Auto News 5

Price Range: $41,400 and up

Description: The 1 Series might be the smallest BMW-branded vehicle sold in Canada by the German marquee, but its living proof that big-time driving pleasure can come in small packages -- especially with the roof down.

The highly sporty, two-door drop-top sets itself apart with a bright, alert and dynamic fascia, a compact and athletic stance and numerous high-end touches like side-marker lamps, a chrome grille treatment and LED-ring headlamp accents.

All models are two-door, four-seat machines that are engineered to be lightweight and highly entertaining to drive, thanks in no small part to a 50/50 weight distribution between the axles.

The fully motorized top can be dismissed in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button, and when it's up, extensive sound insulation and aerodynamic efforts keep offensive wind noise to a minimum.

Photo: BMW

Drivetrain: All 2013 BMW 1 Series models are rear-wheel drive and powered by a 6-cylinder engine. The first of these is a 3.0L naturally aspirated unit with variable valve timing tuned to make 230 efficient horsepower. A turbocharged straight-6 engine is also available, and generates 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

Consider it if: a blend of luxury, fuel efficiency and performance are top priorities in your next convertible. The 2013 BMW 1-Series is capable of generating some impressive figures in terms of both performance and fuel consumption. As a four-seater, it's also ready for a pair of kids in the back, as needed. As a premium model, safety and sophistication are both top-notch.

Skip it if: you're on a tight budget, as the $41,400 asking price for a basic 2013 BMW 1 Series model is lofty compared to numerous other performance coupes. Though most drivers will find the 1 Series adequately sized, some will wish for more interior space.

Other Notes: Features? You got it. The 2013 BMW 1 Series offers:
- Adaptive headlamps;
- Navigation;
- Bluetooth;
- Premium audio, and plenty more.

Push-button start, Google integration and automatic climate control are all on board, as are USB audio integration and the BMW assist service.

Photo: BMW

Don't Miss: the iDrive console. Once drivers go through a moderate learning curve, this innovative system allows manipulation of hundreds of vehicle functions via a few millimeters of fingertip movement thought a central dial. Many functions, including navigation destination entry, can be manipulated by voice command via a small button on the steering wheel.

Various interior colour schemes are available to fine-tune the 2013 BMW 1 Series to the owner's taste for either a sporty or luxurious atmosphere.

Making it easy for drivers to stay connected while on the move, the BMW 1 Series also offers special BMW apps that connect with the driver's smartphone. From the central command screen and iDrive console, drivers can access Twitter, Facebook, internet radio programs, newsfeeds, and more.

From GMM

In the wake of the 'Multi-21' team orders debacle, an important question has emerged at Red Bull -- who is really in charge?

On the one side is team boss Christian Horner, who co-owns a GP3 team with Australian Webber, and who called Sebastian Vettel "silly" in Malaysia for refusing to follow the famous order.

But not only have the sort of team orders that should have delivered victory to Webber now been scrapped by Red Bull, it seems the Australian driver's very future at the team could soon end.

Mark Webber and Helmut Marko. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Some suspect the increasingly strong influence of Dr Helmut Marko, the Vettel-aligned, right-hand man of Austrian countryman and team owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

Horner found the need this week to insist that Marko actually has "no operational responsibility or input" into how the team is run, and is just "an advisor".

But Spain's El Confidential claims that, mere weeks ago, Marko gave a very different account of his role at Red Bull.

"I am a director of Red Bull Racing alongside Christian and Mateschitz," he is quoted as saying.

"Whatever happens in the team comes to me and, if necessary, I take it up to the owner (Mateschitz), so I take the final decision."

Highlights*
The 2013 Mitsubishi RVR is nicely equipped (even in base trim) and backed by one of the industry's best warranties. It also offers good visibility and pleasant handling.

Lowlights*
A single engine is available, and the optional CVT proves noisy. The lack of sound-deadening materials throughout the vehicle doesn't help. What's more, some of the technology feels a bit dated.

Pricing
The 2013 Mitsubishi RVR comes in four trim levels: ES 2WD, SE 2WD, SE 4WD, and GT 4WD. Buyers can specify a 10th Anniversary Package, as well. Pricing ranges from $19,998 to $28,998.

Photo: Mitsubishi

Fuel consumption
In 2WD configuration, this small crossover achieves 8.6L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway with the standard manual transmission or 8.1L/100km in the city and 6.1L/100km on the highway with the CVT. Meanwhile, 4WD models (which all use the CVT) are not much thirstier, as evidenced by their ratings of 8.6L and 6.7L/100km, respectively.

Styling
The 2013 Mitsubishi RVR shares its compact platform with the Lancer and Outlander. An aggressive front fascia and sharp body creases give the vehicle a bold, sporty look.

Cargo capacity
With the rear seats up, you can load 614 litres of cargo; fold them down, and you wind up with 1,402 litres of room. The fact of the matter is that cargo capacity is not what makes the RVR stand out from the competition.

Powertrain
As mentioned earlier, the 2013 Mitsubishi RVR makes do with a single engine option: a 2.0L 4-cylinder unit that produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission has five gears only, and the available CVT includes paddle shifters in top-of-the-line GT 4WD trim. By the way, Mitsubishi's 4WD system is called “All-Wheel Control” (AWC).

Safety
RVR occupants benefit from seven standard airbags, active stability and traction control, along with ABS and brake assist. A tire pressure monitoring system is included in every model, and buyers can add a rearview camera.

Photo: Mitsubishi

Warranty
The 2013 Mitsubishi RVR comes with a 5-year/100,000-km comprehensive limited warranty, a 10-year/160,000-km powertrain warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance.

Competitors
Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4


*Based on expert reviews.
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.442
Laguë Philippe, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montreal Transcontinental, 2012, p.462
www.mitsubishi-motors.ca

Organisers of the Japan Super GT series have decided to cancel the exhibition race scheduled for later this month at the Korean International Circuit in South Korea.

Italiaracing.net writes Friday that the race, planned for May 18 and 19 has been cancelled, although the news has yet to be officialised.

Rumours suggest that the event was cancelled because of the high costs of shipping the cars and equipment from Japan to South Korea, and mostly because of the high political tension created by North Korea.

The Super GT series was to be the first major international racing event to be held in South Korea this year at Yeongam. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is scheduled for October 4 to 6 later this year.

Photo: Japan Super GT Series

Price Range: $24,495 to $47,245-plus

Description: Designed to blend old-school styling and muscle with modern-day flare and technology, the Dodge Challenger lineup hits the 2013 model year with numerous updates and enhancements. A number of special packages and models add to selection with the Challenger, as do numerous powertrain options.

With seating for five, numerous awards from industry authorities for owner satisfaction and over 45 standard safety features, the 2013 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle car that family-minded driving enthusiasts can confidently consider for purchase.

All Challenger models are two-door coupes with rear-wheel drive.

Drivetrain: Look for 6- or 8-cylinder power under the hood of your new Challenger, depending on the model in question.

The 6-cylinder unit is a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with a cold-air induction system and dual exhausts on most models for up to 305 track-ready horsepower at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Thanks to its all-aluminum construction, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine provides the 2013 Dodge Challenger with a 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved balance and handling making it more entertaining to drive. A 5-speed AutoStick transmission with available paddle-shift is included.

Photo: Dodge

V8-powered models feature the legendary 5.7L HEMI V8, tuned to generate up to 375 horsepower and even more torque. A Tremec 6-speed manual transmission is available, as is an automatic with paddle-shift. When equipped with the automatic, the HEMI uses cylinder-deactivation technology to help save fuel, too.

Top-line 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 models get a 6.4L HEMI V8 with 470 horsepower, backed up by track-validated chassis and brake modifications, and various supporting upgrades.

Consider it if: you're after a family-ready muscle car that's surprisingly easy to live with and packed full of cutting-edge technology features. The rear seats in the 2013 Dodge Challenger are surprisingly spacious, and the front seats can accommodate even larger adults. The 6-cylinder engine is potent and fuel-efficient, and the HEMI V8 turns in decent mileage and very potent power output -- alongside an unmistakable soundtrack.

Skip it if: the poor rearward visibility makes your life too complicated. For that reason, as well as its large turning radius, the 2013 Dodge Challenger is really not the easiest car to park. Moreover, the manual gearbox isn't available with the V6.

Other Notes: The 2013 Dodge Challenger has a generous trunk, and is available with navigation, Bluetooth with media streaming, voice-command, a Boston Acoustics stereo system upgrade, and push-button start. Automatic climate control, automatic xenon lights, and heated seats are all on board, as well.

Photo: Dodge

Don't Miss: The SRT8. This 2013 Challenger model embodies the highest expression of Challenger performance and has a recalibrated suspension system that delivers world-class handling dynamics. Brembo brakes at each corner ensure stopping power matches the frightening thrust from its punched-out V8 engine. A performance computer and numerous visual cues are applied, too.

An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power in the 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Owners can expect 0-60 in the high 4-second range, alongside quarter-mile passes in the high 12-second range.

Sebastien Loeb (Citroën), who only competes in selected rounds of the WRC this season, says no one will prevent Sebastien Ogier (Volkswagen) to clinch championship at the end of the year.

As the nine-time World Rally Champion captured victory in the opening round of the season atMonte Carlo, Ogier offered Volkswagen its first WRC win at the second round of the season, in Sweden.

Then, as Loeb withdrew from WRC to compete in FIA GT Series with his own racing team, Ogier took two consecutive wins in Mexico and Portugal.

Sebastien Loeb (Citroën) and Sebastien Ogier (Volkswagen), in Argentina. (Photo: WRC)

Loeb, who is making a one-shot return in Argentina this weekend, reckons that nobody was in position to beat his fellow countryman this season.

"He seems very comfortable in his car, which is well born," said Loeb. "It makes a good package. We knew he was very quick and so there is no real surprise. According to me, he is at the level where we thought he could be. I don't think anyone can beat him."

"On paper, it looks like he will win the title very soon, but it's never finished before it is and we have also experienced seasons where fate and luck were going up and down," Loeb added. "As far as I know from the team, the Polos have encountered a lot of technical problems, so they might have some too."

At the end of day 1, Sebastien Ogier leads Rally Argentina, 16.7 seconds ahead of Sebastien Loeb.

General Motors is the first automaker among 40 major U.S. companies, including IKEA, L'Oréal, Symantec, Unilever, and Adidas, to sign a “Climate Declaration.” They are calling for policymakers to address climate change by promoting clean energy, boosting efficiency, and limiting carbon emissions.

“We want to be a change agent in the auto industry,” said Mike Robinson, vice president of Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs at GM. “As our world faces issues like congestion and climate change, we are at the forefront in transforming the way we move, from building more efficient vehicles to partnering with car-sharing startup Relay Rides.”

GM is striving to reduce its environmental footprint and achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption by 2020.

From GMM

Ross Brawn has warned Mercedes against making more big changes to the team that could result in a performance dip.

It was believed McLaren's 'gardening leave' technical director Paddy Lowe was set to replace Brawn as the Brackley based team's boss in 2014.

And, following the recent departure of Norbert Haug and the arrival at Mercedes of new shareholders Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff, it has been rumoured that further staff changes at the team's UK headquarters could now follow.

Photo: WRi2

Brawn, however, warned that more upheaval could actually hurt the team.

"You must always look to improve ... without damaging what you have, which is very easy to do. It's a very delicate evolution," he is quoted by Sporting Life.

Back-to-back 2013 pole sitter Mercedes has produced a better car this year than its predecessor, off the back of major changes to the engineering lineup 12 months ago.

But Brawn warned that more changes now could actually result in a step backwards.

"Changes were made back then which were painful at the time, and were part of the reason why we had a poor second half to last season," he said.

"We have now a very motivated group of people, and we're starting to put the things in place they need. You can always look to add to it and tune it to improve, but you mustn't damage what you already have," he added.

Photo: WRi2

Like most teams, Mercedes will unveil a package of improvements next weekend in Barcelona, the first European race of 2013 following the initial 'flyaway' period.

Ross Brawn said no one should expect the changes to result in immediate wins.

"We've two drivers who have taken the equipment and done what they have (pole position) on the last two Saturdays," he is quoted by the Sun newspaper. "But I don't think we have the equipment yet to be the strongest in the race."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently published a study that claims drivers who bring their pets along -- and fail to properly restrain them -- are more likely to end up in a crash. In the case of seniors (70 and older), the risk is double.

“This is the first study to evaluate the presence of pets in a vehicle as a potential internal distraction for elderly drivers,” said Gerald McGwin, Ph.D., a professor in the Departments of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Surgery and senior author of the study.

However, more than the fact that their pets can move around the interior and even find their way on the gear shifter or under the pedals, drivers are apparently distracted by their mere presence in the car.

While 83% of the participants in the study agreed it was unsafe to allow pets to travel in a vehicle unrestrained, only 16% attempted to use any type of pet safety restraint.

Hawaii is currently the only U.S. state that specifically restricts drivers from having a pet in their lap. Arizona, Connecticut and Maine have broader laws against driving distractions that could be applicable to pets in a vehicle.

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Renault is once again using the speed dating theme to promote its new Clio.

Following a successful first ad, we now see participants at a chic hotel in Spa-Francorchamps (near the famous GP course), but as it turns out, none of the guys were prepared for a girl named Caroline's interpretation of ''speed dating.''

This professional driver makes a lasting impression on her co-drivers as she tears up the track in the Clio.

The next-generation 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S will arrive at Canadian dealers in December with a starting MSRP of $169,200 and $206,600, respectively.

Burning up to 16% less fuel than their predecessors, both cars are rated at 9.7L/100km according to the NEDC standards. The turbocharged 3.8L six-cylinder engine with direct injection produces 520 horsepower in the new 911 Turbo, and 560 horsepower in the S model. Power is transferred to the drivetrain via a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (PDK).

The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, which is just one tenth slower than the 911 Turbo S. The car's top speed is 318 km/h.

Upgrades for 2014 include a new all-wheel drive system (PTM) with electronically controlled and activated multi-plate coupling, an active aerodynamic system, full LED headlights, and rear axle steering.

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

The first European Formula 1 race of the 2013 season will be held May 10-12 at Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, and like most other teams Sauber will bring a series of updates.

Both Sauber drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez agree that, since winter testing in February and March, many things have changed. During the first four races, the C32 has been updated. For the fifth round of the FIA Formula One World Championship the team will bring further aero updates and a modified rear wing to the race.

Esteban Gutiérrez. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

“Although Barcelona is a track we know well from winter testing, the higher temperatures do change how the tires perform, so we have to adapt to that,” said Tom McCullough, Head of Track Engineering at Sauber.

“The first two sectors are biased towards higher speed corners, whereas the third sector is dominated by a technical sequence of lower speed corners, hence the set-up is always a compromise. The option tire will be the medium compound and for the prime Pirelli are re-introducing the 2012 hard compound for this event. We have some further aero updates, including a modified rear wing, and we will be evaluating these during Friday practice. Qualifying is particularly important here as overtaking can be difficult in the race. Our target for the race is to finish with both cars in the points,” the engineer added.

Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Electric car maker CODA has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The small company sold fewer than 100 units of its namesake model (mostly in California) since it came to market last year.

A high price ($37,250 US), bland styling, and a recall to replace faulty seat belts and airbags doomed the Coda in spite of promising a range of 200 kilometres -- more than the Nissan LEAF.

This is another blow to the electric car market following the major setbacks at Fisker Automotive. Only Tesla Motors seems to be enjoying good momentum thanks to the Model S.

Source: LaPresse

BMW Motorsport press release

BMW Motorsport invited reigning DTM champion, Bruno Spengler and the 1989 champ,Roberto Ravaglia to a very special "Generation Game".

Both drivers brought with them the cars with which they won their DTM titles. Spengler triumphed last season with the current BMW M3 DTM, while Ravaglia was crowned DTM Champion at the wheel of the BMW M3 in 1989.

Photo BMW Motorsport

However, it was all change in Hockenheim. Ravaglia climbed into the driver's seat of the BMW M3 DTM, which was adorned with the livery of the 1989 BMW M3. Spengler, meanwhile, drove the historic BMW M3 with the Frozen Black design of his BMW Bank M3 DTM. And so, after a few warm-up laps, the duo began its unique race.

Spengler was given a head start of one second per year between the two DTM titles, amounting to a 23-second lead over Ravaglia in the new car. The race ended with Ravaglia overtaking Spengler in the Sachs corner. Just as he did in his last DTM outing in Hockenheim in 1992, the Italian crossed the finish line first.

Robert Ravaglia and Bruno Spengler. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Speaking afterwards, the two champions embraced the role reversal. “The first time I saw the 1989 BMW M3 in my design, with my name and the start number 1, it was an amazing feeling. Because the BMW M3 from back then is so light, it is almost like driving a go-kart. I had great fun - until Roberto passed me in the Sachs corner,” said Spengler with a grin.

Hourly workers at a Flex-N-Gate plant in Arlington, Texas, voted to join the UAW on Wednesday. Of the 73 employees eligible to vote, 51 voted in favor of union representation and 22 opposed, the National Labor Relations Board said today.

General Motors has agreed to buy the original Durant-Dort Carriage Company factory in Flint, Mich., a site GM North America President Mark Reuss calls "the birthplace of GM."

On Thursday, the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 was announced, and if you are one to get excited about pace cars, it's time to get excited.

Honda plans to build a $470 million factory in Celaya, Mexico, to assemble continuously variable transmissions.

Driven by a domestic-brand sales surge, AutoNation, the nation's largest dealership group, reported a 10 percent gain in new-vehicle sales in April.

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab

The Raptor doesn't flinch when bounding down dirt roads at 60 mph.

It was tempting to go off-road into the median on M-14 this morning, as snow squalls turned the highway into a parking lot. Though this is a stiffly sprung truck, it was actually fairly comfortable on my 2-hour commutes during rush hour. Roads were so slick that it was easy to slide the Raptor around a bit, and I did so as I drove into our office park.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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