover LR4, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Volvo XC90.

Photo: Lexus

*References
Masse Frédéric, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.374
Guay Jean-François, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.366
https://www.lexus.ca

Fernando Alonso has taken an emotional win for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix, 10 seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and teammate Felipe Massa in a race heavily dictated by tyre strategy.

The Spaniard made yet another quick start in the Ferrari, and managed to jump from fifth to third with an audacious move around the outside of Lewis Hamilton into Turn 3 to take third position on the first lap.

However, it was the first of Alonso's four stops on lap 10 which gave him the lead of the race after the Ferrari team decided to pit him one lap earlier than Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull; a move that undercut the reigning world champions to give the Ferrari driver an advantage when Vettel emerged on lap 11.

The world champion would eventually finish fourth, one position ahead of Webber in the sister car.

The first row starting Mercedes' had a disappointing race as predicted, with both cars - similar to Bahrain - suffering from excessive tyre wear. Pole-sitter Rosberg finished sixth, one place ahead of di Resta's Force India, whilst Hamilton had a much more difficult afternoon and finished in 12th.

The revised McLarens had a better afternoon than expected, with Jenson Button finishing eighth, one position ahead of teammate Perez who generally looked the quicker of the two drivers.

Daniel Ricciardo also put in a good performance for Toro Rosso, and finished 10th for the Faenza based team.

Further down the field, Charles Pic won the battle of the backmarkers in the Caterham and finished 17th, ahead of the Marussias of Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton.

Pic's teammate, Giedo van der Garde, retired from the race after a rear wheel fell off his car on a weekend where he'd put in his best performance of the 2013 season.



Race results - Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)
1 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F138) - 66 laps
2 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E21-Renault) - 9"3
3 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F138) - 26"0
4 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 38"2
5 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB9-Renault) - 47"9
6 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W04) - 1'08"0
7 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1'08"
8 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1'21"7
9 - Sergio Perez (McLaren MP4/28-Mercedes) - 1 lap
10 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR8-Ferrari) - 1 lap
11 - Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
12 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W04) - 1 lap
13 - Adrian Sutil (Force India VJM06-Mercedes) - 1 lap
14 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
15 - Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber C32-Ferrari) - 1 lap
16 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW35-Renault) - 1 lap
17 - Charles Pic (Caterham CT03-Renault) - 1 giro
18 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - laps
19 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR02-Cosworth) - 2 laps

Retirements
Lap 52 - Jean-Eric Vergne
Lap 21 - Giedo Van der Garde
Lap 8 - Romain Grosjean

Drivers' championship
1.Vettel 89; 2.Raikkonen 85; 3.Alonso 72; 4.Hamilton 50; 5.Massa 45; 6.Webber 42; 7.Di Resta 26; 8.Grosjean 26; 9.Rosberg 22; 10.Button 17; 11.Perez 12; 12.Ricciardo 7; 13.Sutil 6; 14.Hulkenberg 5; 15.Vergne 1.

Constructors' championship
1.Red Bull-Renault 131; 2.Ferrari 117; 3.Lotus-Renault 111; 4.Mercedes 72; 5.Force India-Mercedes 32; 6.McLaren-Mercedes 29; 7.Toro Rosso-Ferrari 8; 8.Sauber-Ferrari 5.

Chrysler Group is recalling about 469,000 SUVs worldwide to update software after some vehicles' circuit boards were found to be transmitting signals that trigger inadvertent gearshifts to neutral, the automaker said Saturday.

VW Group has confirmed a German newspaper report that said it will build a factory with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles in Changsa, Hunan province, China.