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DTM champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler Monday received the key of a very special car: a BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition.

In honour of the 2012 DTM champion, BMW M GmbH designed this special edition of the BMW M3 in the matte black livery of the BMW Bank M3 DTM, with which Spengler won the title last year with four victories.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

In total, BMW M GmbH will make only 54 of this exclusive model available to its racing aficionados, which will be sold solely in Germany. Customers can also look forward to a driving lesson with Spengler on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. They will take part in the “BMW M Fascination Nordschleife” training course -- one of the most coveted driver training courses in the BMW Driving Experience.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

“I was presented with my own M3 DTM Champion Edition today. It's a gorgeous car, really nice, especially in that colour,” Spengler told Auto123.com.

“However, I could not keep it as it will be put on display this weekend at the opening round of the new DTM season in the paddock of the Hockenheimring. They'll give it to me after the race weekend. I just love it. It looks stunning and the performance is just breathtaking. I hope it will bring me luck for the new season,” Spengler added.

Photo: BMW Motorsport

Pros and Cons*
Pros
The generous storage capacity and cargo dimensions of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon are its obvious strong points. This sleek Mercedes shares the remarkable fit and finish, hush cabin, ideal driving position and innovative security features that we've come to expect from this brand.

Cons
On the flipside, its nonathletic nature is handicapped by vague steering, hard to modulate brakes and a significant weight problem. What's more, certain not-so-user-friendly controls, an interior noise level that is higher than its sedan siblings and expensive option packages hurt this model even more.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Price
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Wagon starts at $70,400. 18-inch wheels, black roof headliner, electrical tilt and telescopic wheel, and the appearance package are among the standard equipment.

Different option packages are available, such as; driving assist package, for $800, advanced driving assist package for $2,700, the premium package, for $3,800, and a drive-dynamic multicontour driver seat for $900.

Fuel consumption
Fuel economy ratings are 11.2 L/100 km in city driving conditions and 7.3 L/100 km highway driving for this model.

Exterior design
This intermediate family wagon has a refined, conservative, yet distinctly modern design. The quadruple headlights add a dramatic effect to its stylish front end. Its aggressive aerodynamic profile is accentuated by the plunging black AMG roof rails. The straight-bar design DEL daytime running lights are neatly installed underneath the front bumper. It is 27 millimeters longer, 45 millimeters taller and 100 kilograms heavier than its E Class siblings.

Drivetrain
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

Luggage capacity
The rear cargo area offers 695 litres of capacity, which more than doubles, to 1950 litres when the rear seat is lowered.

Security
A total of seven airbags can be found in this model. Furthermore, Mercedes has an impressive list of active and passive safety features, and over 80 different sensors, all working together to protect the occupants.

Comparable models
BMW 5 Series GT, Cadillac CTS Wagon, Lincoln MKT, Volvo XC90

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

*References
Brière Francis, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.424
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.446
www.mercedes-benz.ca

From GMM

Dr Helmut Marko has admitted he is not satisfied with the minor tweak made by Pirelli ahead of next weekend's Spanish grand prix.

So far in 2013, world champions Red Bull have been putting pressure on F1's official supplier to significantly change this season's heavily-degrading tires.

But, after the first four 'flyaway' grands prix, Pirelli has announced that only a minor tweak will be made to the 'hard' compound tire for Barcelona and beyond.

Red Bull's Marko said on Monday: "We want - as soon as possible - a tire that does not limit our potential," he is quoted by DPA news agency.

"It should be that you are able to get the most out of your car," he said at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Austria.

Photo: Pirelli

Marko argues that the current Pirelli tires are penalising the very best cars, like Red Bull's RB9.

"If we use our full potential, we cannot even last a full lap of qualifying. To tell your drivers that they are not allowed to drive some corners properly is not easy," claimed Marko.

A Red Bull team insider told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "If we had a normal tire, Vettel would be half a second quicker than everyone on each track.

"We know it from our simulations," the source added.

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Good seating position, low gas consumption, driveability, comfort, versatility and soundproofing are all pluses for this model.

Cons
The 2013 Nissan Rogue is hampered by its sombre cabin interior, tight back seats narrow and a lack of deft handling. Furthermore, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is somewhat noisy and is the only type offered.


Price
The basic model is the S front-wheel drive version and available from $23,978.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, Bluetooth as well as auxiliary audio jack and iPod interface.

The Special Edition of the S version comes with 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, sunroof and SE (Special Edition) logo. These add-ons cost an extra $1,400.

The all-wheel drive SV version distinguishes itself with 17-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, heated front seats and rearview camera. Asking price is $26,678.

The Premium Edition package can also be added to this model for $1,950. It includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, trailer precabling, foglights, sunroof, fold-down passenger seat and a full size spare tire with alloy rim.

The all-wheel drive Rogue S has a base price of $26,778. Besides AWD, you get roof rails and full size spare here also.

The Special Edition of this model gives you 16-inch aluminum wheels, foglights and the Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start.

The all-wheel drive SV starts at $29,478. Add the Tech package for $1,850 and get 18-inch aluminum wheels, radio communication data system, six speakers, and navigation system with colour touchscreen and XM satellite radio.

The SL is available exclusively with AWD. It is equipped with leather seats plus all the features of the Premium and Tech packages including the 8-speaker Bose audio system, rear and sideview cameras and the Nissan Intelligent Key. The SL will set you back $34,398.

Fuel Economy
Gas consumption ratings for front-wheel drive models were 9 L/100 km and 7 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

AWD models came in at 9.6 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km for city/highway, respectively.

Recent Improvements
The radiator grille was redesigned in 2012.

Exterior Styling
Looking at this crossover, you'll immediately notice its curves and distinctive grille with its relatively bigger, squarish air inlets. The chrome touches are also quite distinctive. Indeed, door handles, roof rails of and side borders highlight the body's overall appearance.

Powertrain
The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque through the CVT transmission, available for front-wheel drives and as an all-wheel drive option.

Cargo Capacity
When all seats are in the normal upright position, cargo space is 818 litres. The SUV's versatility enables the loading surface to be doubled to a cargo volume of 1,640 litres.

Safety
Six airbags are installed in this model. Furthermore, the US government awarded 5 stars to the Nissan Rogue in side collision tests. It boasts more than 50 standard features aimed at preventing or minimizing accidents.

Comparable Models
Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan.

Photo: Nissan

*References
Rufiange Daniel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.492
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.462
www.nissan.ca

The 2013 season of the DTM, the German touring car championship, will kick off this weekend at Hockenheim, Germany. Reigning series' champion, Canadian Bruno Spengler will be contesting the race aboard a BMW M3 carrying the No. 1 plate.

Timo Glock, BMW. (Photo: DTM)

Official entry list
Car number   Driver   Team Car
1 Bruno Spengler  BMW Team Schnitzer  BMW M3 DTM
2 Dirk Werner  BMW Team Schnitzer   BMW M3 DTM
3 Gary Paffett  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
4 Roberto Merhi  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
5 Edoardo Mortara   Audi Sport Team Rosberg   Audi RS 5 DTM
6 Filipe Albuquerque  Audi Sport Team Rosberg   Audi RS 5 DTM
7 Augusto Farfus  BMW Team RBM  BMW M3 DTM
8 Joey Hand  BMW Team RBM  BMW M3 DTM
9 Christian Vietoris  Mercedes AMG DTM   DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
10 Robert Wickens   Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
11 Mattias Ekström   Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline  Audi RS 5 DTM
12 Jamie Green   Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline   Audi RS 5 DTM
15 Martin Tomczyk   BMW Team RMG   BMW M3 DTM
16 Andy Priaulx   BMW Team RMG  BMW M3 DTM
17 Daniel Juncadella  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
18 Pascal Wehrlein  Mercedes AMG DTM  DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
19 Mike Rockenfeller  Audi Sport Team Phoenix  Audi RS 5 DTM
20 Miguel Molina  Audi Sport Team Phoenix  Audi RS 5 DTM
21 Marco Wittmann  BMW Team MTEK   BMW M3 DTM
22 Timo Glock  BMW Team MTEK  BMW M3 DTM
23 Timo Scheider   Audi Sport Team Abt  Audi RS 5 DTM
24 Adrien Tambay   Audi Sport Team Abt   Audi RS 5 DTM

Gary Paffett, Mercedes. (Photo: DTM)

Race calendar
Date   Circuit    Circuit length   Number of laps
May 5  Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg  4,574 km  42 laps
May 19  Brands Hatch  1,929 km  98 laps
June 2  Red Bull Ring Spielberg  4,326 km   47 laps
June 16   Lausitzring   3,478 km  52 laps
July 14  Norisring  2,300 km  83 laps
August 4   Moscow Raceway  2,555 km  74 laps
August 18  Nürburgring   3,629 km   49 laps
September 15  Motorsport Arena Oschersleben   3,696 km   51 laps
September 29   Circuit Park Zandvoort  4,307 km  44 laps
October 20  Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg  4,574 km  42 laps

Timo Scheider, Audi. (Photo: DTM)

The first NASCAR Camping World Truck series' race to be held at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park will be sponsored by Chevrolet Silverado.

It was a christening of sorts. During the first-ever test day for the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, invited media had a first glimpse of the circuit's slick new special events centre, where they were gathered for a presentation.

Ron Fellows (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

"We're here today on behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet to make a very special announcement" said GM Spokesman George Saratlic.

"The first NASCAR World Truck Series race that's coming here to Canadian Tire Motorsports Park on Labour Day weekend will officially be called the Silverado 250."

Canadian racing legend and co-owner of the park, Ron Fellows, said while he was proud of GM's support of the facility and the series, he couldn't confirm whether he would actually be taking part in the race. However he did hint that "if I had done the test (today), it would eliminate that as an option".

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

Instead, performing the test was Turner-Scott Motorsports of North Carolina, with driver Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel.

Piquet described the track as "challenging" and predicted that many of the oval racers, used to long, sweeping turns, would find the tight corners hard to handle.

"The data that is gathered over the next two days, coincidentally in a Chevy truck" said Fellows, "will be shared amongst all the World Truck Series Teams”.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

The information will consist mainly of proper gear ratios and tire requirements for the circuit, ensuring that all competitors have a level playing field.

The Labour Day race at CTMP will be the first time in over a decade that the Camping World Truck Series will compete on a road course.

Photo: Lesley Wimbush

American Conor Daly will drive the Mercedes-powered Sahara Force India VJM06 tomorrow, Wednesday at Duxford aerodrome in Great Britain.

Conor Daly, son of former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, Derek Daly, competes in the GP3 series this season and will also contest the Indy 500 at the end of May.

Daly has had his seat fitting done in the VJM06, and will perform aerodynamic tests on the main runway of the Duxford aerodrome tomorrow. The American takes the place of Jules Bianchi who is now a racing driver for Marussia F1 Team.

Sahara Force India VJM06. (Photo: WRi2)

This weekend in Brazil, KV Racing's veteran, Tony Kanaan will reach the mark of 200 consecutive starts in his IndyCar career despite suffering torn ligaments in his right hand in a crash during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

His boss and former CART/Champ Car ace, Jimmy Vasser holds the record with 211 consecutive starts, which Kanaan will break fittingly Labor Day weekend at Baltimore, barring injury/illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Kanaan's streak dates back to June 24, 2001 (Portland).

Al Unser Jr. is third overall with 192 from 1983 to 1995 while Michael Andretti (1983-92 / 1994-2002) and Emerson Fittipaldi (1984-95) are tied at 164 consecutive starts for fourth.

Among the still active drivers, Ganassi's Scott Dixon has 141 consecutive starts and Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti has 117.

Tony Kanaan and Jimmy Vasser. (Photo: LAT/IndyCar)

From GMM

Daniel Ricciardo has moved into pole position to succeed his Australian compatriot Mark Webber at Red Bull next year.

Particularly in the wake of the 'Multi-21' affair and subsequent rumours that Webber could sign for Porsche's Le Mans effort, the signs that Sebastian Vettel will have a new teammate in 2014 have been growing.

The early favourite was Kimi Raikkonen, but Red Bull's driver manager Dr Helmut Marko insists he is in "no hurry" to make a decision.

"Many drivers want to drive for Red Bull, and we have two very good juniors. I'm not worried that we will have something other than two top drivers in the end," he is quoted by APA news agency at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Spielberg, Austria on Monday.

The 'two very good juniors' referred to by Marko are Toro Rosso duo Ricciardo, 23, and the similarly-aged Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne.

"In general we are happy with both drivers," Marko said. "Ricciardo is currently the better one. Vergne is too impetuous, asking too much of these sensitive tires in qualifying."

Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso STR8. (Photo: WRi2)

Like team owner Dietrich Mateschitz, Marko does not completely rule out re-signing Webber for 2014.

He denied the 36-year-old's relationship with Vettel is now untenable, insisting there is tension but only because both drivers are "alpha dogs".

"They work constructively together, and that's enough," said Marko. "As long as it stays that way, we don't have to worry. They've never been great friends, but they have a working relationship that still works."

In the meantime, Ricciardo has vowed to try to influence Marko's decision, which will be made around summertime.

"Well," the Australian told Speed Week, "the seventh (place) in Shanghai definitely didn't hurt me. But I know that I need to do more if I want to have a good chance of getting the place at Red Bull. I have to show that it wasn't just a flash in the pan."

He admitted the stakes, and the pressure, are high.

"I see it as an incentive, not a burden," said the Perth-born driver. "My goal is to get the promotion, and I know that a lot is expected of me. It's up to me to get the results."

McLaren Formula 1 driver and 2009 F1 World Champion, Jenson Button drove Monday a totally unspectacular car: a Lada!

Button, used to the 750 horsepower of the Mercedes-powered McLaren took the Russian Lada for a few runs at the Driving Camp in Zsambek in Hungary as part of a promotional event for McLaren sponsor Vodafone.



The original Lada was intended as a "people's car" for consumers of the Eastern Bloc - lacking in most luxuries expected in Western-made cars of its era.

Originally based on the Fiat 124, and dated from the early 1970s, the VAZ-2101 is powered by a carburetor-fed, 1.3-litre four cylinder engine that produces just 63 horsepower.

"I love old cars, but I think the scariest moment in my life is just about to arrive!" said Button before the event.

Button was reported to have a great fun driving the Lada.

"I feel sorry for the people who own these cars, because we didn't look after them very much," Button joked. "I don't know if it's normal, but there's a lot of flashing failure lights on the dashboard...

"It was good fun. The handbrake works really well. That's the most important thing in an old car, and it is amazing."

From GMM

Nico Hulkenberg has admitted Sauber is struggling on the aerodynamic front so far in 2013.

Off the back of the Swiss team's strong form last year, German Hulkenberg switched from Force India.

But it is Silverstone based Force India that is performing more impressively so far this year, causing some to wonder if Hulkenberg is regretting his move.

"No," the 25-year-old told the Swiss website 20 Minuten. "There have been only four races. Definitely we are not satisfied, and neither am I, but the season is long -- you can't write it off. There is still potential in the car, and when we find the right parts, we can turn the season around."

Nico Hulkenberg. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Nico Hulkenberg said the main issue with the Ferrari-powered C32 is the aerodynamics.

"The flow is not exactly the same as the engineers expected," he revealed.

There has been speculation the situation was worsened by Pirelli's 60 per cent scale wind tunnel tires.

"Generally, some teams might have a problem because the (wind tunnel) tires are not exactly as they are in the races, so there could be a discrepancy," said Hulkenberg.

On the bright side, Hulkenberg has so far utterly dominated his struggling rookie teammate Esteban Gutierrez.

"Currently in qualifying it is 4-0," said the German, "which is something I keep my eye on. But Esteban is a rookie, and everything is as new to him as it was for me in 2010. He is often quite quick on a lap, so he's still gathering his experience and will surely get better."

Hulkenberg said he is not getting frustrated, even though he is the same age as Sebastian Vettel, who is the reigning triple world champion.

"Sometimes you just have to be patient," he told Brazil's Totalrace. "There are many others who also had to wait for their time to come. I'm comfortable where I am now."

From GMM

Flavio Briatore has played down the prospect of a return to formula one.

The flamboyant Italian left the sport amid disgrace and the 'crashgate' scandal, but in the wake of his lifted ban he has been linked several times with a return.

But Briatore, 63, told the British magazine F1 Racing: "I know everything that's going on and I know to have a team at this moment makes no sense financially. So, there is no reason for me to come back to F1.

"Now I have a son, three years old, I'm working 20 hours a day for different businesses, different investments, different situations, both here and over in America; I'm very happy," he added.

Fernando Alonso and Flavio Briatore, world champion 2005 and 2006 with Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

The five companies that form the McLaren Group are located under one roof at the stunning McLaren Technology Centre, located on a 50-hectare piece of land situated approximately three kilometres north of Woking, Surrey in Great Britain.

Group photo of the Processia guests at the MTC, with the Auto123.com representative third from the left.

Auto123.com was the only North-American media invited by Canadian company Processia Solutions -- new technical partner with the McLaren Formula 1 team -- to visit the McLaren Technology Centre.

The building is stupendous. A height limitation was given for the building -- 11 metres above ground level -- and so the low-built building was sunk into the landscape. The main floor is above the ground and there are two underground levels, serviced by an impressive number of huge elevators capable of lodging a complete F1 car.

The building is very bright, essentially made from aluminum and glass, and the walls are painted off-white. The amount of glass found inside is simply breathtaking. In certain places, it is possible to see through the entire building.

The floors are almost entirely covered with perfectly aligned tiles, and there's just a hint of carpet in certain administrative areas.

There is a strict dress code in effect: dark Hugo Boss t-shirts for the workers (with their surname embroided on the front pocket), and shirt-tie-jacket for the executives, engineers and administrative staff.

The bean-shaped building is split in two by a long corridor that runs from one end to the other, called the Boulevard. Along this alley are aligned some of the most successful McLaren race cars and road vehicles. At the other end are located the numerous and huge cabinets storing the trophies won by the team along the years.

This glass and aluminum structure creates a very peaceful working environment.

All Formula 1 factories basically house the same departments: R&D, a wind tunnel (or sometimes two), design offices, administrative offices, machine shop, composite departments with a certain number of autoclaves, quality control, 7-post rig, storage, race bays for assembling the cars, and more.

McLaren has all this. However, every little detail counts in the McLaren Technology Centre. Everything is outstandingly immaculate, more than any other factories I visited in the past.

Attention given to details is crucial. The off-white paint is used everywhere, from the floor tiles to the working surfaces, from the tool cabinets to the numeric tooling machines, and from the autoclaves to the vein of the wind tunnel!

Photo: McLaren Group

Continue reading An exclusive tour of the McLaren Technology Centre

It seems hardly a month goes by when there isn't one new form or another of the new Audi A3 being announced. Glenn Brooks, who attended the UK launch of the Sportback, looks at what's ahead for the local importer's best selling model.

Mercedes-Benz USA appointed a new general manager of the Smart brand and is transferring the head of the company-owned Mercedes-Benz Manhattan dealership in New York to a corporate position in Montvale, N.J.

Aston Martin drove the first lapand#8212;of many, we assumeand#8212;of its hydrogen-fueled racecar at the 13-mile Nürburgring circuit in Germany on Saturday. Aston CEO Dr.

President Barack Obama said Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Anthony Foxx will press ahead as transportation secretary with the administration's goals to rebuild and expand the nation's infrastructure.

"Everyone else was doing it," and "I had to go to the bathroom" extend beyond excuses used in a kindergarten classroom -- they actually top the most common excuses drivers use to get out of a ticket.

Successful car auctions are hardly surprising these days; it seems like there's a mad rush to throw money at every halfway desirable bit of steel, aluminum or fiberglass and not even a still-precarious global economy can cool buyers down.

Motorsports editor Mike Larson goes over this weekend's racing news and results.